After 12 long years, Microsoft stopped all support for Windows XP across the globe, including in New Zealand. The decision came about as they refocus the resources towards supporting more recent technologies.
It is estimated that there are still millions of people and thousands of organisations are still using the Windows XP operating system. However, what those that are still using it don’t know, is that they are putting themselves in serious danger running the outdated software. Here are a few risks you will be putting your organisation up against if you continue to run Windows XP.
Vulnerability
After Microsoft ends support of Windows XP, it will no longer provide software updates for the operating system (OS). Of greatest concern are the security fixes that protect against malware such as viruses and worms. Without security updates, Windows XP will become increasingly vulnerable. Cybercriminals may step up their attacks after the Windows XP end of life.
Reliability
And it’s not just the lack of security patches that causes IT to lose sleep. Operating system updates also improve reliability and keep hardware running properly. But after April 2014, those protections are gone, along with per-incident support services and hotfix agreement support. Windows XP might seem stable today, but in just over a year that stability might be little more than a memory.
Lagging behind technology
Windows XP was developed to run on hardware manufactured a dozen years ago and to interact with technologies from that same era. Software and hardware are now much faster and more efficient, but Windows XP can’t take complete advantage of them.
Rising operating costs
In a recent industry report, running Windows XP can cost five times more to manage than running Windows 7. But the report makes another valid point – Windows XP usually runs on older machines, and the combination of aging hardware and a 12-year-old OS can increase the need for support resources and contribute to downtime and lost productivity.
Even if the differences are not so extreme in your organization, the costs associated with supporting older systems cannot be ignored – more time will needed to protect those systems, keep them running and integrate newer technologies.
We Want to Hear From You
If you are still running Windows XP then send us an email at info@resultit.co.nz and let us how you’re coping.
Does your organisation need help migrating from Windows XP?
Feel free to call us today on (09) 526-1800 or send us an email at info@resultit.co.nz and we can discuss the matter personally.
