Many of you have likely heard at this point that Microsoft is ending support for the XP platform and for Office 2003 starting tomorrow April 8th.
What does this mean for you? Basically it means that the software will still work, but Microsoft will no longer be sending out important security updates and bug fixes. Without these updates, hackers and viruses will be able to find ways to steal and infect your information and network more easily, and your business is vulnerable to attack.
Many government and financial institutions use XP on a very large scale and for those customers Microsoft is allowing a purchased extension of support. “The U.K. paid 5.548 million pounds to Microsoft for an additional year of support to maintain critical and important security updates for Windows XP, Office 2003, and Exchange 2003.” Unfortunately, for the everyday consumer and small businesses, this extension is not an option at the moment.
Unless Microsoft decides to extend their support for consumers, many small businesses will need to purchases new PCs for their organization so that they are able to run Windows 7 or the latest Windows 8.1. If your organization needs help moving to the latest Microsoft Operating System or you are in need of new or refurbished PCs give Loop1 a call today at 512-765-9000.