We expect the computers we use to “just work.” We trust them to do so, otherwise we wouldn’t rely on them so heavily, especially for business. We find trustworthy software like Office and Quickbooks, and run it on reliable operating systems like Windows. And in the cases where they don’t work, we expect them to be fixable.
But what happens when our technology is so dated that when it doesn’t work correctly, it’s not fixable? What happens when our entire company, or personal data, connected with it is no longer usable or accessible? What about when you can no longer utilize an up-to-date antivirus on your computer so it’s left unprotected? As IT Partners to businesses like yours, these are things we don’t want happening to you.
But this could become a reality for you if you don’t take the right steps to prepare for the pending support drop.
Windows 7 End of Life
Although a few of you have started the process with us to update your systems from the editions becoming obsolete, many of our clients have not taken the next step with us and are therefore using technology that will lose Microsoft support in a few months.* This upcoming occurrence is also called “Windows 7 End of Life.” And as bleak or morbid as that might sound, it is a common term. And yes, it is serious.
You only have a few more months to make this update. In the tech world, that’s not much time. So right now we are imploring our customers MORE AND MORE to work with us to do a complete tech assessment and plan for what needs to be updated and migrated. This kind of update cycle only happens about every 10 years. There’s no reason to lose your software or data when you can prepare the systems you have in place now for the next decade!
If you do choose to wait it out, this is what you’re looking at. Hear our President Matt Perkins explain it in this video.
Without the update, your computer will be kind of like an image. It won’t change. Whatever set-up you have will remain exactly that. It can never be updated or fixed. This equates to potential security risks and loss of data.
Change To All Windows 7 Editions
And another note… this change doesn’t just affect Windows 7, but all of these editions:
- Windows 7 – All editions (Home, Professional, Media Center, Tablet)
- Office 2010 – All editions
- Windows Server 2008R2 – All editions
- Exchange Server 2007, 2010 – All editions
- Small Business Server 2008, 2011 – All editions
So you and your business will probably land somewhere between the following scenarios:
- You may only need a few software upgrades to the computers at your business.
- Or it’s possible you need a more extreme approach to protect all your company’s assets because of the size or needs of your organization.
- It’s also possible your hardware is old enough that it won’t work so well with the new software. So that may mean deciding on some new equipment. We don’t expect a majority of you will be in this scenario. But it’s a possibility for some. But don’t worry! We actually also have a connection to wholesale equipment where we can offer you a choice in several affordable price options!
No matter your needs, we’re prepared to work with you to proactively plan for the Microsoft End of Support and for successful IT at your business for the coming years. We can fully manage this process at a pace that works for you as long as you get in touch with us quickly! Ready to take the next step or have a conversation with us to get your questions answered? Send us your info through this form.
