Preparing Your Business for Windows 7 End-Of-Life
August 21st, 2019 by admin
Windows 7 is coming to an end, so what does that mean for businesses still running on the platform? It may mean complex migrating, tons of time and resources that will be spent on training, configuring, and an added expense to install the new system. Well, if you think any of that will occur, then you are wrong. Moving your business to the latest Windows platform from Windows 7 is probably the easiest migration your business will go through if you take the proper steps.
The end of life dates for Windows 7 has been announced to be on January 14, 2020. Windows 7 users will no longer be receiving support or updates for their systems, leaving your computers vulnerable to threats and attacks. It has been reported that 39% of individuals and businesses are currently still using the system. Many SMBs may struggle to move over to Windows 10 due to costs, lack of resources, or just not having the right plan in place to reduce downtime that may be caused by the migration. And for those insisting on keeping your Windows 7 operating systems a little while longer, here are a few ways to prepare yourself for the end of life as well as how Team ATS can help those who are facing challenges with moving, make the move smooth and affordable.
What you should know:
- Mainstream updates already ended back in January 2015, so as you may have noticed, there have been no new updates or features added since then. Right now, Microsoft is only offering extended support until the end of life date on January 14, 2020. The extended support includes updating patches and fixing any bugs.
- Continuing use of Windows 7 after January 14, 2020, will be dangerous and can potentially put you at incredibly high risk for new viruses, breaches, and other security problem. Running a business with this level of vulnerability can be detrimental. So, while the operating system will continue to work, it will become critical to upgrade your system as soon as possible once the end of life date approaches, whether it be with Windows or another operating system.
- Suggested operating systems:
- Linux
- Windows 10
- MacOS
- Suggested operating systems:
- It is critical that if you're are still using Windows 7 now and especially after the end of life date is to back up your systems. All your data, files, and software need to be updated much more frequently. If you are planning on switching operating systems, then this is a step that must be taken regardless.
Safe ways to back up your data:
External Hard Drives
- In the cloud through cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive.
While Microsoft will offer extended security for those wishing to stay on Windows 7, it is at the costly rate of $50 per device, which increase by double each year. For businesses operating Windows 7, this can become a significant expense.
For small and mid-sized businesses this can be a cause for concern, but Team ATS wants to alleviate the burden by assisting in getting your business, and all of your data migrated over to a new operating system safely and with little to no downtime to your business. We offer specialized rates just for SMBs with 24/7 support before, during, and after the migrating. Need help retraining your staff on the new system? We can help with that too! We will provide offsite virtual training as well as in-person training to current and new staff that need it. At Team ATS, our job is to keep your business going through innovation and support. Contact us today for more information on Windows 7 End-of-Life and how we can help you.
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