Are you still using Windows XP? If so, you better note that Microsoft is ending its support for Windows XP on April 8, 2014.
Well what does that mean for the oogles of XP installs that you have scattered across your organization? That means:
- No more security fixes!
- No more patches!
Hmm…. that ain’t good because security features on XP are already pretty poor.
Data Risks
If you decide not to upgrade but continue to use XP, that may put your organization at risk of data breaches. Is your organization subject to any of the data privacy laws such as HIPPA, SOX, GLBA and such? If so, you could be setting yourself up for lawsuits if you have a data breach as a result of “XPing while driving”. There are technology lawyers waiting to bite into the XP end-of-life apple of lawsuits.
Engaging your End Users about Change
Ok so now you already know that you need to dump your Windows XP before its end-of-life ceremony starts. But what does that mean for the every day IT technician. That means you have to engage your users and staff that use XP and convince them that they need to upgrade, like to Windows 7 or Windows 8. I can already hear the screaming…. “what if the upgraded operating system doesn’t work with my applications? I won’t be able to do my job!”
As such, you need to take a deep breath, and let them know that there are offsetting risks to the organization to staying with Windows XP that could outweigh their inconveniences, and that you will need to find work-arounds with the upgraded operating system so that the end users can do their work. It may mean that you have to find another software vendor of that vendor is not compatible with Windows 7 or Windows 8. Or at minimum start putting the pressure on your software vendors to get their act together as the XP cliff is coming soon.
IT Help Desk
The earlier you move the steering wheel, the is easier to veer away from driving over a cliff. IT help desk staff need to take this to heart and begin the sales campaign of implementing change. Be smart and lay the groundwork now. April 8, 2014 (Windows XP EOL is soon approaching).
Other upcoming cliff dates to consider
Windows Vista End of Life - April 11, 2017
Windows 7 End of Life – January 14, 2020
Wash, Rinse and Repeat…..
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JumpPuppy is a cloud-based IT help desk for IT professionals and MSPs.
http://www.jumppuppy.com