Computer Experts Blog

Windows XP has been the preferred operating system for small businesses around the country for several years. While there have been other versions of Windows released, businesses have not upgraded as quickly as Microsoft may have liked. Outsourced IT companies are encouraging small business owners to understand the ramifications of not upgrading to a newer version of Windows.

End of Support

Microsoft will no longer support Windows XP after April 8, 2014. While this may seem like a far-off date, it can take many months for companies to upgrade all of their machines to a new operating system. Keep this in mind as you inch closer to this important April 2014 date. An outsourced IT company can help you determine the best way to upgrade your machines with the least amount of issues for you and your company.

Security Issues

When a company stops supporting an operating system or software package it opens up the opportunity for hackers to target these systems because of the outdated software. After April of 2014, Microsoft will no longer offer patches and security updates, which means that your company could be vulnerable to all sorts of online attacks.

Software Compatibility

If you and your company decide to continue to use Windows XP after Microsoft no longer supports the platform, you may run into software compatibility issues with other products that you use in your business. Software companies will follow Microsoft’s lead and stop offering Windows XP versions of their software soon after Microsoft ends support for Windows XP. You may miss out on important features of your favorite software packages because of the fact that you will not be upgrading to a newer version of Windows.

Whatever you do in terms of an operating system it is important to consult an outsourced IT company to determine the best options for your business. They can give you an honest opinion of whether you should upgrade from Windows XP to a newer, more robust operating system.