On April 8, 2014, Microsoft will end support for the decade-old Windows XP Operating System.
What this means for our clients is that any PC or Laptop with Windows XP will no longer receive updates, including security updates, from Microsoft. Support of Microsoft Office 2003, by Microsoft, will also be ending on the same date.
The security and privacy implications of this event could have significant impacts on your business, so if you’re running either of these products you should plan to take action soon. Some of the concerns are detailed below;
Security Risks: Without critical Windows XP security updates, your PC may become vulnerable to harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software which can steal or damage your business data and information.
Software compatibility issues: Many software and hardware vendors will no longer support their products when running on Windows XP. Indeed Microsoft themselves have made the latest version of the Microsoft Office Suite incompatible with Windows XP
Implications for Office 365 Users: While Office 365 will not block connections from fully patched Windows XP computers after 8 April 2014; connectivity to the service will be at risk and could potentially stop if Microsoft makes future changes to Office 365. Windows XP computers that have not deployed all service packs and automatic updates run an even higher risk of Office 365 connectivity issues after support for Windows XP ends.
If you would like to read more about this, visit http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/endofsupport.aspx. For more information & advice on phasing out Windows XP and Office 2003 at your organisation contact ESP Sales on 0845 465 7229 option 1 or sales@espprojects.co.uk
