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Windows 7 end-of-life

26 Nov Windows 7 end-of-life

Posted at 10:27h in Microsoft by

Sunsetting Windows 7.  Microsoft make an important announcement.
In-line with the continued drive to move forward with technology, Microsoft has announced the end-of-life for a collection of older software platforms. Much like the cessation of support for Windows XP back in 2014, Microsoft will no longer provide updates & security patches to a range of software deemed to be reaching the end of its serviceable life – helping to drive users toward more modern & secure platforms.

During 2020 the following all reach the end of their lives, starting with Windows 7 in January:

  • Windows 7
  • Small Business Server 2011
  • Windows Server 2008 R2
  • Exchange 2010
  • Office 2010

 

What does this mean to my business?

With such a vast quantity of businesses globally relying on at least one of these platforms, the likelihood of this change being relevant to you & your business is high. As mentioned above, the end-of-life of these systems means that Microsoft will no longer be generating software patches and security updates, resulting in the systems being far less secure.

With the systems moving immediately to a state of vulnerability from cyber security threats, therefore increasing their risk of attack & potential loss of personal data, they will become automatically non-compliant to GDPR legislation.

 

How can I find out if I’ll be affected?

If you have replaced the entirety of your IT system within the past 3 or 4 years, there’s a good chance you’re in the clear. Those businesses using at least Windows 8 or 1-0 across their laptops & desktops, and operating with background cloud systems, such as Office 365 and Azure, will most likely have moved away entirely from the list of software being culled in 2020.

If you still rely on a server that’s potentially 5-6+ years old, use little or no cloud platforms, and have PCs that are 4+ years old then there’s a strong chance that your business is at risk and needs to start planning & budgeting now for this change.

 

How can I find out whether we’re using this software in the office?

There are a few telltale signs to help identify whether you are reliant on any of these software platforms.

 

Am I affected

 

What do I need to do?

Keeping ahead of such large-scale technology changes will not only protect your business but ensure you can time & budget for the inevitable IT refresh project. Planning both the potential disruption and cost at a time that suits you, as opposed to getting caught out; rushing then to complete the work upon reaching the deadline, (or more dangerously), after the deadline when you’ll have become non-GDPR compliant and potentially high-risk of, or worse, have already suffered from a cyber hack & loss of data.

Seek advice from IT professionals to plan & prepare. Get in touch today for free advice & guidance – firstly to identify if you are at risk, and help budget for the affected systems that will need upgrading/replacing, or how to implement cloud technology to keep your business ahead.

 

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If you would appreciate a free brief discussion about your operational challenges & to explore the threats to your business, please get in touch today – 01480 570339 or drop us a line [email protected]