Windows 7 end-of-life

In-line with the continued drive to move forward with technology, Microsoft have 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 live, starting with Windows 7 in the January:
• Windows 7
• Small Business Server 2011
• Windows Server 2008 R2
• Exchange 2010
• Office 2010

What does this mean to my business?

With a mammoth volume of businesses globally relying on at least one of these platforms, the change of this 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 3-5 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 older than 5-6 years, use little or no cloud services, and have PCs that are 4-5+ 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 key signs to look out for in helping identify whether you are reliant on any of these software platforms.

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 at 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.

Need some support for peace of mind?

We can help. We offer free assessments to businesses across the North East, from our home in Durham.

Omnicom Solutions provides a full range of professional IT services, including a full suite of cyber security products, including support with Cyber Essentials and aiding compliance to GDPR from a technical perspective.

Please contact the team today on 0191 386 6222 or solutions@omnicomsolutions.co.uk.