Windows, one of the most popular operating systems, has announced it will be phasing out support on its XP system, with no support offered after April 8th, 2014. This means no new security updates, “hotfixes” (used for user-specific issues), or any type of technical support offered for Windows XP, along with its Office 2003. According to Windows, its support policy grants 10 years of support to its products, and XP’s 10 years are up.
You may think: “So what? I can still keep my XP, right?” Yes, you can keep XP if you’re using it, but it won’t last you for long. Windows won’t be confiscating your XP system, but sooner or later you will encounter an issue with your operating system, and you won’t be able to find support to fix it. This means a huge headache for you and your agency as you scramble to find someone, anyone, who still works with XP. And chances are you won’t find anyone, and you’ll be forced to move to another operating system anyway.
Save yourself that headache! By switching your agency from XP, you’ll save yourself from security risks that could mean disaster, especially if they apply to client info. Although it may take a small adjustment period, switching to the newest Windows 8.1 guarantees you will be compatible with old and new versions of you comparative rater programs, document management system, accounting software and other programs you use for your agency . This also means you’ll have a system compatible with your clients’, eliminating frustrating incompatibility issues.
Windows suggests leaving 18 to 32 months for businesses to switch to a new operating system, so it’s better to jump on the change sooner rather than later. You need time to allow employees to slowly adapt to the slight changes in your system and to ensure compatibility with any programs your agency uses internally. Moving to a new system without ensuring program compatibility could lead to a rabbit hole of upgrades and an empty pocket. To prevent this, utilize the resources on Window’s website or contact Windows to get personal service related to your switch.
Most importantly, don’t panic. Switching to a new operating system is normal as new systems are introduced as technology improves. You aren’t the first agency to make this switch and you won’t be the last. And Windows knows its users want improvements in each system, but don’t want a total overhaul that forces them to re-learn everything. Windows 8.1 makes improvements on XP, but doesn’t stray too far on the general look and feel. Although it may take a little work on the front end, switching over from XP now will all pay off by making your agency run smoother.
Having the latest Windows also means you can take advantage of all the ways Partner XE works with Windows. With Word document storage and synching with Outlook, Partner XE eliminates the need to open multiple programs when you’re operating in Windows. Find out more about Partner XE’s benefits by contacting us at 800.747.9273 or [email protected].
