Microsoft has announced that it would ending the support for Windows XP by April 8, 2014. This means that after Windows XP goes out of support, the OS will not receive security patches, hotfixes, or incident support. This means that the OS will be vulnerable to hacking activities so Microsoft is recommending updating to Windows 8 or Windows 7 at the earliest. Also many independent software vendors (ISVs) will most likely offer no support of their applications for Windows XP and the OEM vendors will no longer offer hardware drives for Windows XP.
Here is an Whitepaper from IDC, which gives an insight it why should you migrate from XP as it also compares and contrasts the costs with companies having XP against operation costs associated with Windows 7. Mitigating Risk – Why Sticking with Windows XP is a Bad Idea – IDC – May 2012. As per the IDC: Organizations that continue to retain a Windows XP environment not only are leaving themselves exposed to security risks and support challenges but also are wasting budget dollars that would be better used in modernizing their IT investments.” – IDC Whitepaper (May 2012)
Risks with using Windows XP
- Lack of support from ISVs and OEMs for the new applications and PC hardware
- Security and compliance issues running unsupported software
- Need to purchase expensive custom support
- Office 2013 does not work with Windows XP
Start your migration from Windows XP now!
- Windows XP end-of-life is April 2014
- Vendors are already dropping support now with new software and hardware releases
- Look at new tablets, slates and other innovative device form factors
- Create proof-of-concept Windows Store apps
