You have a full year to prepare for this, but Microsoft support of Windows XP SP3 and other programs ends April 8, 2014. After this date, no new patches or bug fixes will be issued.
Windows XP isn’t the only Microsoft product that will cease to be maintained. Internet Explorer 6 on XP, Office 2003, Exchange Server 2003 and Exchange Server 2010 Service Pack 2 are also on the list of programs with support ending
According to Microsoft’s web site, there will be no new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates following the deadline. Since the average enterprise deployment can take 18 to 32 months, it would be best to begin the upgrade process ASAP.
Some companies are planning to continue using these programs after 2014. While the reasons for upgrading clearly outweigh the reasons not to, the expense and learning curve could prevent widespread stoppage of program usage.
A year from now, help will be hard to find no matter where you look. When Microsoft drops support, so will outside vendors, so users will be left high and dry in the event questions or problems arise.
Users who continue to utilize this software will be more susceptible to hackers, who will have plenty of time to find vulnerabilities in the programs and exploit them. With no upgrades or patches in sight, they will have free reign to wreak havoc. If you plan to continue usage, it would be wise to make sure you have all the proper intrusion protection measures in place to protect yourself.
If you are currently using any of these programs, call Teltek IT today! The sooner we can consult with you, the better off your company will be. We will evaluate your business practices and equipment, identify any vulnerabilities in your system and find a solution.
Should you choose to deploy a new program, we will guide you through that process and make it as easy for you and your employees as possible. As a Microsoft Certified Partner, Teltek has the knowledge and resources to keep your computer network and IT infrastructure current and functioning efficiently with the personalized service Teltek clients have grown to admire.
Teltek is proud to offer IT services as the fourth component to our multi-systems approach as your single source technology services company. This Managed Service Provider (MSP) offering completes our longstanding goal to provide our clients with a one-call resource for all of their business technology needs. IT outsourcing, remote back up and disaster recovery, helpdesk support, computer network relocations, security products and server/desktop virtualization are just a few of the services available.