The time for Windows 7 has come and gone. As of January 2020, Microsoft stopped providing extended support for the popular operating system. While Extended Security Updates (ESU) are available for the Professional and Enterprise editions of Windows 7, this option comes at an increasing cost to organizations. It's critical to start planning your migration to Windows 10 now.
What is happening.
- Microsoft is no longer releasing regular patches and security updates for Windows 7, which can cause security & compliance issues and increases your organizations' vulnerability to security threats.
- Any problems that occur with the Windows 7 operating system will no longer have help or support from Microsoft to address them.
- ESU licensing cost for Windows 7 has increased, and will continue to do so year over year. In 2020, the price per license was $61/yr. In 2021, the cost of each license is $122 for the year. Be aware that ESU for Windows 7 will end come 2023.
What to do.
- Consider the cloud. Microsoft offers Microsoft 365 (a.k.a. Modern Desktop), a subscription based platform which includes Windows 10 licensing, and all support, feature upgrades and security updates. Ultimately, you no longer have to worry about end-of-life/end-of-support dates for Windows.
- Complete an upgrade, and fast! If your organization has not completed the transition from Windows 7 to Windows 10, ensure that you are receiving the necessary security updates by purchasing ESU licensing (for Windows 7 Pro or Enterprise). This should be used as a preventative measure while completing a Windows upgrade.
- Plan ahead for end-of-life events. A great way to to get ahead of end-of-life events is with a network assessment. It takes a comprehensive, in-depth look at your network to uncover where your network is under-performing. A network assessment will identify where your network risks lie, including end-of-support/life technologies.
If you would like to migrate to Windows 10 or need help identifying which of your technologies are facing end-of-support/life, get in touch with us at info@systemsengineering.com or 888.624.6737. We can help your organization explore your upgrade options and create a strategy to migrate you securely. Customers, please reach out to your Account Manager.
