Source: https://pixabay.com/de/photos/upgrade-windows-laptop-3727076/
Microsoft will soon drop support for Windows 7. However, companies have to think bigger when switching to Windows 10 – Windows 10 should not be seen as a migration project.
On January 14, 2020, Microsoft will discontinue Windows 7 support. As of this date, Microsoft will not deliver any updates or security patches. Windows 7 was released in 2009 and is therefore over 10 years old. But the update is more than just a migration.
Those responsible for the company know about the support that has been set, but do not care about the update yet. The announcement is not taken seriously by many companies and now time is running out. In some cases, panic has already arisen, causing careless mistakes.
As already mentioned, the update to Windows 10 should be seen as a large project. It is not a simple update, as was the case with Windows XP or Windows 7. This fallacy is very dangerous.
Companies are not prepared
So far, Microsoft has released a major update every two to three years. Companies have also skipped some updates so that one major update has been carried out every five years. Now, however, the new Windows as a Service aspect forces companies to integrate a new version every six months.
This means that the update cycles are very short and users hardly have time for lengthy tests or concept planning. If this happens, the new version will already be out of date when the company rolls out.
The tests are particularly time-consuming with regard to the downward compatibility of individual software or business software, which must be ready for operation so that the regular operating procedure is not endangered. So here the company has to do additional work.
Skipping a release is not a solution
In addition, even skipping a release is not a long-term solution. In the future, migration is due at the latest every twelve months. The companies feel overwhelmed by this new frequency – although Microsoft has given every user more time than usual due to a support extension of more than 30 months.
Companies are forced to rethink
Microsoft’s move is important in this regard. In the past it could be seen that an old version of the operating system was still visible on many work PCs. Most of the time you can even see Windows XP (including internet connection) in medical practices. This endangers highly sensitive data.
In addition, Windows 7 comes from a time when smartphones were still very young and tablets did not exist at all. The requirements and technologies have changed fundamentally. Communication has become faster thanks to applications such as Slack or WhatsApp. Cloud computing has also become a major topic.
These new technologies can also increase employee satisfaction, because process digitization ensures that the workflow and communication are designed faster, more individually and more flexibly.
However, the digital further development did not take place on many company computers. Cyber security suffers considerably from this. The developers are also limited when it comes to software programming, because of course they want to get the most out of the operating system. However, if you have to program for an outdated operating system, this is a change.
New update policy also restricts third-party products
The permanent upgrades under Windows 10 do not make it easy for developers either, because this makes compatibility considerably more difficult. This is particularly the case with security applications, such as an antivirus client. This must be adjusted after every update.
Conclusion
The internal processes and structures have to be adapted to the fast-moving Windows 10. Framework conditions must be created for this. IT security should also be more important. A corresponding startup is, for example, https://blauberg.at . This company takes care that all digital processes work ideally. With optimal coordination between hardware and software, it can increase company profits.