Local converged network provider, KSS Technologies, has warned that users of Windows XP SP2 and Windows Server 2000 will no longer receive software updates or product support from Microsoft. Furthermore, Microsoft also ceased product support for all versions of Windows Vista without any service packs.
End of support for these products means that users will no longer receive operating system updates via Windows Update, including patches for protecting against viruses, spyware and other malicious software. Windows Update is also responsible for installing upgrades to help the operating system run more efficiently, including new drivers for hardware and updates for Internet Explorer.
KSS Sales Manager Stuart Cohen says this announcement from Microsoft could have serious cost implications for companies. “Upgrading to a newer version of Windows could require new hardware and some third party software might also have to be upgraded. It is quite an involved process which companies should be sure they follow correctly and KSS is launching a campaign whereby it will provide the support and consultation to assist clients with a trouble-free upgrade,” he says.
Microsoft’s Support Lifecycle Policy usually means that a product will receive support for five years after its release or two years after its successor has hit the shelves, whichever is longer. Although those running Windows Server 2000 will no longer have Extended Support, Self-Help Online Support will be available for a minimum of 12 months.
He says Windows XP SP2 users are encouraged to update their operating system by downloading Service Pack 3 for free. “Windows XP SP3 will be supported by Microsoft until April 2014, but there is no SP3 for the 64-bit version of Windows XP. However, people running the 64-bit version of Windows XP with SP2 will continue to be eligible for support and receive updates until 8 April, 2014.”
Companies should migrate to Windows 7 Enterprise, which enables enterprise users to be more productive from anywhere, manage risk through enhanced security and control, and reduce costs through streamlined PC management.
“The best way to be secure and supported is by migrating to Windows 7. The problem however, is that there is no supported migration path from Windows 2000 to Windows 7 using the Windows User State Migration Tool (USMT),” he explains.
KSS has the tools to help test and mitigate application compatibility issues and to assist with migration. The toolkit is a powerful inventory, assessment, and reporting tool that can securely assess IT environments for various platform migrations and virtualisation without the use of any software agents.