Lyjotoblog

Windows XP end of support means big decisions for IT

 As of April 8, 2014, Microsoft will no longer offer extended support for Windows XP. The stalwart PC operating system has enjoyed more than a decade of success, and a fair share of business customers are in no rush to part ways. The approaching Windows XP end-of-life date leaves these IT shops with some big decisions to make. Do we really need to upgrade? If so, to what operating system? And how? If the Windows XP end of support has these questions bouncing around your head, here are some important considerations to take into account as you search for answers.

1. There's no direct Windows XP to Windows 7 upgrade path 

The architectural differences between the two operating systems make a direct Windows XP to Windows 7 upgrade impossible. User profiles and data can easily migrate from XP to Windows 7, but applications require new installations. And if your organization has 16-bit applications, they won't run on the 64-bit version of Windows 7. So if you thought you could wait until April 8, flip a few switches and call it a day, you have some catching up to do. 

2. Windows XP support costs are higher than you think 

Sometimes the cost of not doing anything is higher than the cost of taking action. That could very well be the case when it comes to moving off of Windows XP. In 2013, it cost $870 to maintain an XP machine, according to research firm IDC. That's more than five times the cost of supporting a Windows 7 machine. Consider how many PCs you have in your company, and your Windows XP support costs can really add up. 

3. Consider hidden Windows 7 upgrade costs 

Staying on Windows XP can be expensive, but that's not to say upgrades are cheap. Although Microsoft has run promotions to incent companies to upgrade, many IT professionals don't see any competitive advantage in doing so. In 2012, IDC calculated a three-year return on investment for moving from XP to Windows 7, but that didn't take into account hidden costs that can pop up. Unanticipated application compatibility problems can add to your Windows 7 upgrade costs. 

4. Use your XP migration to explore mobile, cloud computing 

These days, thinking about OS upgrades solely in terms of PCs may be shortsighted. If you plan to move from Windows XP to Windows 8, it might make sense to re-evaluate your entire endpoint strategy. Windows 8 and 8.1 devices blur the lines between PCs and tablets, and the operating systems' tiled interfaces take their cues from Windows Phone. A Windows XP migration presents an opportunity to explore and expand the role of mobile devices, apps and cloud services. 

5. Windows XP anti-malware support isn't ending yet 

One of the biggest risks of staying on Windows XP after extended support ends is that Microsoft will no longer provide security updates. Now, XP shops have some extra time to deal with that situation. Three months before the end of life date, Microsoft announced a one-year extension of its Windows XP anti-malware support. The extension applies to five Microsoft products that provide protection for XP. 

TIPS FOR WINDOWS XP MIGRATION

• Audit all desktop software to see how applications are being used
• Rationalise applications based on business usage
• Identify applications that can be migrated to Windows 7 without modification
• For those that cannot be modified, consider virtualisation or use Browsium for IE6 application

Should companies continue running XP, even after support ends? Unless money is no object, the short answer is 'no'