Support for the second most popular version of windows is coming to an end. Windows XP will no longer be supported by Microsoft after April 8th 2014.

Windows XP is my favorite version of Windows operating systems so much so I still have a couple of old and reliable computers running on it. I did everything I could to stay away from Windows Vista; I actually drove around DFW metroplex back then searching for a windows XP laptop. I completely skipped the Windows Vista upgrade and went directly to Windows 7 when it was released. I don’t think I was the only that felt this way because Microsoft released Windows 7 less than 3 years after Windows Vista release. Considering Windows Vista was released about 6 years after Windows XP, Windows 7 was released pretty early.

All of my clients still have at least one computer running Windows XP and rightfully so. You can’t beat the reliability, compatibility and familiarity it has gained over the last decade. It is estimated about 40% of small business are still running at least one Windows XP computer. Unfortunately Microsoft has decided to end support of Windows XP after 12 glorious years.
What Does Windows XP End of Support Mean?
So what does end of support of Windows XP mean? Well, your Windows XP computer does not stop working on April 9th 2014 but you need to start thinking of migrating to a modern computer with a newer Windows version. The most important thing you need to be aware of is that Microsoft will no longer provide security patches and updates. This exposes you to security and compliance risk, especially with the recent virus attacks and new HIPAA/HITECH compliance requirements. Also your line of business (LOB) software and hardware vendors will likely stop supporting versions of their software on Windows XP systems.

How Do I Migrate Off Windows XP?
As a small business owner, you should at least migrate your critical systems still on Windows XP to either Windows 7 or 8 before support ends on April 8th. If your current Windows XP systems meet the minimum requirements of Windows 7, you can purchase and install Windows 7 professional on them. However, it might impact the performance of systems due to increased resource requirements of Windows 7. If your systems do not meet Windows 7 requirement, you should consider upgrading to a completely new system.

We are available to assist you with the migration while limiting the downtime and impact to your business. Contact us today for a free windows XP migration assessment and readiness check.

Filed under: Computer Repair, Healthcare IT, IT Security by mobytude
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Are you on the fence about outsourcing your technology service to an IT service provider? Businesses small and large are taking this step because of the benefits listed below:

Cost Savings: You pay the IT service company a fraction of the cost of an in-house IT employee or department. The annual salary of a full-time IT employee is between ($50,000 and $65,000), add in the cost of benefits and training,  factor in that the IT employee may not be 100% utilized and the cost of bringing in a contractor when he/she goes on vacation. The cost of an in-house IT employee can easily add up $100,000. You can outsource your IT department for less than 10% of the overall cost of  hiring an IT employee. You eventually pass on this cost savings to your customers which makes you more competitive in your market.

Focus on Core Business: Having someone else focus on your technology service and needs frees you up to focus on your core business and grow your business. You started your business to provide a service to your customers and not to spend time worrying and fixing your technology. The IT service company do what they do best so your can do what you do best.

Enterprise Scale IT: As a small business, you may not have the technological resources of larger companies. The technology of an IT service provider can rival or surpass that of larger organization. This is because they support a variety companies and use the latest and best technology for their clients. This brings your technology to the same level as larger companies and only pass on a fraction of the cost to you.

Experienced and knowledgeable Technology Adviser: Your IT service provider is already aware of the ins and outs of your IT infrastructure. They understand your needs and are aware of the right solutions that will benefit your business. They manage your other technology vendors and speak “geek” to them so you don’t have to. They are always a phone call away and can provide consulting services at a discounted rate when compared to other companies.

Contact us today when you want to outsource your IT service, we look forward to being your business partner.

Filed under: Backup and Recovery, Computer Repair, Healthcare IT, Managed Services, Outsource IT by mobytude
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As a small business owner, the state of your computer (IT) infrastructure should be the last thing on your mind. You started your business to serve a particular need and not to spend your time and money on your computer systems. Your primary focus should be on serving your customers and the best way to achieve this is to let someone else worry about your computer maintenance.

Outsourcing your computer systems maintenance is one of the best decisions you can make. You not only have someone that makes it a priority in keeping your computer systems up and running but you also have a trusted technology adviser that has your best business needs at heart.

Computer repair and maintenance  has evolved from a break-fix model to a managed service model. A good computer/IT consultant will advise you on the benefits of subscribing to an IT managed service plan. With managed IT service, the IT consultant does not wait for something to break before they fix it. The consultant’s profitability largely depends on keeping your systems up and running 24/7.

Computer technicians on a break-fix model can charge as much $150/hr to fix a minor issue and take as much time as they need, factor in the money you lose due to a system downtime and potential loss of business data; you could be out thousands of dollars due to an IT issue.

Contact us for a free risk assessment of IT infrastructure and find out how to save on your computer maintenance.

Filed under: Computer Repair, Healthcare IT, Managed Services by mobytude
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