TEMPE, ARIZ. -- Microsoft Windows 7 and 8.1 are approaching the end of support in January 2020, and most organizations have yet to make the move to Windows 10 - potentially opening them up to a series of operational issues and security challenges if left unprepared.
An estimated 52 percent of all Windows devices are still operating on Windows 7 and 8.1, with only a third of the world's PCs having migrated to Windows 10, as of the end of March, according to analytics vendor Net Applications. With so many devices at risk, clients can avoid cyberattack vulnerabilities and the pain of migration by developing a strategy now to transition to a more sophisticated operating system.
"Most organizations feel like what they have works, so why change? But without a plan, they may be scrambling for answers on compatibility and security when support for older operating systems ends," said David Mayer, vice president and general manager, Connected Workforce at Insight Enterprises (NASDAQ:NSIT).
"Windows 10 fundamentally changes the way IT professionals manage their end-user infrastructures. It helps employees work smarter and alleviates what organizations collectively spend billions of dollars on in terms of IT management and maintenance," said Mayer.
The main reason? Windows 10 is calibrated to access the cloud, offering better support to a mobile workforce and providing scalable processing power as business needs change. Consequently, Mayer recommends clients consider costs and benefits of either migrating current equipment to Windows 10 or purchasing new, compatible hardware.
Insight, the global provider of Insight Intelligent Technology Solutions™ for organizations of all sizes, today outlined five key reasons businesses should prepare for and execute a smooth transition away from legacy platforms to a Windows system better suited to the cloud:
- It bolsters security. Windows 10 provides access to valuable, real-time data that allows IT managers to adjust security parameters and quickly address threats, applying patches across all devices simultaneously.
- It builds a foundation for future growth and tech innovation. The democratization of artificial intelligence and innovation provides businesses of all sizes access to the latest tech - artificial intelligence, automation, augmented reality and more - to help their organizations grow and become smarter.
- It improves network infrastructure. Cloud adoption requires organizations to evaluate and, if necessary, update their networks to support this new computing environment. This makes for a more reliable, secure network environment.
- It facilitates a co-managed environment. While a fully automated, cloud-based approach to systems management may be ideal, it can be a lengthy and costly transition for many organizations. Pursuing a hybrid system that allows IT administrators to manage devices both on-site and in the cloud can be a cost-effective interim step.
- It enables a variety of support methods. Shifting to cloud computing allows organizations to re-evaluate their IT support needs and automate many of their more time-consuming IT resolution processes, freeing up resources for innovation.
To tackle migration effectively, organizations more often are turning to managed service providers to help with the heavy lifting of moving on-premise applications to the cloud. Insight Managed Office, for example, helps businesses understand the milestones needed to prime core platforms for that transformation.
"Legacy versions of Windows simply do not reflect the way businesses need to operate today. In ending support for Windows 7 and 8.1, Microsoft is putting a stake in the ground on the future of IT management: a fully cloud-based environment," said Mayer. "Cloud computing mirrors the way we now intuitively work - away from desks and on devices. While transitioning to the cloud via Windows 10 might be a daunting endeavor, it is ultimately an investment in your company's longevity, security and efficiency."
For more information on Insight, visit www.insight.com or call 800-INSIGHT.
About Insight
Today, every business is a technology business. Insight Enterprises, Inc. empowers organizations of all sizes with Insight Intelligent Technology Solutions™ and services to maximize the business value of IT. As a Fortune 500-ranked global provider of digital innovation, cloud/data center transformation, connected workforce, and supply chain optimization solutions and services, we help clients successfully manage their IT today while transforming for tomorrow. From IT strategy and design to implementation and management, our 6,600 employees help clients innovate and optimize their operations to run smarter. Discover more at insight.com. NSIT-M