Are you Still Running on Windows 7?

Book For Free Windows 10 Migration Assessment All February

Windows 7 end of life

Microsoft officially ended support for the Windows 7 as of January 14, 2020. If you’re still running the ageing operating system in your organization, you’re using borrowed time. 

Though Windows 7 will continue to run and function, the devices will remain vulnerable to security flaws. Windows 7 End-of-life means that your system will no longer receive bug fixes, security updates, or other patches from Microsoft.

Organizations — small or large — have plenty of considerations, before they move to Windows 10. It requires extensive planning and assessment before they can jump to any decision.

Implications of Continuing with Windows 7 for Long Term

In 2018 alone, 499 vulnerabilities were detected across Windows desktop operating systems — and, almost 170 of those incidents were considered critical.

Remember WannaCry? In May 2017, cybercriminals spread the ransomware WannaCry around the world, which targeted Windows XP users. Microsoft had ended support it, a few years earlier. Within hours the situation escalated and devastated businesses everywhere, especially European hospital systems.

There are real consequences for not migrating to a fully supported O.S. — that we see in a WannaCry 2.0 situation. Even the extended support for Windows 7 is expensive, and will only multiply your I.T. costs, instead of adding any real benefit. Ultimately, your company will have to look for an alternative sooner or later.

Assess Readiness and Compatibility with GRIP I.T.

The assessment stage of a Windows 10 migration project is fundamental to a smooth and streamlined transition. You need to review if your existing Windows 7 hardware meets the requirements for Windows 10.

To assist organizations, GRIP I.T. is providing free readiness assessment for the Windows 10 migration project. This evaluation will enable users to set up app inventories, assess their I.T. infrastructure’s compatibility, and identify potential issues.

How does it work?

The technicians check if your hardware is up to date and if any application compatibility issues may arise while running your applications on Windows 10. Microsoft has cited a 99 percent app compatibility for enterprise users migrating from Windows 7 to 10. However, even a 1 percent incompatibility can generate issues later on.

Our team also identifies any machines running on Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008/R2 that you keep and select a licensing option for Windows 10 that fits your business requirements.

It will help to create a phased migration process that considers the right licensing options for Windows 10. Understand that Windows licensing is notoriously complex, and it is always crucial to seek additional advice if you’re doubtful where to start. 

You’ll also need to become familiar with “Windows as a Service,” which is what Microsoft is calling it’s a new way of delivering Windows 10 updates. This includes bi-annual feature releases, monthly patches and two new servicing channels. 

Once you’ve taken all the necessary steps recommended in your migration assessment report, it’ll help make the transition process smooth and easy, and ensure the security of your network.

Advantages of Windows 10 for Your Business

Windows 10 has some fantastic enhancements beyond free security updates, patches and technical support. We feel that this new operating system is well worth the effort.

The top benefits include:

A familiar and easy to use core interface that streamlines day to day use.
Usable touch screen mode to boot.
Better security than Microsoft’s earlier desktop O.S. versions.
Advanced biometrics, threat protection, malware protection, and trusted hardware. 
Performance aspects include a significant speed boost.

Microsoft has taken extreme care of your transition this time. If you loved the look and feel of Windows 7, Microsoft has tools like Classic Shell in Windows 10, which provides user interface elements intended to restore familiar features from past versions of Windows like the Start menu, File Explorer and Internet Explorer. 

So, start planning for your upgrade soon!

At GRIP I.T., we have an experienced and knowledgeable team with capabilities across all areas of applications, business insights and I.T. systems. With our migration assessment, you can quickly develop a holistic view of the technical challenges in your Windows 10 adoption process.

Don’t lose time and book your free migration assessment today.