2019 Technology Resolutions

Before you make your resolutions for 2020 we thought we would help you take a minute to tie up essential 2019 technology resolutions. If you haven’t gotten around to these, put them at the top of your 2020 list!

Cloud Initiatives

The move to the cloud has started in earnest. Prices have dropped and the reality is that most major cloud vendors can provide better security than you can in your office environment. If you still have a server in your office get in touch and we’ll walk you through your options. They may be better than you expect! This should be at the top of the list for your 2020 Technology Plans.

Microsoft – End-of-Life for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008

As 2019 closes Microsoft’s End-of-Life for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 – set for January 14, 2020. After that date, Microsoft will stop issuing security updates/patches for Windows 7 and Server 2008.

These security patches address vulnerabilities that Microsoft has found or that hackers have discovered. Once these security patches are no longer available your computers and servers will be at a higher risk of being exploited by hackers and malware. These vulnerabilities expose you to the risk of extended downtime as well as a data breach. If you are in a regulated industry (e.g. HIPAA or FISMA) you will be considered non-compliant. Compliance should be at the top of your list for 020 Technology Plans.

Windows 7

Microsoft recently announced an Extended Service Update (ESU) for Windows 7. An ESU is a paid service that will continue to provide security patches. This new and unexpected development allows their small-medium clients (under 500 desktops) to remain protected. The price for the first year is $50 per computer and increases each year for a total of up to 3 years. We do have clients with specific legacy applications that can’t be upgraded to Windows 10, and this is a great option for them.

Upgrading is the best option, but this offer from Microsoft can extend your buffer before making that move. If you are interested in the details, just let us know.

Windows Server 2008

There is no Extended Service Update (ESU) for Windows Server 2008. The exceptions to this are if you originally purchased via a Microsoft EA (Enterprise Agreement) or bought SA (Software Assurance) – options typically reserved for large enterprises. The options for Server 2008 are to upgrade to a newer version of the software or to migrate the server to the Microsoft Azure Cloud – it will be patched for up to 3 years if it is in the cloud. Button this up soon as one of your 2019 technology resolutions?

We’re happy to walk you through the options – send an email and we’ll follow back quickly.