ONE – Understand The Stakes
Microsoft is ending support for Windows Server® 2008 and Server R2 on January 14, 2020. After January 14, 2020, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, patches, fixes or support servers running Windows Server 2008.
This means that Microsoft is no longer going to support these operating system(s).
Newly released viruses or malware, capable of causing issues in the operating system, will be able to exploit your system vulnerabilities and you will have no recourse to for support. Your systems will be virtually defenseless against these new threats. There are new threats being released every day.
What does this mean for your organization?
Software used within a Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) must have the capability to receive security updates per requirement 6.2 of the Data Security Standard (DSS). Additionally, the Business-As-Usual Best Practices of the DSS requires organizations to confirm software continues to be supported. If the software is no longer supported then you may no longer be PCI compliant.
Under the HIPAA Security Rule, 45 C.F.R. § 164.308 (a)(5)(ii)(B), organizations must implement procedures for detecting, guarding against, and reporting malicious software. If you’re using software that is no longer supported by Microsoft, you are not HIPAA compliant.
TWO – Take Inventory
Option 1: DIY Method. Gather this information on every PC: workstation name, purchase date, operating system, processor speed, amount of RAM, hard drive space, graphics card, and display ratio. Input this data into a spreadsheet. Download this spreadsheet to get started:
Option 2: We can do it for you! We can scan your network to to gather this information.
THREE – Determine Upgrade Vs. Replacement
Just like old smartphones that get slower with every upgrade, moving to new operating system may cause older servers to slow down enough that they hinder workflow within your practice. Microsoft’s published minimal specifications for upgrading could be far less than what is required to run your business software.
Consider All Costs. Windows 10 is currently available from Microsoft for $199.99. Be sure to factor in at least two hours of labor costs to upgrade a single machine to Windows 10. Replacing a PC can cost $800-$1,000, depending on a number of factors. Don’t forget labor costs for new PC installation.
FOUR – Evaluate Replacement Strategies
Your Exit From The Computer Business
It’s a chore to keep up with an arsenal of aging workstations. Sooner or later some will need new video cards or hard drives. Sooner or later each and every one will need to be replaced. It’s not simple, it’s not cheap. Worse, when a workstation isn’t working your staff can’t work either. Let us handle this job for you, and focus your time on more important parts of the business.
Pay For What You Really Need
There’s no need to buy new computers. With IT+PC, you pay for a workstation that works, we supply the hardware and guarantee operation. That’s right: new computers are included with this service. Should one fail, we’ll overnight a replacement so you’ll have it the next day.
Whether you’re trying to solve the Windows 7 problem for your business, or you’re trying to preserve cashflow, IT+PC is a great solution for getting multiple new computers into your business.
The Solutions Team, Inc
P.O. Box 5036
Brandon, MS 39047
Corporate
Phone: (601) 933-1118
Toll-Free: 877-226-9478
Fax: (601) 829-1511
Email: info@mysolutionsteam.com