Businesses scramble to upgrade computers as support for windows XP ends tomorrow

As the support for windows 12-year old platform, the windows XP ends on Tuesday, businesses are now scrambling to upgrade computers from obvious threats that windows´ decision could have on them.

Municipal infrastructure operated by local governments using Windows XP could be vulnerable to security threats after the date, but luckily, most ATMs that use XP software will continue to get security updates.

Computech, Watertown, has been swamped with business from companies seeking to upgrade Windows XP software over the past year, said owner Jordan R. Durant, who launched the small business two years ago. The majority of businesses and residents across the north country still operate under the Windows XP platform, he said, and many are still reacting to news of its demise. He said the business is upgrading about nine computers a week to run on the Windows 7 platform, for which Microsoft actively provides security updates and patches to safeguard its network from viruses and hackers.

“Any business that stores patient records or credit card information is in a mad dash to move to Windows 7 or 8,” said Mr. Durant, whose business provides information-technology support to some 50 businesses in Watertown, and about 150 in outlying communities in Jefferson County. “If affects hospitals, doctor’s offices, dentists and anyone who has patient records or information.”

After Tuesday, any health care business that stores patient records under the Windows XP will be in noncompliance with the Health Insurance Privacy and Portability Act’s Security Rule, Mr. Durant, 30, said. In addition, any business that conducts credit card transactions using computers with Windows XP will be in noncompliance with payment card industry standards.

Some companies have made significant investments during the past year to upgrade computer systems, Mr. Durant said. Computech charges about $150 per computer to complete an installation and data transfer needed to upgrade Windows XP systems. Sometimes computer hardware needs to be fully replaced to complete those upgrades, which could cost anywhere from $690 to $750 per terminal for a processor with 4 gigabytes of RAM.

But businesses that use Windows XP for other tasks at the workplace don’t need to rush yet to replace the operating system, Mr. Durant said. Any third-party anti-virus software that receives real-time support could be used to provide security in Microsoft’s absence, he said.
“It’s like a game of cat and mouse, because now that Windows XP is no longer supported with security updates or patches, you’re going to see companies that offer virus protection support Windows XP,” he said.

by:Ezekiel .T. Ogidan
source: watertown daily times