Windows 7 Extended Support - Year 2
The cycle is looking to start up once again. At the start of 2020, Microsoft ended support for the Windows 7 operating system, meaning that devices running that OS stopped receiving security patches and could become vulnerable. Microsoft did offer extended support for a fee per computer, but that extension lasted just one year and will expire in a few weeks at the start of 2021.
What Is The Cost?
As was Microsoft's plan from the start, the cost of ESU licenses will double in year two, meaning the 2021 extension will carry a charge of $100 per device. This extension will buy an additional year on the machine in question, but will require either a new PC in 2022 or an additional 2022 ESU that will again double to $200 and then require a new PC in 2023.
What Is Suggested?
We suggest that all computers begin to be upgraded in 2021. While some businesses were a fit for the first year of extensions, there are very few places that are a fit for the second year unless there are so many computers that they need to be purchased in separate batches for budgetary purposes.
The reasoning behind this is not only that there could be $350 spent on older PCs just before they need to be replaced, but also that we have begun seeing more issues with programs. Many programs that are kept up to date have begun dropping support for Windows 7, meaning that issues may begin to arise that cannot be addressed unless the transition to Windows 10 PCs are made. This effect will only continue to grow and it is much better to plan to address this ahead of time than to risk an issue that cannot be addressed until new PCs are rushed in.
Of course, each organization is different. If you have any questions about your own network or upgrading, please feel free to email or call our office.
We strive to look out for the best interest of our customers and their procurement in the IT venue. Be it hardware, software or service related, we want to guide you in the most effective manner possible.
