Microsoft reported plans to support Windows XP through April 2014, which means businesses must consider making a few changes.

Companies that require costly upgrades to their current software and hardware in order to be compatible with Windows 7 may want to purchase some extra Windows XP computers now so they won’t be forced into upgrading their software and hardware if a computer replacement becomes imperative.

For businesses worried about purchasing a new computer with Windows XP, consider that Microsoft plans to support Windows XP until April 2014. So any last minute Windows XP computer purchases will be supported throughout their life cycle.

Windows XP has been on the market since 2001 and is currently in its ninth year of service packs, security updates, and software patches, which makes it a stable and secure operating system for business use.

Another thing to consider is that all new computers purchased with Windows XP actually come with a Windows 7 license that can later be upgraded to once a company’s hardware and software is Windows 7 ready.

The last “safe” date to order systems with Windows XP preinstalled is Oct. 1, 2010 in order to meet an Oct. 22 deadline Microsoft has outlined here.

You may ask yourself – what should I do? Now is the time to make a decision, otherwise you may regret not taking the time to consider your options and make the right choice.

Your options are simple:

1. Understand that any computers ordered after Oct. 1 will come with Windows 7 and budget for the following items.
   
   • Extra software and hardware costs to upgrade for Windows 7 compatibility.
   • Extra labor costs to upgrade the incompatible hardware and software.
2. Delay the costs associated with the above option by purchasing Windows XP computers before Oct. 1.

Still not sure what to do? Businesses can run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor on of all their computers to find out if the software and hardware used is compatible.

If you use a server, perhaps have an IT service company determine if there is any server software your workstations may use that is incompatible.
The best choice if you are still not sure what to do is to contact a local Microsoft Certified IT Service company and have a network assessment performed to help you make a financially sound decision.

Many may have been wondering how much longer the 2001 released Windows XP would actually be around given that its original successor “Windows Vista” was snubbed by most businesses, and in many cases not implemented due to lack of return on investment (ROI).

Many companies, including a representative from Intel, actually made public statements stating they “found no compelling case for adopting Vista” as cited in this blog.

In fact, some businesses who did adapt to Vista did not have a choice because new computer hardware they were purchasing came with OEM versions of Vista.

Not until an upheaval from Vista complaints did OEM vendors like Dell and HP start offering Windows XP as a preinstalled OEM option with new computers. To this day, many businesses continue to take advantage of this option when purchasing new computers even now that Windows 7 has been released.

Windows 7 has proven to be a huge improvement when compared to its predecessor Vista, which for many businesses did not have enough incentives to warrant the upgrade or migration costs. People who currently have Vista are rushing out to upgrade to Windows 7.

ITECH Solutions has already integrated it into many networks co-existing with Windows XP showing great success.

There are many additions with Windows 7 that make the migration from XP worth it – if your budget is ready. And Windows 7 may still have some incompatibilities with the current hardware and software your business uses, so it is imperative that an assessment is performed of the current software and hardware requirements for the operation of your business.

Brian Weiss is the CEO of ITECH Solutions, a Microsoft Certified service company in San Luis Obispo that delivers managed IT services and web development concentrated on value and cost effectiveness. ITECH Solutions partners with your business to implement solutions that you need. We work directly with your company to completely understand your situation, make intelligent recommendations, and implement a customized technology solution to fit the needs of your business. For more information visit www.itech-solutions.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .