A world without XP

On the 8th April 2014 Microsoft are withdrawing support for their most successful and prolific operating system ever, Windows XP. For over a decade software writers and businesses have revolved around the operating system, and it has become the life-blood of many companies.

Speaking to business owners reveals that in many cases Windows XP still lives up to expectations, and there is a lot of confusion why we need to 'move forward'. Why should users and businesses upgrade computers and operating systems, when XP does the job! What's more is that users know Windows XP, why should they need to go and learn something new, costing businesses time and money with training.

Why are Microsoft doing this?

Windows XP is over 10 years old and despite the kicking, screaming, and holding onto the past, Windows XP is in actual fact holding businesses back! New software and features and cloud computing is simply restricted or not possible on Windows XP.

Windows 8 opens up a world of opportunities in terms of productivity, collaboration, and anywhere working. Synchronicity between many different devices comes as standard. Couple this with Office365 and you have a winning combination.

Imagine a world where you save a Word document on your desktop computer at work, continue working on it on the train journey home, on your tablet for example, and finish it off that evening on your laptop at home! Imagine a world where you can collaborate with colleagues actively on the other side of the globe, even when on the move.

With Windows 8 and Office365 this is happening now, and is something that Windows XP users can only dream of!

In conclusion, Microsoft are not just retiring Windows XP because of its age, or for revenue opportunities, they are retiring it to allow for the new wave of IT and cloud computing, where users can work from anywhere, and from any device. Goodbye XP, hello Cloud!

Story from Microsoft Business Hints & Tips