T’is the season for food, drinks and family time! Christmas is almost upon us but before you go, there’s time to put some things in place to ensure you start 2020 off on the right foot… it’s not only a new year after all, but it’s also a new decade! 

 

So what’s the problem?
In January, Microsoft is withdrawing support for some of its most popular old business software. This creates a huge problem for organisations everywhere,

because when it inevitably fails, it can’t be fixed. IT experts are calling this The 2020 Problem, and it’s estimated that half of all local businesses will be affected.

When your software goes out of support it won’t stop working straight away, but you will soon start to notice a difference in performance. Microsoft withdrawing support also means there will be no more:

• Tech support for ongoing issues
• Bug fixes for new problems 
• Security fixes for undiscovered vulnerabilities 

 

What’s the solution?

No fear, there’s still time! Firstly:

Step 1 – Stay calm and assess the situation. What systems are you using? (If it’s any of these then you need to move onto step 2) 

• Windows 7
• Office 2010
• Windows Server 1809
• Microsoft Project 2010
• Microsoft SharePoint 2010
• Microsoft Visio 2010
• Microsoft Office 2016 for Mac
• Windows Server 1809
• Small Business Server 2011
• Windows Server 2008
• Exchange 2010

Step 2 – Time to get your systems upgraded. This is where you enlist the help of a trusted IT provider to get things moving quickly and with minimum disruption (Yep, that’s us!)

 

Step 3 – Keep on top of customer service. By making sure your computer systems are safe and secure, you’re showing your customers that their privacy matters to you. Upgrading your computer system might seem like an expense you hadn’t catered for, but it will help keep your customers happy.

 

Step 4 – Put the kettle on and stay calm. We’ve got this covered for you. Plus, by upgrading now, you’re saving yourself from a January of stress and unnecessary downtime, and that’s something none of us have got time for right? 

Did you know that 88% of UK businesses are now using cloud computing in some form, and those who resist are getting left behind. Customers and employees expect today’s companies to be forward thinking and flexible. Even better, upgrading isn’t as expensive as you think, and will actually end up saving you money in the long run.

All sorted? Excellent, no drama… now your only problem is the last minute Christmas present shopping (afraid that’s something we can’t help with, but good luck with that!) Don’t forget, we’re easily contactable so give us a bell when you need us.

 

It’s almost CHRISTMAS and therefore time for our final blogs of the year… but no fear, we’ll be back with plenty more in 2020! Before we hit the mulled wine though, we wanted to briefly discuss your Christmas IT strategy, and how to ensure your IT service and IT support is effectively managed over the festive period. 

Many companies choose to run on skeleton staff over the festive period, so for those who will be working in the office, it’s key to make sure they’re fully briefed on everything they need to know and also the action plan for any system emergencies (we’ll cover this bit in a sec). 

 

What’s your strategy? Is your server cloud based to ensure that documents etc can be sourced if needed? Are any of your staff members working remotely and accessing the systems from home? What happens if there’s a system meltdown whilst you’re tucking into your Boxing Day leftovers? Don’t panic, we do have an out of hours emergency contact number and we’re also on call throughout Christmas and New Year, so if there is a problem, make sure your team has our IT support number ready to hand and we’ll get straight on with solving the problem (whilst tucking into our own turkey leftovers too). 

 

We sincerely hope you won’t require our services over the next few weeks, because your IT systems should be running as straightforward as ever, so if not then we look forward to continuing to work with you in 2020. From all of us at AGT, have a flippin’ fantastic time, and we’ll see you on the other side. 

 

Cheers from us!