One of the most successful operating systems is gradually approaching the end of its life cycle : the extended support of Windows 7 will be completed in three years. This means for all customers with Windows 7 PCs that from January 14, 2020 there will be no security updates, updates and no technical support from Microsoft. After more than 10 years on the market a logical decision: 2009 appeared, Windows 7 was the first step on the way to the cloud. Today, Windows 7 can no longer keep up with the increased security requirements.
Rather, it provides for higher operating costs - for example, maintenance, lost working time due to increased malware attacks, or increased support requests. At the same time, many hardware manufacturers no longer provide drivers for Windows 7, which means that modern peripherals such as printers are no longer recognized. In order to offer users a modern interplay of software and hardware, new processor generations are only supported by the latest Windows platform: Windows 10 is the only Windows version that provides support for the latest Intel, AMD and Qualcomm chips . In addition, many programs are already written or developed for the newer versions of Windows.
"Windows 7 comes slowly into the years. Today, it does not meet the requirements of modern technology, nor the high security requirements of IT departments, "said Markus Nitschke, Head of Windows at Microsoft Deutschland. "As early as in Windows XP, we saw that companies should take early steps to avoid future risks or costs."
Discontinued model Windows 7
Windows 7 was developed for the wireless world of the late 2000s: two years ago the basic support of Windows 7 ended, which generally lasted five years. Since then, users still receive all the important security updates, but no new functionality.
Windows 7 is based on long-outdated security architectures. Three years before the end of the support, corporate customers in particular should deal with the transition to a modern operating system in good time. Companies and users who are on their way to Windows 7 with their sensitive data within three years are faced with enormous dangers. Already today virtually every company has to expect cyber attacks, 51 percent of all German companies have already been victims of such attacks.
Windows 10: Highest security and modern features
"With Windows 10, we offer our customers the highest level of security and functionality at the cutting edge. At the same time, customers change as easily as ever, "says Nitschke. For example, Windows 10 comes with a number of built-in security features that are not compatible with older versions: Windows Hello allows secure biometric logging to the computer via fingerprint, facial or iris recognition - without having to enter a password. With Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, companies will receive a state-of-the-art "machine-learning" post-breach solution that detects behavioral patterns and gives enterprises the ability to quickly detect, examine, and eliminate complex attacks or data leaks across the network. With Windows Information Protection, organizations protect themselves against accidental information loss by means of targeted data separation. Customers also benefit from the Windows Store for Business , which enables the central purchasing, administration, and distribution of Windows Store Apps within the enterprise.
Thanks to the new principle of "Windows as a Service", Windows 10 is always up-to-date and secure: the upcoming Creators Update Windows 10 will be enhanced with intelligent security and efficient administrative functions this spring. In addition to state-of-the-art security features, Windows 10 provides enterprise IT with a more flexible management and simplified deployment. For example, more than 96 percent of business customers worldwide evaluate Windows 10.
At the same time, all customers benefit from a multitude of new functions: from the personal digital assistant Cortana , through the touch control, including digital pencil input via Windows Ink to the energy- efficient Microsoft Edge browser. In addition, the upcoming Creators Update brings exciting technologies such as 3D, mixed reality and comprehensive new features for gamers on Windows 10 devices.
For more details on the life cycles of the different Windows versions, visit
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/lifecycle . Business customers will find detailed information on this website . Interested corporate customers can also test Windows 10 Enterprise under this link for a period of 90 days.
