Southern California is a business powerhouse, and it plays a fundamental role in the economic growth of the US as a whole. The Californian economy is the largest in the US, and the golden state boasts a diverse range of thriving industries. From agriculture and finance to education and technology, there are thousands of businesses in southern California looking to expand.

Accordingly, California businesses who choose not to stay up-to-date on critical software upgrades simply won’t be able to stand up against their competitors. There are major risks associated with failing to effectively maintain and update your IT, meaning the survival of your business will likely depend on regular IT maintenance and upgrades.

One of the most significant concerns for businesses in commercial California hubs such as Tustin or Irvine is the confirmation that Microsoft will no longer provide support for Windows 7 next year. Most importantly, as of January 14, 2020, Microsoft will end all security updates to the operating system, meaning any device running Windows 7 will be at high risk of a data breach.

If you own a company in southern California and you haven’t yet updated your operating system, now is the time to make the switch to Windows 10. Here are some of the main reasons an upgrade is critical for your business and what you can do to ensure a smooth Windows 10 rollout:

Experts Strongly Encourage the Upgrade to Keep Your Data Secure

Windows 10 offers an array of benefits for businesses, but the most critical reason to upgrade from Windows 7 is to ensure your systems and devices are protected. Once support for Windows 7 ends, Microsoft will no longer issue security updates, meaning that data will no longer be protected and systems will be exposed to threats. Both Microsoft experts and IT specialists alike agree that the best route to take is to upgrade to Windows 10 as soon as possible to avoid a costly data breach.

With the global cost of cybercrime expected to reach over $6 trillion by 2021, security should be a top priority for every Tustin company. Windows 10 provides the regular security upgrades and support businesses need to keep their data secure, and offers the added benefit of greater protection against newer, more sophisticated threats. Upgrading to Windows 10 now can save your company a lot of lost money and customer trust by keeping your data safe.

Legal Requirements

All Tustin businesses are advised to migrate to Windows 10, but this is an essential requirement for companies or organizations that are required to comply with HIPAA regulations, for example, medical offices. Windows 7 will no longer provide the features necessary to remain compliant with HIPAA guidelines, which means medical facilities still using the outdated OS could land in legal trouble and owe hefty non-compliance fines.

Further, other compliance regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley for the financial industry and AICPA for the accounting industry also require businesses to upgrade their systems to make sure client data remains secure. By upgrading to Windows 10, you ensure that your systems support features necessary to remain compliant and avoid a world of damage that can accompany a security breach.

Migrating from Windows 7 to Windows 10

The task of upgrading all your devices from Windows 7 to Windows 10 may seem daunting, but there are ways of navigating the process to make it easier and more manageable. When upgrading from one operating system to another, the aim is to make the transition as seamless as possible so that levels of efficiency and productivity don’t drop.

Here are a few steps you can take to make the process easier:

  • Start early. A software rollout, though fairly straightforward, can be a lengthy process. It’s important to start preparing to upgrade from Windows 7 as soon as possible to meet its end-of-life deadline.
  • Develop a strategy. It’s crucial to develop a plan for how and when each device will be upgraded. Take inventory of each device and prioritize which devices need to be upgraded first.
  • Perform the upgrade gradually. Test a few devices before performing the upgrade to predict potential challenges with the new operating system. Upgrade devices a few at a time instead of performing the upgrade all at once.
  • Communicate with staff members. Train your staff members on how to maximize use of Windows 10 features. This is also a good time to retrain your staff on cybersecurity awareness using the new OS.
  • Work with an IT company. A managed service provider in Tustin can complete each step of the software upgrade quickly and efficiently, ensuring your business can continue operating as usual without significant interruptions.

How SC Technology Solutions Can Help

The most secure way to make the transition to Windows 10 is to hire a reliable IT company such as SC Technology Solutions in Tustin. Our experienced teams can help you check your current devices and systems for Windows 10 compatibility and create and implement tailored migration plans that enable you to function as normal during the migration process. We understand the ins and outs of the process and can help save your business time, effort, money, and stress.

If your business needs help during your upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10, contact our team today.