Microsoft ended support for Windows 14 on January 2020, 7. For all customers with Windows 7 PCs, this means that since that day there have been no more software updates or free security updates from Microsoft.
The extended support for the office software Office 2010 also ended at this point. Business customers who want to switch to Windows 10 can find comprehensive information on this website.
While Microsoft offers long lead times for upgrades, it has been learned that business customers can take longer to make the transition. Microsoft supports corporate customers and authorities when making the switch with targeted assistance and suitable offers so that they can safely switch to Windows 10 even after the end of support for the ten-year-old operating system: This includes desktop virtualization via Windows Virtual Desktop, with extended security Updates for three years, the option of purchasing extended security updates separately for up to three years a year, or professional services such as FastTrack for a quick and secure transition to the cloud.
Microsoft supports corporate customers in making the switch
Specifically, the FastTrack service helps with the switch to the holistic, cloud-based software solution Microsoft 365 for the modern workplace with Windows 10, Office 365 as well as mobility and security management. The service provides corporate customers with helpful information so they can plan a quick and efficient deployment themselves - for example, instructions on how to provide services, migrate sensitive data or configure identity and security functions. The service also includes support for compatibility issues.
Corporate customers who have purchased at least 150 licenses receive free remote consultation via FastTrack. A team of specialists is made available to the customer, who accompanies and advises them during the change in defined phases, while IT professionals carry out the specific steps independently. The switch to cloud services takes place in standardized steps: As part of the planning phase, relevant solution scenarios are identified and an individually tailored action plan is drawn up. In the subsequent onboarding phase, these scenarios are implemented in a guided manner. With 500 or more licenses, Microsoft also supports corporate customers at no additional cost when migrating data from their e-mail infrastructure to Exchange Online or when moving file services to the cloud. In the value creation phase, it is finally jointly analyzed how the new services can be used efficiently and sustainably in the company.
With Fasttrack, Microsoft is helping companies migrate from old Windows and Office versions
The FastTrack range of services also includes, for example, support for the provision of the new Microsoft Edge browser for Windows 10 Enterprise customers with 150 or more workstations. Remote instructions include, among other things, a guide for making the browser available, instructions for configuring Microsoft Edge and information on using Internet Explorer mode.
FastTrack is a supplementary solution for companies that want to manage the change to a cloud infrastructure as independently, quickly and securely as possible - but it does not replace local support. If additional IT expertise is required on site for very extensive or complex projects, the customer can usefully supplement the remote offer by involving partners. Interested customers can use this link to contact the Inform about migration services from Fast Track.
Change as an opportunity to the modern desktop
Microsoft generally recommends that corporate customers switch to a modern desktop with Microsoft 365. As a holistic solution, it offers productivity tools as well as intelligent security and analysis functions in addition to the operating system. According to the modular principle, companies receive Office 365, Windows 10 and Enterprise Mobility + Security from a single source.
Microsoft 365 enables companies to have a uniform IT solution for the entire workplace: This includes improved access to information, tools for working together in teams, offers for the secure management of mobile devices - and, last but not least, the highest level of security through constant updates and intelligent tools.
More on this at Microsoft.com