On April 10, 2012, Microsoft officially announced that as of April 8, 2014 they will end extended support for Windows XP and Office 2003, after which no new updates, hotfixes, patches or support will be issued.  “Since a security update will never become available for Windows XP to address these vulnerabilities, Windows XP will essentially have a “zero day” vulnerability forever” said Tim Rains from Microsoft.  Zero-day attacks are when attackers exploit a vulnerability before the developer is aware or can fix the problem.

Windows XP already has a notably higher infection rate than its successors Windows 7 and Windows 8.  Those preparing to continue using XP after the cut-off date, are going to be in a unpleasant situation trying to protect their intellectual property.   With Microsoft ending their support, the vendors for applications running on it will most likely end support.

Attackers will have the upper hand once Microsoft cuts off XP support and presumably will have more information than the defenders about system and application vulnerabilities.  Also, attackers will have the possibility of compromising the system and applications if they exploit the zero-day vulnerabilities.

For more information regarding Windows XP End of Life, click here.

According to NetMarketShare.com, Windows XP still has about 37 percent desktop operating system share as of June 2013.   Although it is the second most used operating system, Microsoft said that they will not be extending support for XP after April 8, 2014.

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Windows 8.1 will be released on October 17, 2013, followed by a full launch on October 18, 2013.  Although Windows 8.1 is not a “new” operating system, the major updates created for 8.1 have made the upgrade more than a simple service pack.

Enterprise Benefits:

1.  Mobility

Windows 8.1 benefits a wider range of employees to include a combination of productivity and mobility.  IT can manage Windows 8.1 devices, such as desktops, laptops, and tablets, with a universal management client.

2.  Tablets

Enabled hardware for Windows 8  offers the option to have a standard operating system for enterprises, but allow individual users to select their device, such as desktops, laptops, and tablets, and have a consistent interface across these devices. 

3.  Application Development

Streamlining Windows 8.1 allow developers to design applications that can work across devices, such as desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

4.  IT Support

To reduce the strain on IT resources for business mobility, standardizing on Windows 8.1 allows a majority of IT support to become simplified. 

5.  Total Savings

Standardizing on Windows 8.1 will reduce the cost for development, maintenance and support.  Also, reducing costs by eliminating licensing/support costs of a enterprise environment with varied devices.

6.  Restore Optimization

Windows 8.1 has the ability to restore factory settings for the operating system.  For all businesses, this is an advantage and a simple way to reduce costs and recover time for IT departments. 

7.  IT Operations

Windows 8.1 is a services pack for Windows 8 that includes new features, not just fixes.  Creating user documentation can be streamlined for Windows 8.1 for all applications.  Additionally, future service packs will follow in the footsteps of Windows 8.1 to include new features; then IT departments can frequently provide updates to user documentation.

8.  Reduced Confusion

To reduce user confusion, after a user joins to Windows Intune Management Service the user gains access to the Company Portal.  The company portal has access to the applications, data, and device settings.  Also, users can troubleshoot their own devices using the service desk self-help portal.

9.  Security

Microsoft is enhancing security with Windows 8.1 with Remote Business Data Removal and the new Internet Explorer.  Remote Business Data Removal provides control over encrypted data that can be wiped from any device.  The new Internet Explorer has Anti-Malware included to scan binary extensions to prevent infections.

10.  Education

Windows 8.1 offers an evaluation of current infrastructure, how to execute migrations plans and ways to educate users on how to use the new version.  Microsoft ends support for Windows XP on April 8, 2014, business should consider the option of upgrading to Windows 8.1. 

For more information regarding Windows 8.1 click here.

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Office 365 has recently improved the user interface as well as, the included social and communication features.  Outlook starts in the now-familiar three-pane view, but without the ribbon menus of the full Outlook 2013.  

Navigation pane is located on the left of the screen.  To create, rename, empty or delete folders can be done with a right-click on the specific folder.

Tasks can be accessed through the Task tab at the bottom of the Navigation Pane.  Using color-coordinated icons can easily categorize tasks.  Also, flagged e-mails will show up in the general task list.

The View Pane is located on the right side of the screen.  In the view pane there are options to Reply, Delete and more options (…).  Deleting, printing and creating simple rules are located in the ‘More Options’ drop down menu.  For full control of creating/editing rules, setting automated replies or creating retension policies select Options in the Settings menu.

Your IM status will show next to the account name at the top of the screen.  The IM that is offered as part of Outlook is different than Microsoft Lync.  Microsoft Lync is used for chat, audio/video chat and meetings with anyone, within or outside of your organization.

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Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) is permitting employees to bring personal devices (laptops, tablets, and smart phones) to their workplace, and use those devices to access company information and applications.

Create a Private App Store

Designing a private App Store provides the ability to manage custom and purchased apps.  Businesses can manage apps by pushing mandatory apps, approving recommended apps and blocking rouge or unrelated apps.

Policy Compliance

Policies ensure security, productivity, protection of resources and reduce risks.  Implementing a location-based service (LBS) such as Geo-Fencing and GPS will set limitations on access to data based on location.

Strong Security

There are many layers of security for a BYOD environment.  Device enrollment can be a one-time passcode and/or Active Directory credentials.  Applying user profiles will distribute policies, restrictions and Apps based on logical groups (department/location/device type).  Other types of security are tracking device locations, Remote Lock, Complete Wipe and Corporate Wipe.

Track Usage

Usage thresholds can be monitored based on talk, text, data and roaming for each user.  Setting up alerts and reports for misuse, excessive bandwidth, additional charges and security exposures will help track usage appropriately. 

Banning Rouge Devices

Compromised devices such as “jail broken” iPhone or a rooted Android should be restricted from accessing enterprise data and resources.  Compromised devices are susceptible to virus attacks.

For more information on Mobile Device Management

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Microsoft has always been key player in the Technology world.  In 2009, Microsoft released Windows 7, for many users it became the best operating system yet.  Not too long after the release of Windows 7, Microsoft predicted that “touch-screens” were the future of technology and focused all of their resources in one place.

On October 26, 2012, Microsoft released their Windows 8 OS and their first tablet, the Surface RT.  Shortly thereafter, on February 9, 2013, Microsoft released the second tablet, the Surface Pro.  For more information regarding the Surface RT or the Surface Pro, click here. 

“A Windows 8-based PC is really a new kind of device, one that scales from touch-only small screens through to large screens, with or without a keyboard and mouse,” said Julie Larson-Green from Microsoft.

Apple and Android touchscreen devices have been very successful because they are useful on-the-go.  Trying to compete with Apple and Android, Microsoft developed Windows 8, a touch-oriented OS.  Many desktop and laptop users have had problems adjusting to the new OS.   Also, the Surface Tablet users are having trouble adjusting to this device and OS because it is a touch-enabled laptop.  Using the touchscreen features on a laptop is not convenient and very uncomfortable.

How long will it take for Microsoft to regain its position in the technology world?

Apple, Inc. offers innovative products that continue to grow its customer base.  Testing new designs for current products is a consistent task for Apple, Inc.

“Apple has been slow to react to consumer desire for larger smartphone screens, [and] entry level price points on new phones,” said BGC Financial’s Colin Gillis. “Waiting and waiting, for the new products to launch, has become painful,” he wrote.

Currently, Apple is testing various sizes for iPhone and iPad screens.  Samsung has become the world’s largest smartphone maker because Samsung offers a variety of smartphones with display sizes that range up to 5.5-inches.   Continuing to compete with Samsung, Apple is testing for a 5-inch iPhone screen expected to be released in 2014.

A new tablet design is also being tested by Apple with a display that is a little less than 13-inches.  This would be a great addition to the iPad that has a 9.7-inch display and the iPad Mini that has a 7.8-inch display.

Lastly, Apple has been developing an iPhone that would be cheaper than the current iPhone.  According to many articles, the cheaper iPhone will be made from plastic instead of the traditional metal casing that will be available in different colors.

Apple, Inc. could climb back to the top of both smartphone and tablet sales by releasing a larger display for the iPhone/iPad and releasing an iPhone that is reasonably priced.

Hurricane season is from June 1 through November 30.  On October 29, 2012 the East Coast was hit with Hurricane Sandy.  Many businesses are still recovering and rebuilding from the largest Atlantic Hurricane on record.  Power outages, high winds and flooding affected many areas in New Jersey and New York.

The Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery hosted “Protect Your Business This Season” webinar.  

Below are five steps to protect your business before a disaster like Hurricane Sandy:

Evaluate Risks

All types of risks exist such as environmental disasters, organized disruption, loss of service, equipment failure and many more.  Assess your company building for risks (inside and outside).  Also, assess business losses during and after a disaster strikes.

Calculate the cost of interruption

Calculating for  “post-disaster”  consists of many different scenarios.  Creating a plan for up to six months of interruptions for your company.  Another major concern is to design a backup plan with secondary vendors in case all primary vendors cannot provide their specific services. 

Insurance Coverage

Consult with your agent and an insurance expert when buying insurance for your business.  Insurance policies vary, it is important to design a policy that best fits your needs.

Create a communication plan

Gather primary and secondary e-mail addresses for all employees, contractors, vendors and customers to put an e-mail alert system in place.  Businesses could also use Social Media to alert public before and after a disaster.

Telework Policy

If a disaster strikes, employees may not have the ability to travel to the office.  Setting up a Telework Policy will grant employees access to work from home.  This policy can be for all employees or specific employees.  

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