Many companies and institutions still use Windows XP for their system networks. Unfortunately, Microsoft service support for XP will end completely in 2014, which is no doubt causing many companies to figure out what they should do. I have done research and found several possibilities:
1. Switch to Linux
Open source software deployment in governments across the world is gaining momentum purportedly to enhance universal access, reduce costs associated with commercial software bridge the digital divide, grow indigenous IT skills, etc. Botswana and South Africa are the economic frontline states in Africa, and their leadership role in this matter among counterparts on the African continent is pertinent (Stephen Mutula, 2010).
Companies all over the world are switching over to free open source software. In just a few years, Linux has grown from a student/hacker playground to an upstart challenger in the server market to a well-respected system taking its rightful place in the educational and corporate networks. A freely redistributable clone of the Unix operating system, Linux is turning up everywhere. People use it for web servers, file servers, and workstations instead of – or alongside - systems from traditional Unix vendors as well as Windows NT. In addition to its role in large networks(Siever, 2000). The Linux Ubuntu OS is cool and very popular with the youth (and it is free!). Linux may not be in the mainstream just yet, but many are confident that Linux will continue to gain momentum.
2. Upgrade to Windows 7 or Windows 8
Linux systems software is free, but Windows is well known and trusted. Both types of operating systems are good, each having its own set of strengths and weaknesses, and each have a loyal user base. With the release of yet another new version of Windows, the question is being asked again - "Should our company switch to the new Windows?"
Many companies are still using Windows XP and will need to upgrade soon before the customer support ends. But why pay lots of money for Windows upgrades when a Linux upgrade is free? The past few years have been hard financially for everybody. Company savings of hundreds to even thousands of dollars makes perfect sense.
Upgrading a new Windows version over the dinosaur XP brings a sense of security knowing that their files and software that they ran on the old operating system will continue to work on the new operating system - compatibility. Plus, most of the software and hardware around us is designed for Windows, and that gives it a huge advantage. (Kingsley-Hughes, 2012)
Windows has always had better customer service support although you can now pay for Linux support. Not too many years ago Linux customer service was handled primarily within web communities and websites. If you had software problems you posted on a Linux community page. But you were not guaranteed a quick answer or even an answer at all. However, Linux has come a long way and is ever improving.
3. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
And last but not least, you can turn your workplace into a virtual office.Virtual desktop infrastructure uses server hardware to run desktop operating systems and applications in a personal machine. Users access the virtual desktops on their existing PCs. This arrangement eliminates the need for workstation upgrades, and lets a user switch between operating environments (Windows XP and Windows 7). VDI renders administrative and management tasks much easier, as users of each attached PC use the same image. (Harbaugh, 2012)
References:
Harbaugh, L. (2012). The pros and cons of using virtual desktop infrastructure. PC World , p. 32.
Kingsley-Hughes, A. (2012, June 25). Windows 8 downfall still doesn't give Linux a chance. Retrieved September 02, 2012, from ZDnet: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/windows-8s-downfall-still-doesnt-give-linux-a-chance/20975
Siever, E. S. (2000). Linux in a Nutshell (3rd ed.). Sebastopol: O' Reilly & Associates.
Mutula, S. & T. Kalaote (2010). Open source software deployment in the public sector: a review of Botswana and South Africa. Library Hi Tech, Vol 28 Iss: 1 , 63 - 80.
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