Extended Support for Office 2010 Ends in October, 2020
Microsoft is urging customers to remember that extended support for Office 2010 ends on October 13, 2020. Similar to Windows 7, which reached end of life in January 2020, Office 2010 will no longer receive security patches, bug fixes, and ongoing support. Although the end-of-support date may seem far away, it’s integral to start upgrading your environment now – before it’s too late. What do we mean by that? Well, any technology change is a big change for your entire team and many technology providers will book up fast as the end-of-support date gets closer. If you put off upgrading for too long, you may find yourself unable to find assistance on short notice.
What’s the Harm of Running Office 2010 Past the End-of-Support Date?
All software comes with a lifecycle. Typically, after a new version has been released, the old version will eventually be abandoned – meaning the manufacturer will no longer support it. When the manufacturer stops supporting it, they no longer provide security fixes, bug patches, and ongoing support. Those who continue running software that’s not supported face a range of security risks. In the case of Office 2010, you may find it continues to work well, but unfortunately, that won’t stop hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities in a range of ways. This may result in:
● Slow and/or lagging performance
● Theft of sensitive data
● Infections spreading through the network
● And much more
Ultimately, you’re risking more than simply not having access to the latest features and/or support. You’re leaving your computer at risk for dangerous malware that may spread throughout your network.
What Are Your Options for Migrating Away from Office 2010?
As the end-of-support date nears, it’s time to start exploring your options for alternatives. Here are two options:
- Office 365 ProPlus: The subscription version that is available with most Office 365 Enterprise Plans.
- Office 2019: A one-time purchase option that is available on a one computer per license basis.
What is the difference? Office 365 ProPlus is updated often with new features and capabilities whereas Office 2019 will include the same features as it did upon release in 2018. Before choosing an option, be sure to review your computers to ensure they meet the minimum system requirements. Your technology partner can help you assess your environment and objectives to see which option will work best for you.
What Do We Recommend?
Outsource IT Solutions Group highly recommends Office 365 ProPlus as you’re able to install the system on up to 5 devices, including PCs, Macs, and mobile devices. You will have full versions of:
● Excel
● PowerPoint
● Word
● Outlook
● OneNote
● Publisher
● Access
● Teams
Plus, you’re able to depend on built-in, cloud-powered security features designed to keep your data safe against unauthorized access and/or disclosure.
Outsource IT Solutions Group is here to help you plan out your migration away from Office 2010. Call us at (630) 701-3393 to get started.
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