The leading supplier of IT solutions, support and connectivity to the freight industry warns that shippers and freight forwarders need to act during the first half of this year to ensure that their IT systems are ready for the end of extended support for the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 Operating systems
Director of Albacore, Cliff Atkinson said:
“The end of Windows 7 support has been creeping towards us for a very long time now. Windows 7 has been a loyal servant to many Albacore customers and to businesses worldwide since its launch in 2009, but it’s now time to move things forward.
“What we know from preparing customers for the end of Windows XP support back in 2014 is that the global manufacturers of the hardware components and systems already know that the end of Windows 7 support is coming and that demand for their products will increase at the end of 2019.
“New Windows 10 ready hardware will bring advances in storage and CPU technology. Updated server technology, in particular the growth of virtual machines, allow for more cost-effective deployment of server hardware, and more modular IT systems, as well as opening the door to cost-effective disaster recovery solutions.
“Intel, the largest global player in CPU and chipset technologies, continues to report stock shortages of CPUs due to problems with delivering sufficient volumes of their latest CPU parts. This adds to the pressures on PC manufacturers and it will reflect adversely in the cost and specification of their systems during 2019.
“There are some simple ways forward here; all companies regardless of their size or their offerings should get their new systems installed and working by the end of Q2 2019 at the very latest to avoid the industry-wide rush and any price increases. Working with a technology partner who knows the industry and the specific requirements of the customer to deliver the new solution will certainly help. Also, there’s the Brexit grant scheme that’s now gaining momentum which can provide funding for new equipment.
“I think the key thing that decision makers need to have in their minds when signing off on IT improvements are the improved productivity and efficiency benefits to their employees, who are of course the most expensive resource in any business.”
