It’s been only a little over a month since Microsoft pulled the plug on Windows XP support, and already we’re seeing a security flaw in Internet Explorer. The vulnerability, discovered only a few weeks after Microsoft made its move April 8, is so serious that the Department of Homeland Security advised users to stop using it until the bug was resolved. Windows XP is incredibly vulnerable right now, especially with the discontinued support for the OS still fresh in the minds of business owners everywhere.

Combined, these two issues pose a very serious problem for businesses still operating Windows XP (and research shows that about 30 percent of businesses still do). You need a plan of action for the unexpected or for when the rug gets pulled out from under you. Those still operating Windows XP will need to upgrade their operating systems to a newer version, like Windows 8.1. But it’s not so simple when you’re left wondering what that means for the applications you currently run on XP.

There are questions that need to be answered and decisions that need to be made—and fast. A managed service provider is favored by many for this exact reason. You can rest assured knowing that a dedicated IT team is walking alongside your company every step of the way to ensure business continuity. Business owners are constantly challenged with how to best allocate their IT spend—especially smaller companies working with less resources—but a managed IT service provider is a smart choice.

If you’ve been on the hunt for a managed service provider in Stamford, CT, contact Apex Technology Services to see how we can help.