If your business still uses Windows XP as its operating system, it may be time to look into upgrading to Windows 7. According to Microsoft, all support for Windows XP will end on April 8, 2014.

Windows XP closed out 2011 with 46% of market share, followed by Windows 7 with 37% and Vista with 9%. Even though Windows XP still had the highest market share, it has declined in 2011 as companies migrate to Windows 7 which grew 13% since February 2011. Windows XP just celebrated its 10th anniversary and Microsoft says 10 years is a long time to have the same old technology.

So what will this mean for your business if you’re still running Windows XP? It means you will have to upgrade to Windows 7 or even Windows 8 (when it is released). The upgrade will require some time and money but in the end, Windows 7’s performance outweighs the inconvenience. Plus, Microsoft built in a Windows XP mode into Windows 7 that makes the transition easier.

Upgrading to Windows 7 has its advantages. Besides being more user-friendly, it can help improve security. The National Security Agency (U.S. government) released a document last April that said, “Both Windows 7 and Vista provide substantial security enhancements over earlier Windows workstation operating systems such as XP.”

A survey of tech professionals, conducted by InformationWeek, showed that many businesses are holding out for Windows 8 instead of upgrading to Windows 7, which is being released this year.

If you're wondering what the best course of action is for your business, call Prophet Business Group and ask for a consultation.