IT SYSTEMS AT RISK AS MICROSOFT PULLS PLUG ON ‘NT’

Withdrawal Of Security Patches Will Pose Problems For SMEs Warns ramsac
Date: 04.08.04

ramsac, a leading IT solutions provider, is warning SMEs to consider the security implications of Microsoft’s decision to pull the plug on its NT operating system. From January 1st 2005, the software giant will stop issuing vital security patches and software updates for the popular business platform.

According to research, nearly 80 percent of UK companies are using Windows NT within their infrastructure, many as their main operating system. Robert May, Managing Director at ramsac, believes this will leave hundreds of thousands of users, many of them SMEs, at serious risk from new viruses, attacks from malicious hackers and conflicts with next generation software.

“ Few companies can afford to have unsupported software underpinning their entire IT infrastructure,” says May. “Microsoft’s decision effectively forces firms to upgrade while leaving IT systems at short term risk from security threats and other IT issues.”

May cites last month’s Microsoft security update - regarding the Internet Explorer web browser which was found to be at risk from a malicious bug that gave remote computers control over infected machines - as an example of potential problems to come. Microsoft classed the security patch for this problem as ‘critical’ (the highest level) and urged all users of its MS operating systems, including NT, to download the patch immediately.

“ From New Year’s Day next year, NT users will be left wide open to these sorts of attack,” adds May. “Despite the risks, many companies including SMEs will be forced to keep running NT because of the costs involved in moving to a new system. These businesses need advice on what steps they can take to keep IT systems safe and reliable while they plan a move to a more up-to-date platform, which in the majority of cases will be Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP Pro.”
While May isn’t critical of Microsoft’s decision to withdraw NT – having given plenty of warning about its decision – he believes that companies are in no way prepared for the technology upheaval. Many senior decision makers have taken the stance of continuing to use NT as they feel it works well without understanding the business risks.

“ We don’t blame Microsoft for wanting to move customers on from older products,” adds May. “But ramsac believes that many companies have not made provision within their IT strategy and are currently unaware of the impending potential problems."

May is also keen to draw attention to BS7799, an international security standard that obliges companies to only use software that is supported by the vendor. While of little concern to SMEs, May believes that many larger companies, especially UK financial institutions and manufacturers, will be unaware that their current IT systems contravene the world’s most widely known security standard.

ramsac is offering a free ‘NT-Audit’ to companies currently running the software. For more information please contact ramsac on 0870 756 9001 or e-mail info@ramsac.com

Note to editors:
The shelving of NT began back in 2002 when Windows NT Server 4.0 was withdrawn for sale through partners with direct sales following in 2003. From January 1st 2005, all effective support for the product will be withdrawn, though users who purchased updates (called service packs) will still be offered limited help according to the terms of their software license.

About ramsac
ramsac is an IT consultancy advising businesses nationwide on technology policies, strategic planning, networking purchasing and support. Founded in 1991, ramsac provides a wide range of outsourced IT services to companies, charities and the public sector. Its suite of solutions include helpdesk support, network health checks, on-site engineering, security audits, project management, IT human resources, support and technology migration planning and implementation. ramsac is committed to providing excellence in customer service and is proud to maintain 93% client retention rate. ramsac is an ISO 9001 Quality Approved firm, a Microsoft Certified Partner and an accredited "Investor in People."

Editorial Contacts
Paul Wooding / Natalie Johnson
MCC International
T: 01962 888 100
F: 01962 888 521
E: ramsac@mccint.com