There has been a big shift in Microsoft’s approach of providing Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for its customers. Now, in addition to large business establishments, small-and-midsize businesses (SMBs) will also get an option to purchase ESUs. Moreover, they can choose to extend Windows 7 support for 3 years, although at some cost.
Windows 7 Support extended by 3 years for businesses of any size
Microsoft has announced that the support for ESUs for small-and-midsize businesses (SMBs) can be extended up to three years by purchasing them from qualified Cloud Solution Provider partners. Before this, Windows 7 ESUs were only available to Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Enterprise customers with volume licensing arrangements. It is important to note that the service will be rolled out on a per-device base rather than a per-user base and the price per device will depend on the year and edition of Windows 7. The price of support starts at $50 per user and year and double every following year. Consequently, the businesses will have to pay $100 and then, $200 in the upcoming years..
Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft 365 wrote,
Starting on December 1, 2019, businesses of any size with Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Enterprise will be able to purchase ESU through the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program. The Windows 7 ESU will be sold on a per-device basis and the price will increase each year. Solidify your role as a trusted advisor as you work with your customers to ensure they get the security they need while they make their way to Windows 10.
Microsoft understands that businesses users need to be secure from evolving threats. As such, the company has agreed to continue to provide critical and security updates for systems still running Windows 7. having said that, every product has a life-cycle but despite Microsoft’s relentless insistence on users to switch to the latest version of Windows – Windows 10, plenty continue to hold out to Windows 7. As such, the company has to continue providing hefty patches for security vulnerabilities to keep the operating system secure as much as possible.
Will this move help Microsoft to stay ahead of the curve? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
