Cloud Services | Cyber Security | IT Support

Why Now Is the Time to Strengthen IT Resilience

Staying ahead of technological changes is crucial for maintaining smooth operations and ensuring long-term success for your business. As an IT company, we’re no strangers to change. Technology advances at breakneck speed constantly, and our team keeps ahead of changes to provide the best service for our clients. With this in mind, we want to highlight two events that could impact your business.

October 2025: Windows 10 End-of-Life (EOL)
December 2027: Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off

These upcoming events have the potential to severely disrupt your business operations and highlight the need to strengthen IT resilience.

But why now, and what steps should you take to prepare?

Windows 10 End-Of-Life

In just over a year, support for Windows 10 will end. Post-October 2025, businesses using Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates or technical support. This exposes systems to increased cybersecurity risks, such as vulnerabilities to new malware and ransomware attacks.

Consider the potential impact on your operations: Downtime and recovery costs can be astronomical if your systems are compromised. Updating to a supported operating system like Windows 11 ensures continued support and leverages the latest features and security enhancements, providing a more robust IT infrastructure.

The PSTN Switch-Off: A Major Shift in Communication

Traditional PSTN, ISDN and analogue services, which many businesses still rely on for phone services, will be switched off. The deadline has recently been extended from December 2025 to December 2027. This shift is part of a broader move towards modern, internet-based communication systems. While this change promises improved efficiency and reduced costs in the long run, it also necessitates a significant overhaul of existing communication infrastructure.

Imagine your business without phone services: Communication breakdowns can halt operations, affecting customer service and internal coordination. Transitioning to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) or other digital communication solutions now will give your business ample time to adapt and ensure uninterrupted service when the switch-off occurs.

Steps to Strengthen IT Resilience

Assess and Upgrade Your Systems

Conduct an IT audit to identify systems and software that need updating or replacing.
Plan for a phased upgrade to Windows 11, ensuring compatibility and training for your team.

Enhance Cybersecurity Measures

Implement robust antivirus and anti-malware solutions.
Regularly update all software and systems to patch vulnerabilities.
Train staff on cybersecurity best practices to mitigate risks from human error.

Transition to Modern Communication Systems

Evaluate VoIP providers and choose a solution that fits your business needs.
Invest in high-quality internet infrastructure to support digital communications.
Train employees on using new communication tools effectively.

Develop a Comprehensive IT Resilience Plan

Outline procedures for regular backups and data recovery.
Create a business continuity plan to address potential IT disruptions.
Test your resilience plan regularly to ensure it works effectively.

Benefits of Proactive IT Resilience

Reduced Downtime: By upgrading systems and enhancing cybersecurity, businesses can minimise operational disruptions, ensuring continuous service delivery.

Cost Savings: While initial investments in new systems and training can be significant, the long-term savings from reduced maintenance costs and improved efficiency are substantial.

Improved Productivity: Modern systems and communication tools can boost employee productivity by providing faster, more reliable access to information and resources.

Enhanced Security: Staying ahead of cyber threats with up-to-date systems and robust security measures can protect your business from potentially devastating data breaches.

Act Now, Benefit Later

Waiting until the last minute to address these impending changes can leave your business vulnerable and unprepared. Take proactive steps now to ensure your business is ready for the end of Windows 10 and the PSTN switch-off.

Investing in IT resilience today will pay dividends tomorrow, providing peace of mind and a solid foundation for future growth. Don’t wait for the wave to crash—strengthen your IT resilience now and navigate these changes with confidence.

Join Our Webinar: Beat IT Headaches

If you’d like to learn more about strengthening your IT resilience, why not join us on 30th July at 12.30pm for a relaxed discussion on what you need to consider to remain resilient when technology changes?

Our webinar, “Beat IT Headaches with SoConnect”, will cover: