Promoting its new version of Windows 10 software, Microsoft has claimed that the old version of the software including Windows 7 will fail to have latest security measures and other facilities besides it will in-occur an additional cost of Rs 93,500 per year to the owner.
Microsoft on Wednesday unveiled findings of a survey among SMEs in India, which show that SMEs using personal computers (PCs) that are over four years old are spending nearly Rs 93,500 per year on each such device.
The survey, carried-out by TechAisle, measures costs to SMEs due to repair, loss in productivity and security risks resulting from using old PCs. The survey also reveals that three or more modern PCs can be purchased at the cost of maintaining one PC which is older than four years. This survey was conducted among SMEs in Lucknow and 20 other cities in India.
Uttar Pradesh has over 89 lakh MSMEs, the highest in India, which collectively employ over 1.65 crore. These MSMEs account for nearly 60 per cent of the industrial output of the state, according to a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) report.
PCs are opening the gateway for higher efficiency in operations, improved workplace productivity and better growth for SMEs. However, once a PC becomes older than four years, its usage cost, in terms of repair, maintenance and lost productivity, rises manifold, as illustrated below.
Microsoft had already announced to scrap Windows 7 software from January 2020.
Microsoft India, Group Director – Devices Farhana Haque told reporters here on Wednesday that SMEs are increasingly looking at technology to make their operations more efficient and connect with new customers which in-turn is enabling faster business growth.
” Microsoft is working with PC manufacturers to introduce Windows 10 powered PCs that empower SMEs to address their key business needs, including increasing business productivity and having the employees use the latest technologies that seamlessly and securely supports the business applications they are using,” she said.
The Microsoft official said that over 30 per cent of the SMEs surveyed were found to be using PCs that were older than four years. The survey also found that SMEs hesitate in purchasing new PCs as they feel that the applications they are currently using might not work on an upgraded PC, and they don’t have funds for the purchase of new PCs. SME owners tend to focus often on short term costs, which in most cases is right, but at times it can lead to situations that cost more. Using PCs is one such area, as the cost of using older PCs requires more funds than purchasing new PCs.
The survey also found that SMEs who are using modern PCs have experienced better productivity, reduced costs, and enhanced security.
She claimed that the new PCs, with Windows 10 operating system, drive key business and IT functions for SMEs including higher productivity, intelligent security,simplified deployment and flexible management
However, the company admitted that in the country more than 61 per cent of PCs used in SMEs are still using older versions of Windows, according to the survey. Upgrading to a Windows 10 modern device offers experiences that are more safe, secure, productive and familiar.
