CNC Newsletter Issue 1 2020

Welcome to our first newsletter of 2020. We hope your new year has got off to a great start!

This month we update you on the recent, significant changes in telephony. The way telephone systems work is changing massively. Your business could reap major benefits from moving to a modern telephone system.

And a reminder of the dangers of ignoring those Microsoft warnings, as they withdraw support for many of their older operating systems. If your business is still using Windows 7, Server 2008 or Exchange 2010 you MUST read the article below.

If you would like more information about the new telephony or Microsoft’s withdrawal of support, do get in touch on 01273 384100 or email us at sales@cnc-ltd.co.uk.

Big Changes in Telephone Technology!

BT Openreach has announced they will be switching off traditional copper & ISDN phone circuits by the end of 2025. This will affect you if your telephone system still uses these technologies.

BT Openreach has two target milestones:

1. From 2020 all PSTN and ISDN voice services will go “End of Sale.” You will no longer be able to order ISDN services. So, if you have plans to move office you will need to upgrade your telephone system.
2. From 2025 the PSTN and ISDN voice networks will be switched off.

Existing copper phone lines will only be used for broadband connections.

ISDN and PSTN are being phased out due to the high maintenance costs involved in maintaining the network and BT exchanges.

BT Openreach has rolled out a nationwide superfast fibre internet. This provides an Internet Protocol network so that telephone systems can now use VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) technologies instead.

Voice over Internet Protocol - VOIP

VOIP systems use the internet to make and receive calls. Now that the fibre infrastructure is widely available, VOIP has become the most reliable and affordable way for small and medium-sized businesses to operate their own telephone system. This means that internet-based solutions are replacing the traditional On-Premise PBX phone system for businesses.

Session Initiation Protocol - SIP

SIP provides even more flexibility and functionality than VOIP, offering real-time sessions for video and messaging, as well as voice.

SIP uses a phone line which is carried over your fibre internet connection, removing the need for an ISDN phone line.

A SIP cloud phone system, or hosted PBX as it's also known, has many advantages over traditional phone systems. Features include:

• Call recording
• Call monitoring
• Video calls
• Conference calls
• Interactive voice response (or IVR) – automating your call handling
• There's even a fax to email service for those occasions when only a fax will do!

We are happy to discuss these options with you and to give you a demonstration. Please don’t hesitate to contact us on on 01273 384100 or email us at sales@cnc-ltd.co.uk.

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The Dangers of Continuing to Use Microsoft’s Older Operating Systems - Windows 7, Server 2008 and Exchange 2010

Following on from previous notifications, this is a final reminder of the changes announced by Microsoft regarding their support for key workstation and server operating systems.

Support for Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 and Exchange 2010 ended on 14th January 2020. Customers who continue to use these systems need to be preparing for their retirement and upgrade NOW!

What changed on 14th January 2020?

Prior to January 14th these platforms were in extended support, so they continued to receive regular, security related updates. These updates specifically addressed weaknesses in security or possible exploitation by rogue code. Since 14th January 2020, no such updates will be available.

What this means for businesses still using these Microsoft products

Continued use of these products exposes your business to risk from a wide variety of sources.

These include exploitation by viruses, malware or other malicious software. In addition, now the deadline has passed, it is highly likely that application software vendors will stop offering support for their applications on these older platforms. This could leave you with systems which cannot be recovered quickly, in the event of failure. Resulting in extended downtime and potentially significant costs.

Also, if you continue to operate systems beyond the termination of extended support your business may no longer meet regulatory compliance requirements. For example, Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards for financial transactions, Cyber Insurance, ISO 27001, and Cyber Essentials.

If this is something you need help with, then please speak to CNC. We will help you identify what systems are at risk and what your options are, and advise you of the upgrade costs.

If you have any questions, please call us. Now the deadline has been reached it is VERY IMPORTANT that you take appropriate action NOW. Otherwise you are putting your business at significant risk.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this newsletter and that it has helped you understand recent changes in telephone technology and Microsoft product support.

If you would like to talk through any of the IT needs of your business do get in touch for a no-obligation chat. Call us on 01273 384100 or email us at sales@cnc-ltd.co.uk.

And do let us have any feedback on the newsletter. And any ideas for future articles. We love to hear from you!

To contact us please call us on 01273 384100 or email us at sales@cnc-ltd.co.uk.

Computer & Network Consultants Ltd, CNC House, Lady Bee Enterprise Centre, Albion Street, Southwick, Brighton, BN42 4BW