Network Velocity » Finances

Windows XP and Office 2003 reach end of Microsoft lifecycle

Stuart — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:39:23 +0000

Microsoft has confirmed that they will be ending mainstream support for Windows XP and Office 2003 on April 14. The end of mainstream support means that Microsoft will no longer provide bug fixes or service packs for these products. Microsoft will continue to provide security updates through the year 2014, but only if Microsoft deems the flaw to be critical. Windows Server 2003, which is the basis of many company networks, is also approaching the end of mainstream support in Microsoft’s software lifecycle.

Microsoft plans to launch the next version of Windows (named Windows 7 while in beta) in early 2010. Windows Server 2008 was released last year.

Where does this move leave small businesses that run Microsoft Software? There are two choices: budget for licensing upgrade fees for Microsoft Office or consider Microsoft alternatives. Network Velocity is recommending every client give Google Apps serious consideration. Google Apps is now a viable alternative to Microsoft Office for small to medium sized businesses.

For more information on how the end of support for Microsoft products may affect your business or to learn about Google Apps as an alternative please contact us at 858-270-3595.

Study cites 44% productivity increase for dual monitor users

Stuart — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:49:00 +0000

A recent study at the University of Utah found “people who used two 20-inch monitors were 44 percent more productive at certain text-editing operations than people using a single 18-inch monitor.”

While the real world impact of using two monitors over a single monitor may vary by user and task, there is no denying that today’s multi-tasking workforce stands to benefit from a multi-monitor setup.

Think about the impact of this study. A potential increase in productivity from an investment of ~$500 per employee. Even if the numbers from the study are off and there is a relatively minor gain in productivity that is still money well spent….even in lean times! The full article as published in the Wall Street Journal is available here.

For comparison, below is of one of our Engineer’s desktops at work. Two 24″ monitors in use, one oriented vertically and the other horizontally allowing the simultaneous viewing of four applications. (Click image for bigger version)

2008 Economic Stimulus Act Provides Tax Benefits to Businesses

Stuart — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:13:24 +0000

The IRS passed legislation in 2008 which allows for businesses to claim higher expenses than in previous years. From the IRS web site:

Under the new law, a qualifying business can expense up to $250,000 of section 179 property purchased by the taxpayer in a tax year beginning in 2008. Absent this legislation, the 2008 expensing limit for section 179 property would have been $128,000. The $250,000 amount provided under the new law is reduced if the cost of all section 179 property placed in service by the taxpayer during the tax year exceeds $800,000.

We encourage all buisnesses to evaluate this information for their own needs. This a great opporutnity to expense any end of the year IT projects in 2008!