The countdown has begun. You may have heard about it and are making plans. Or maybe you have heard about it but are not sure what to do. Or quite possibly this is all news to you.
On April 8, 2014 Microsoft has plans to retire their support services of its most widely-used operating system (OS), Windows XP. While showing a decline of users the OS is still widely used on approximately 30% of all PCs worldwide. If you are in that 30% what does that mean to you?
With the end of support for Windows XP scheduled for April 8th, 2014, SCSI based products such as older Cannon or Minolta microfilm reader/printer will become a support issue for IT departments. After April 8, 2014, technical assistance for Windows XP will no longer be available, including automatic updates that help protect your PC. It is your choice to continue to use Windows XP, but your computer will become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.
Now that the end of XP is on the horizon, support for older Cannon or Minolta microfilm reader/printers tied to Windows XP PCs using SCSI interfaces will most likely end. At that point your network will be vulnerable because of these Windows XP systems.
Another problem that you might find is your equipment does not function properly. It is unlikely that ISVs (Independent Software Vendors) will support or create new versions of software for products running on Windows XP.
Older Cannon and Minolta microfilm reader/printer systems are more expensive to maintain and more difficult to find parts and supplies for. With these added costs plus the security risks should give you a significant reason to consider moving to a new digital ST ViewScan II System.
Cannon and Minolta Microfilm reader/printers that have been known to link to Windows XP:
Canon
MS 300
MS 350
MS 800
Minolta
MS 2000
MS 6000
MS 7000
MS 3000
