As the new year kicks off, it’s the perfect opportunity to evaluate your company IT strategy and ensure your business is ready for the challenges and opportunities of 2025. Here are the key steps to help your business thrive in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
1. Review Your IT Spend
With rising costs and recent budget announcements, now is the time to assess your current IT expenditures. Are you getting value for money? Hiring full-time IT staff can be expensive, especially compared to outsourcing to an experienced Managed Service Provider (MSP).
At Ask4Support, we provide IT support on a retainer basis, giving you access to skilled professionals who focus solely on keeping your systems secure, efficient, and running smoothly. Alongside ongoing support, we offer strategic advice and quarterly reviews to keep your IT aligned with your business goals.
Using advanced business tools, we provide insights into your IT infrastructure and spending, helping identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements. Our comprehensive reporting ensures a clear overview of your systems and informs recommendations tailored to boost productivity.
2. Prepare for Windows 10 End-of-Life
Mark your calendars: as of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10. This means no more security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance. While your devices may still function, staying on an unsupported operating system significantly increases your risk of cyberattacks, compliance violations, and software incompatibilities.
Transitioning to Windows 11 or exploring alternative operating systems is critical. Upgrading provides enhanced security, better performance, and access to modern tools. Ask4Support can guide you through a smooth migration process, from auditing your devices to implementing a phased rollout. Being proactive now can save you from costly downtime, compliance risks, and data breaches.
At Ask4Support, we offer refurbished replacements as a cost-effective option. However, demand will rise, stock will drop, and prices are likely to increase as October approaches – so act now to secure yours!
3. Anticipate Microsoft 365 Price Changes
Effective April 1, 2025, Microsoft will increase prices by 5% for all Microsoft 365 licenses. This change affects monthly billing plans for annual subscriptions, aiming to align pricing across purchasing platforms. To mitigate the impact, review your current subscriptions and identify any plans on monthly billing terms. Committing to a further 12 months before the end of March 2025 means you will take advantage of the Microsoft discounts and avoid the price increases in April 2025 for at least another year.
Coordinate with your IT team or Ask4Support to ensure a seamless transition. We can provide detailed quotes and guidance to help you optimise your licensing strategy.
4. Bolster Cybersecurity
In today’s digital-first world, robust cybersecurity measures are essential. Start with the basics: antivirus software and multifactor authentication (MFA). Tools like LastPass can also protect your passwords with secure, encrypted storage.
For advanced protection, Ask4Support offers solutions such as XDR (Extended Detection and Response) and Security Operations Centre (SOC) services for real-time threat detection and response. With SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), we monitor and log activity to detect vulnerabilities and provide actionable insights. Penetration testing and Cyber Essentials Certification guidance further bolster your defences and support regulatory compliance.
5. Explore the Potential of AI
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way businesses operate, offering incredible opportunities to enhance productivity and streamline processes. At Ask4Support, we help you embrace AI with confidence through our Copilot readiness assessments. These checks ensure AI features are implemented securely and efficiently, safeguarding your sensitive data. We can also provide demos to demonstrate how AI tools can integrate seamlessly into your workflows, improving everything from productivity to customer engagement.
AI’s potential within CRM systems is particularly impressive, with features like tone of voice analysis and complaint handling triage now a reality. However, automated services rely on expert implementation to function effectively. That’s where we come in. Our AI readiness checks identify potential risks and challenges, ensuring your business is prepared to benefit from AI without disruption. Let us guide you in taking your first steps towards an AI-driven future.
Get help with your company IT this year
Getting IT ready for 2025 doesn’t have to be daunting. From proactive upgrades and cost management to cutting-edge cybersecurity and AI readiness, Ask4Support is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to start planning for a successful year ahead.
