What to do about Windows?

What to do about Windows? The system IT loves to hate has long been the target of slings and arrows of outrageous abuse heaped by end-users, developers, network administrators, and security people for years. Windows ME, Vista have long been punch lines for those in the IT crowd –only to be superceded by Windows Ate. As in Windows Ate Windows 9 – Windows Ate my network – Windows Ate my demo – you get the idea. Regardless of what any of us may think of Windows technology, versions, etc. the fact remains that the enterprise still runs on Windows – servers, desktops, and notebooks all largely run at least one variant of the venerable OS – while many organizations run multiple versions (XP still maintains close to 20% market share! Not a bad trick for a dead OS!)

The latest indignity thrown Microsoft’s way is the Home Depot data breach (release). As you may know, there was yet another breach at a major US retailer – this time Home Depot where 56 million credit card numbers and 53 million email addresses were stolen. Now, what did this titan of American DIY retail do in the face of such an outrageous failure of its security policies? Blame Windows and then purchase all its executive shiny new Macs and iPhones. HUH?

We at Moka5 clearly understand the security issues inherent in running Windows in remote, distributed, high transaction environments. And, clearly the breach happened in just such an environment – a Point of Sale system running an older version of embedded Windows – but to then run out and buy new toys for their execs because – that’s where all that sensitive data resides? That’s keeping it real guys. How about updating the POS terminals for instance? While our lawyers tell me I can’t say with certainty that if they had containerized their Windows environment using our containers they could have avoided this mess, we can say that our containers significantly increase the security, manageability, and end-user productivity quotient of Windows workspaces across multiple platforms. So let’s stop drinking the Windows Haterade and start looking at reality – the World still runs on Windows – and Windows needs something to protect it from itself. Seems like Moka5 is a great place to start.

Learn more about our powerful containerization solutions for Windows by downloading the below whitepaper:

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