Why Is This Important for Engineering Leaders?
Security Risks
When Windows 10 support ends, your workstations will no longer receive regular security updates. For engineering firms in Salt Lake City, this is more than just an IT concern—it’s a business continuity issue. One ransomware attack on a Civil 3D model, Revit file, or CAD library could grind your projects to a halt and put millions in contracts at risk. At Qual IT, our managed IT services for Salt Lake City engineering firms ensure your systems remain secure and compliant with industry regulations like NIST and CMMC.
Software Compatibility
Your engineering workflows rely on software like AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, and project management tools such as Deltek or Procore. Once Windows 10 reaches its end of life, many of these programs will face compatibility issues, potentially crashing in the middle of a deadline-driven deliverable. Our IT services for engineering firms in Salt Lake City are designed to test your systems in advance and ensure seamless transitions so that your teams never lose a step.
Compliance Issues
Engineering firms often bid on government or infrastructure projects where compliance with cybersecurity standards is non-negotiable. Running outdated operating systems not only exposes you to data breaches but can also disqualify you from contracts. Our IT security solutions for Salt Lake City engineering firms give you the peace of mind that your environment is always audit-ready.
What Are Your Options?
Microsoft recommends migrating to Windows 11 before the October end-of-life date. The challenge? Not every engineering workstation running Windows 10 will meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements. If you attempt the upgrade and your system falls short, you’ll hit a hard stop.
If your devices aren’t compatible, here are your options:
- Invest in new engineering-grade workstations
- Enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU)
- Consider alternative operating systems like Linux (though engineering software compatibility is limited)
- Ignore the deadline and risk project delays, data loss, or compliance penalties (not recommended)
No matter which path you choose, back up your data first. Engineering firms in Salt Lake City can’t afford to lose CAD drawings, 3D models, or project plans. A proactive IT provider will make sure every file is secured before changes are made.
Extended Support for Windows 10
For firms not yet ready to migrate, Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates (ESU)—but it’s only a temporary fix. ESU will extend security coverage for just one year beyond the October deadline.
Enrollment costs $30 or requires 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, but you must act before October 14 to qualify. While this buys you time, it does not solve long-term compatibility or compliance concerns—critical for firms working on infrastructure and defense projects.
Our team at Qual IT can help Salt Lake City engineering firms evaluate whether ESU makes sense or if it’s time to strategically upgrade workstations and servers.
Navigating This Transition
The best way forward is to partner with an IT provider that understands the engineering world. From ensuring VPN stability for field teams to optimizing CAD file syncing across offices, downtime isn’t just inconvenient—it’s costly.
At Qual IT, we specialize in IT services for engineering firms in Salt Lake City. We’ll evaluate your current systems, create a phased upgrade plan, and ensure every project keeps moving without disruption.
If you’d like expert guidance through this transition, schedule your FREE Network Assessment today. During this session, we’ll map out your upgrade strategy and protect your firm from unnecessary risks.
Click here to book your free network assessment with Qual IT.
