India, April 14, 2014: Canara Bank, one of India’s largest and oldest state-owned banks, has completely migrated from Windows XP, moving around 33,000 PCs to modern versions of Windows operating system. Realizing the potential security vulnerabilities and monetary hazards of staying on Windows XP after the end of support, the bank switched to modern Windows before support ended on April 8.
Though security was the biggest reason for the switch over, other reasons that contributed to the decision included unavailability of drivers for external devices like printers, scanners and biometric machines if they remained on XP.
Until a month ago about 35 per cent of PCs in BFSI sector were on Windows XP, a huge number considering this sector is amongst the most vulnerable. Realizing the seriousness of the issue, industry associations representing the BFSI sector like Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and even the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had sent out advisories recommending immediate migration from Windows XP highlighting various security threats.
“We want to ensure smooth and streamlined customer experience without any stoppage in day-to-day banking operations. In addition, by migrating our entire base of around 33,000 PCs to modern Windows, we have overcome potential challenges of compatibility with modern hardware, software and applications. The upgrade will also allow our employees for transition to modern applications leveraging latest work processes and mobility,” said RK Dubey, Chairman, Canara Bank.
“Running unsupported technology especially in the BFSI sector carries huge risk. Canara Bank is amongst the progressive PSU banks in India that have taken the decision to move off Windows XP. They understand how debilitating and damaging the security breaches can be after support ends. We urge all businesses to complete their migration immediately, if they haven’t already,” said Karan Bajwa, Managing Director, Microsoft India.
Migration from Windows XP to a modern Windows OS provides better security, support, features, enhanced user experience, on-the-go data protection, better desktop auditing and quick-and-easy file recovery. In addition to the newer version of Windows, Canara Bank also uses various other Microsoft products like Exchange 2010 (email), SCCM 2007 R2 (patch management system) for desktop monitoring and management and Office 2013.
About Canara Bank:
Widely known for customer centricity, Canara Bank was founded by Shri Ammembal Subba Rao Pai, a great visionary and philanthropist, in July 1906, at Mangalore, then a small port town in Karnataka. The Bank has gone through the various phases of over hundred years of its existence. Growth of Canara Bank was phenomenal, especially after nationalization in the year 1969, attaining the status of a national level player in terms of geographical reach and clientele segments. Eighties was characterized by business diversification for the Bank. In June 2006, the Bank completed a century of operation in the Indian banking industry. The eventful journey of the Bank has been characterized by several memorable milestones. Today, Canara Bank occupies a premier position in the comity of Indian banks. With an unbroken record of profits since its inception, Canara Bank has several firsts to its credit.
About Microsoft India:
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft set up its India operations in 1990. Today, Microsoft entities in India have over 6,000 employees, engaged in sales and marketing, research and development and customer services and support, across nine Indian cities – Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune. Microsoft is committed to touching and transforming lives and businesses in India through technology.
