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Small Businesses Aren’t Going To Have It Easy With The Nearing Expiration Of Windows 7

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After January 14, 2020, support for Windows 7 will have ended and Microsoft will be halting the operating system’s free security updates and bug fixes. The updates, however, will be available to those willing to spend for the privilege after expiration. This Windows 7 Extended Security Update (ESU) program will be running through January 2023 after its official launch on December 2 this year.

Back in September 2018, Microsoft announced the availability of the Windows 7 ESU program to its most valuable customers, that being mammoth corporations, government agencies with volume licensing subscriptions, medium-sized businesses, and educational institutions with Windows 10 Enterprise or Education subscriptions. In October 2019, Microsoft then extended this program to all business sizes.

Thing is, small businesses and large organizations with active volume licensing contracts can keep using Windows 7. For the latter, a Multiple Activation Key (MAK) from the Volume Licensing Service Center can be downloaded and registered by installing a few servicing stack updates and using a command-line tool. This should deploy ESU to Windows 7 devices. For the former, however, Windows 7 ESUs have to be purchased via one of Microsoft’s partners in the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program, and this is far more difficult than it appears to be.

If you’re like the majority to click on the official Microsoft website’s FAQs about Extended Security Updates for Windows 7, you will be presented with the Q&A below:

Who should I contact for more information about pricing and ordering for Windows 7 ESU?

VL customers: Please contact your Account Team CE for pricing and ordering information that is tailored to specific customer scenarios.

Customers who are interested in purchasing Windows 7 ESU in CSP should reach out to a CSP partner. You can find a qualified partner at this site.

Using the official link from the site, you will be taken to the Microsoft Solution Providers database where you will be asked to fill in your U.S. business location, the size of your workforce (one to nine employees), and, well, your “products, services, skills, industries, or organizations”. Indicating “Cloud Solution Provider” will bring you eight recommended consultancies with broad-based skill sets demanding high payouts for medium- and large-scale deployment and development tasks – a sure indication that they largely serve big guys with big bucks.

In Ed Bott’s experience, he chose the maximum of three providers, entered a description of what he needed, and provided his contact information before hitting ‘send’. Within 15 minutes, the response he received wasn’t what he hoped for because the “best match” for his request was apparently “unavailable”, followed by the same status for his “second-best match” 12 hours later.

After asking for help from two companies whom Bott already had an established reseller relationship with, a reply saying, “Unfortunately, you would need to reach out to a reseller to purchase this license. We’re not able to sell to an end user directly,” made it to his inbox hours later.

Bott has worked with Microsoft’s cloud partners in the past to know the process doesn’t follow a simple point-click-pay-activate procedure. First, an Azure Active Directory tenant has to be set up in creating a reseller relationship with a partner to allow their access to your Azure AD portal and have them fill your order.

This scenario can be confirmed by another reseller whom Bott contacted as they replied to his request saying,

“Hello,

We received your message regarding Windows 7.

We are Cloud Solution Provider and only provide licenses for customers who have a commercial account.

If you are interested in becoming a commercial customer of Microsoft please let us know.”

To buy a single, good-for-a-year product key that doesn’t require any deployment or support, this is an overview for small businesses that don’t enjoy a volume licensing contract (even if Microsoft has long ago allowed the purchase of Office 365, Microsoft 365, and other cloud-based services directly from the Office 365 portal).

After the Windows 7 support from Microsoft expires on January 14 next year, a full-screen warning will be delivered to all PCs still running Windows 7. Until then, Microsoft can make it informative for users to access the paid updates by adding an option to pay for the extended security updates to the pop-up notifications it has been sending out for several months now. At least this way, people can have it easy by knowing that the program is a dead-end and Windows 10 is a more secure option.

Ed Bott puts it, “It’s almost like Microsoft wants people to become discouraged and give up.”

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Which Industries Are the Most Secure for Establishing Your First Business in 2023?

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What Are the Safest Industries to Start Your First Business in 2023?

The Top 10 Safest Industries to Start Your First Business in 2023

Starting a business can be an exciting venture, but it is essential to choose the right industry for your first business. When considering which industries are the safest to invest in, you want to look at factors like market demand, stability, and future growth potential. In this blog post, we have put together a list of the top 10 safest industries to start your first business in 2023.

The industries listed here have been selected based on their overall potential for success and long-term growth. These industries may offer lower risks for first-time entrepreneurs and a better chance of success due to established markets, stable customer bases, or growing trends. Keep in mind that while the industries featured here may be considered safer bets, no industry is entirely risk-free, and it’s crucial to conduct thorough research before committing to any business idea.

Let’s dive into our list of the 10 safest industries to start your first business in 2023, where we provide an overview of each industry along with some key points to consider.

1. Eco-friendly Products and Services

As people become more environmentally conscious, the demand for eco-friendly products and services continues to grow. This industry offers a wide range of opportunities for new businesses that focus on sustainability and reducing humanity’s impact on the planet. With increasing public awareness and support from both consumers and governments, starting your business in this field has never been a more attractive option.

For instance, you could design and produce sustainable clothing made from organic materials or create biodegradable packaging for food and beverages. The possibilities are vast, and the market potential is promising for those who can offer innovative solutions to environmental problems.

  • High consumer demand for sustainable products
  • Supported by government initiatives and regulations
  • Potential for social media outreach with eco-friendly messaging
  • Attractive to environmentally conscious investors
  • Different entry points depending on your business idea (e.g., products, services, consulting)
  • Opportunity to make a positive impact on the planet

2. Health and Wellness

With an increased focus on personal health and wellness in recent years, this industry presents a wealth of opportunities for new businesses. Consumers are seeking ways to live healthier lives through various means, such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and holistic remedies. As a result, there is an increasing demand for innovative products and services that cater to these interests.

Consider creating a mobile app that promotes healthy habits or opening a fitness studio specializing in popular workout trends like yoga or HIIT. The opportunities are endless, and with the right approach and effective marketing strategy, you could build a successful business in this thriving industry.

  • Growing market with high consumer interest
  • Expanding range of possibilities, from apps to physical products
  • Increased importance due to global health concerns
  • Multiple niches to explore (nutrition, fitness, mental health)
  • Can be started online or in-person
  • Physical, mental, and emotional well-being will always be relevant

3. Educational Technology (EdTech)

The EdTech industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, thanks in part to the shift toward remote learning. This industry focuses on integrating technology into educational settings to improve overall learning experiences. There is a vast potential for growth here, especially as advancements in technology continue to shape how we learn and teach.

An example of a successful EdTech startup might be an online tutoring platform that connects students with qualified instructors in their chosen subject area. With online learning becoming more accessible and in-demand, this is an increasingly attractive market for entrepreneurs.

  • Rapid industry growth driven by technology advancements
  • Expanding range of products and services available
  • Increased demand due to remote learning adoption
  • Appeals to both individuals and institutions
  • Potential for global reach through online platforms
  • Relatively low barriers to entry, especially for digital products

… please limit your response to 2800 characters

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BigBusiness

Which Industries Are the Most Secure for Establishing Your First Business in 2023?

Published

on

What Are the Safest Industries to Start Your First Business in 2023?

The Top 10 Safest Industries to Start Your First Business in 2023

Starting a business can be an exciting venture, but it is essential to choose the right industry for your first business. When considering which industries are the safest to invest in, you want to look at factors like market demand, stability, and future growth potential. In this blog post, we have put together a list of the top 10 safest industries to start your first business in 2023.

The industries listed here have been selected based on their overall potential for success and long-term growth. These industries may offer lower risks for first-time entrepreneurs and a better chance of success due to established markets, stable customer bases, or growing trends. Keep in mind that while the industries featured here may be considered safer bets, no industry is entirely risk-free, and it’s crucial to conduct thorough research before committing to any business idea.

Let’s dive into our list of the 10 safest industries to start your first business in 2023, where we provide an overview of each industry along with some key points to consider.

1. Eco-friendly Products and Services

As people become more environmentally conscious, the demand for eco-friendly products and services continues to grow. This industry offers a wide range of opportunities for new businesses that focus on sustainability and reducing humanity’s impact on the planet. With increasing public awareness and support from both consumers and governments, starting your business in this field has never been a more attractive option.

For instance, you could design and produce sustainable clothing made from organic materials or create biodegradable packaging for food and beverages. The possibilities are vast, and the market potential is promising for those who can offer innovative solutions to environmental problems.

  • High consumer demand for sustainable products
  • Supported by government initiatives and regulations
  • Potential for social media outreach with eco-friendly messaging
  • Attractive to environmentally conscious investors
  • Different entry points depending on your business idea (e.g., products, services, consulting)
  • Opportunity to make a positive impact on the planet

2. Health and Wellness

With an increased focus on personal health and wellness in recent years, this industry presents a wealth of opportunities for new businesses. Consumers are seeking ways to live healthier lives through various means, such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and holistic remedies. As a result, there is an increasing demand for innovative products and services that cater to these interests.

Consider creating a mobile app that promotes healthy habits or opening a fitness studio specializing in popular workout trends like yoga or HIIT. The opportunities are endless, and with the right approach and effective marketing strategy, you could build a successful business in this thriving industry.

  • Growing market with high consumer interest
  • Expanding range of possibilities, from apps to physical products
  • Increased importance due to global health concerns
  • Multiple niches to explore (nutrition, fitness, mental health)
  • Can be started online or in-person
  • Physical, mental, and emotional well-being will always be relevant

3. Educational Technology (EdTech)

The EdTech industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, thanks in part to the shift toward remote learning. This industry focuses on integrating technology into educational settings to improve overall learning experiences. There is a vast potential for growth here, especially as advancements in technology continue to shape how we learn and teach.

An example of a successful EdTech startup might be an online tutoring platform that connects students with qualified instructors in their chosen subject area. With online learning becoming more accessible and in-demand, this is an increasingly attractive market for entrepreneurs.

  • Rapid industry growth driven by technology advancements
  • Expanding range of products and services available
  • Increased demand due to remote learning adoption
  • Appeals to both individuals and institutions
  • Potential for global reach through online platforms
  • Relatively low barriers to entry, especially for digital products

… please limit your response to 2800 characters

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BigBusiness

Latest Stock Market News and Live Updates for May 10: Dow and S&P

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Stock Market Today: Dow, S&P Live Updates for May 10

Stock Market Today: Dow, S&P Live Updates for May 10

Welcome to a detailed summary of the stock market’s performance on May 10. In this post, we will discuss key highlights from the day and how they impacted major market indices like the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and the S&P 500. Whether you’re an experienced investor or a newbie wanting to stay informed about the latest market trends, this comprehensive analysis will provide valuable insight. Get ready to feast on information that could help maximize your investment strategies! Let’s dive into the action-packed day of May 10, which saw several changes in the stock market landscape. Some of these can have long-term implications, so it pays to be up-to-date with the latest happenings.

Opening Bell Performance

The stock market opened on a mixed note on May 10th, with some sectors experiencing gains while others struggled. This was likely due to concerns over inflation data and rising commodity prices, causing investors to exercise caution. The initial hours of trading provided a glimpse at what was to come later in the day. For instance, within the first few hours, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) was hovering around flatline as it struggled to stay in the positive territory. Simultaneously, the broader-market S&P 500 index slid marginally lower in the same time frame. The NASDAQ Composite Index, home to several tech giants, opened the day with a modest gain but swiftly changed course and entered negative territory. This was predominantly driven by tech stocks facing a sell-off, influenced by rising Treasury yields. During the opening hours, one standout event caught the attention of investors: – Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway held its annual meeting a day prior, causing its stock to rise by 1.3% during early trading hours on May 10th.

Mid-Day Market Update

As the day progressed, market jitters over rising inflation continued to push stocks lower. This was evident in the trajectories of major indices throughout the day. The Dow Jones struggled to regain its positive momentum from the opening hours, while the S&P 500 continued its downward trend. With heightened concerns over possible interest rate hikes and commodity prices, it became apparent that market sentiment had leaned towards uncertainty. Meanwhile, in a rollercoaster-like ride, NASDAQ’s losses expanded as afternoon trading picked up steam. A combination of rising bond yields and profit-taking in the technology sector led to an intense sell-off in some high-growth shares. Mid-day market movers included the following: – Energy companies saw their stocks rise, largely due to increasing crude oil prices. – Financial stocks benefited from higher Treasury yields. – Automobile manufacturers experienced a mixed trading session, with some gaining ground and others faltering. – Healthcare stocks remained flat, showing resilience in a declining market. – Technology heavyweights experienced significant losses halfway through the trading day. – Consumer goods companies also witnessed a mixed performance amid market volatility.

Closing Bell: Final Numbers

By the end of the trading day, the stock market closed on a disappointing note for many investors, validating earlier indicators. Despite rigorous attempts to maintain or regain early gains, all three major indices ended the day in the red. The DJIA relinquished its early gains, ultimately closing down. The S&P 500 suffered a relatively modest decline, while the tech-heavy NASDAQ emerged as the most prominent loser of the day, down considerably. A summary of the closing market data on May 10th: – The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dropped points. – The S&P 500 Index declined by points. – The NASDAQ Composite Index fell by points.

Key Events & News

Amidst the day’s turmoil, several key events and news stories directly influenced market movements. Staying informed on these happenings is essential to understanding the broader context of the day’s financial landscape. Below, six integral stories that shaped the day are highlighted: 1. Rising bond yields paved the way for a sell-off in high-growth tech stocks. 2. A general uneasiness around inflation data led to increased volatility. 3. US gasoline pipeline operators faced a cyberattack, causing temporary shutdowns and heightened concerns. 4. Elon Musk’s SNL appearance impacted cryptocurrency markets, creating ripple effects across other investment vehicles. 5. The upcoming Consumer Price Index (CPI) report left investors anxious about potential interest rate hikes. 6. Corporate earnings reports provided varying degrees of support for companies in the face of market uncertainty.

Outperformers & Underperformers

Despite the overall bearish environment that prevailed on May 10th, some specific stocks either managed to defy the odds or succumbed to the pressure. Notable outperformers included: – Berkshire Hathaway: The company enjoyed an early morning bump after its annual meeting. – Energy stocks: They moved higher on the day, riding on the coattails of surging crude oil prices. – Financial stocks: Banks and other financial institutions were buoyed by rising Treasury yields. On the flip side, significant underperformers consisted of: – Technology giants: High-growth names found themselves bearing the brunt of the sell-off due to rising yields. – Automobile manufacturers: Trading produced mixed results, with some facing declines related to supply constraints. – Certain consumer goods companies: Some businesses failed to capitalize on market volatility, registering a lackluster trading session.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, investors should keep their eyes peeled for forthcoming economic data releases, political developments, and global events. With market volatility on the rise, staying vigilant becomes even more critical. Remember to keep an eye on these key areas: – Upcoming inflation reports and their potential impact on interest rates. – Ongoing discussion of infrastructure bills and how they might reshape various sectors. – Corporate earnings announcements that could move specific stocks. Ultimately, staying informed ensures you make well-informed financial decisions. And with this wealth of information under your belt, you’re now equipped to navigate the ever-changing world of finance. Happy trading!

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