Bluebox Integration’s telecoms expert, Martin Fletcher, shares his thoughts and advice on the BT Switch-off.

If you’ve been in business for a while, you might remember the big who-ha about the ISDN switch-off being planned for 2025. Many companies geared up for the change, and then nothing happened.

It’s no wonder some businesses are sceptical and think, “We’ve heard this all before.”

But let me be clear: this is not a cry-wolf situation. The deadline is now fixed, and BT Openreach will retire the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and ISDN services on 31 January 2027. And unlike last time, the wheels are already in motion.

In fact, exchanges across the UK are being phased out right now, which means some businesses will lose services as early as 2026.

What’s at Risk if You Wait

If you’re still using ISDN or analogue lines, you’re sitting on borrowed time. These systems quietly underpin more than just your phones:

• ISDN2 / ISDN30 phone systems
• Analogue lines connected to alarms, lifts, payment terminals, fax machines, and intercoms

When your local exchange switches off, those services will stop. No fallback, no grace period. Just downtime.

Why Acting Now Makes Sense

This isn’t just about avoiding disruption, it’s about future-proofing your business. Moving away from legacy ISDN and analogue lines can:

• Save money – modern SIP and VoIP services are often more cost-effective than maintaining legacy systems.
• Boost efficiency – hosted VoIP and 3CX systems make managing calls simpler and more flexible.
• Improve customer service – features like call routing, voicemail-to-email, and remote access help you respond faster and more professionally.
• Avoid the scramble – Many businesses will leave it late, creating a surge in demand and long wait times for installations. Acting now means you get ahead of the queue, avoid unnecessary disruption, and ensure a smooth, stress-free transition.

So instead of seeing the switch-off as a problem, think of it as an opportunity to upgrade.

The Roadmap to a Smooth Migration

Leaving this until the end of 2026 is a risky bet. The smart move is to plan ahead:

• Audit your setup – identify any ISDN or analogue services still in use.
• Port your numbers early – avoid downtime and lost calls.
• Replace dependent systems – alarms, lift lines, or payment machines may need IP-ready upgrades.
• Choose the right platform – SIP trunks, FTTP, or hosted VoIP solutions tailored to your business.

Handled properly, migration isn’t just painless — it’s a step forward.

How Bluebox Can Help

At Bluebox Integration, we’ve been through transitions like this before, and we know what works. We offer:

• Free assessments of your ISDN/analogue usage
• Migration options designed around your business needs
• Managed installations and number porting
• Ongoing support to keep you secure and connected

My Advice

Don’t be fooled into thinking this is another “maybe someday” change. The 2027 switch-off is happening, and for many, it will come sooner.

Act now, and you won’t just avoid disruption — you’ll be setting your business up with technology that saves money, makes you more efficient, and improves the way you serve your customers.

Contact Bluebox Integration today for your free assessment and start planning your migration while you still have the choice.

What would it take for your business to come to a standstill?

It might not be a flood, a fire, or a power cut. It could be something as simple as sticking with an old operating system.

In just over two weeks, Microsoft will officially stop providing free support for Windows 10.

It’s reaching end of life. That means no more security updates, no bug fixes, and no help from Microsoft if something breaks.

For businesses still running Windows 10, this isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s a serious risk.

Without security updates, every Windows 10 machine becomes a potential entry point for cyber criminals.

And with cyber attacks on the rise, this isn’t a “maybe someday” kind of problem. It’s a right-now threat. You wouldn’t leave the front door to your office wide open – so why leave your systems vulnerable?

Some businesses are hoping they can buy themselves a little time with Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESUs). Yes, they’ll be available. But they aren’t free. And they’re just a temporary sticking plaster, not a long-term solution. They also get more expensive each year, and don’t give you access to any new features or improvements. Just basic protection.

The better choice is to upgrade to Windows 11. It’s faster, more secure, and better equipped to support the way businesses work today.

But here’s the thing: Upgrading isn’t always as simple as pressing a button. Some older devices won’t meet the system requirements for Windows 11. That means you might need to plan for new hardware too. Which is why waiting until the last minute isn’t a good idea.

Right now, time is short. If you’re still on Windows 10, you need to act immediately.

Your first step is to find out which devices can be upgraded, and which ones can’t. From there, you’ll need a clear plan to make the switch quickly, with as little disruption as possible.

That’s exactly where we come in. My team and I can help you move to Windows 11 smoothly, safely, and quickly. Whether it’s reviewing your current setup, helping you choose the right new devices, or handling the upgrade for you from start to finish, we’ve got you covered.

Please don’t leave this until the clock runs out. Get in touch today, and let’s make sure your business stays protected.

When you’re trying to protect your business, what could possibly go wrong by downloading antivirus software?

More than you might think.

If you’re not careful, that “antivirus” might be the threat.

Cyber criminals are getting better and better at creating fake websites that look just like the real thing. One recent example involved a convincing copy of the website of one of the most trusted names in cyber security.

The fake site looked nearly identical to the real one, complete with the download button in all the right places. But behind that button was a nasty surprise: Malware disguised as a helpful tool.

Clicking “Download” on the fake site didn’t install antivirus protection.

It triggered a download called StoreInstaller.exe, which installed something called VenomRAT. That’s short for Remote Access Trojan. A type of malware that gives attackers complete control of your computer without you knowing. It can steal passwords, record keystrokes, access webcams, and even open the door for more malicious software.

In this case, the goal wasn’t only spying. It was stealing.

Researchers say the cyber criminals behind this fake antivirus site were trying to grab login credentials and cryptocurrency wallet information. Once they had access, they could sell it to others or use it to steal money directly.

And it’s not just antivirus software they’re faking.

These criminals have also impersonated banks and IT service companies to trick people into letting their guard down. It’s easy to fall for. Especially when the fake sites are hosted on platforms like Amazon, making them look even more legitimate at a glance.

If your business falls victim to this kind of scam, the consequences can be severe. You could lose sensitive company data, have customer details exposed, or suffer financial losses.

The clean-up is expensive and stressful, not to mention the damage to your reputation if client information is involved.

The best defence is to be cautious.

Always check website addresses carefully. Never click on a link in an email or message unless you’re sure it’s genuine. And only download software – especially security tools – directly from a provider’s official website.

It’s also worth having a trusted IT partner (like us) who can double-check things if you’re not sure.

This is a reminder that cyber criminals don’t just rely on technical tricks. They rely on people being busy, distracted, or just trying to do the right thing. A little extra vigilance now can save you a huge headache later.

If you’re ever in doubt, we’re here to help you stay safe. Get in touch.  

When was the last time you opened Notepad and thought, “I wish I could make this text bold or add a heading”?

Probably never, right?

But Microsoft is quietly giving Notepad a little upgrade that could make a surprising difference. Especially for those of us who use it to jot down quick notes, meeting minutes, or even team checklists.

Notepad has always been the simplest of simple tools. It opens instantly, saves fast, and doesn’t get in your way. That’s exactly why so many people love it.

Now, Microsoft is testing a light touch of formatting features. Things like bold and italic text, hyperlinks, headings, and even basic bullet points.

The idea is to give us just enough control to make our notes clearer, without turning Notepad into a full-blown word processor.

The formatting is based on something called markdown. That’s a widely used, no-fuss way to add structure to plain text using simple symbols. For example, putting a couple of asterisks around a word makes it bold.

It’s neat, clean, and doesn’t add any of the heaviness you’d associate with Word or other big editing tools. And if formatting isn’t your thing? No problem. It can be turned off completely.

Some people worry that adding features like this risks bloating the app and making it slower. But in this case, the changes are minimal and optional. It’s more like giving your notebook a nicer pen. Not turning it into a printing press.

And with WordPad now officially retired, there’s definitely a gap for a tool that sits somewhere between “plain text” and “full document.”

For businesses, especially smaller ones without complex systems for documentation, this could be a handy middle ground. Being able to better structure your notes can save time and make your messages clearer.

It’s not flashy, but it’s thoughtful.

And it’s another small sign that Microsoft is modernising even the most basic tools in Windows 11 without losing what made them useful in the first place.

Keep an eye out for the update if you’re using Windows 11. And maybe give those bold headings a try next time you’re scribbling a to-do list.  

Ever tried to follow a show where the main villain had four different names?

Impossible, right?

But that’s exactly what it’s like in the world of cyber security right now.

One hacking group can be tracked under completely different names, depending on who’s writing about them. Whether it’s Microsoft, Google, CrowdStrike, or another security firm.

It’s confusing. And worse, it can slow down how quickly us experts, and the businesses we protect, can respond to a cyber attack.

That’s why Microsoft and security firm CrowdStrike are teaming up to fix this problem.

They’ve announced plans for a new, unified naming system for hacking groups. Think of it like giving each cyber criminal gang one official label that everyone agrees on. It’s not just about tidying up the names. It’s about making it faster and easier to understand who’s attacking, how they operate, and how to stop them.

Right now, let’s say there’s a hacking group targeting businesses like yours. Microsoft might call them Salt Typhoon. Another security company might call the same group GhostEmperor, or OPERATOR PANDA.

Unless you know they’re all the same threat, it’s easy to miss the full picture. And that’s a big problem when every second counts in a cyber attack.

The new naming system Microsoft’s working on will organise these groups by type and origin using weather-themed terms. For example, Chinese state-backed groups will get “Typhoon” in their name, Russian ones will get “Blizzard.” Other attackers like ransomware gangs or commercial spyware developers will be labelled using words like “Tempest,” “Storm,” or “Tsunami.”

It’s a simple idea, but a powerful one.

And it matters to your business more than you might think.

The more clearly cyber threats are identified and communicated, the quicker your IT team or your cyber security provider can spot patterns and act. It means better threat intelligence, fewer missed warnings, and a stronger, faster response when something suspicious appears.

Ultimately, this kind of collaboration between big players like Microsoft, CrowdStrike, Google, and others helps level the playing field for smaller businesses. You don’t need to be a cyber security expert to benefit. Simply knowing that everyone’s speaking the same language when a threat hits can make all the difference.

This is one of those behind-the-scenes changes that won’t make headlines but could have a big impact on keeping your business safe. It’s another step towards making cyber security a bit less chaotic, and a lot more effective.

Want help keeping your business better protected from cyber attacks? Get in touch.   

What would happen to your business if one of your key tools suddenly stopped being safe to use?

That’s the situation many businesses are heading for right now. With Windows 10.

Because time is running out. Fast.

Microsoft has confirmed that free support for Windows 10 ends on 14th October when it reaches end of life.

That’s only a few weeks away. And with the time it takes to plan, budget and roll out a full upgrade across your business, it’s dangerously close.

Here’s the thing: When support ends, it really ends.

That means no more security updates. No more bug fixes. No help from Microsoft if something goes wrong.

Yes, you’ll still be able to use your Windows 10 devices. But you’ll be doing so in the dark, with a big target painted on your back for cyber criminals.

What’s even more worrying is that many business owners haven’t realised this is coming. A recent survey found that 18% had no idea support was ending. Another 14% had considered it but hadn’t started planning. That’s a lot of businesses at serious risk of disruption, data breaches, or worse.

And yes, Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs). But they’re not free. It’s a temporary patch, not a solution. And the price goes up every year.

The better option? Moving to Windows 11 now, while there’s still time to do it properly and without stress.

Windows 11 isn’t just the next version of Windows. It’s built to be faster, more secure, and better suited to the way modern businesses work. It’s designed for hybrid teams, packed with productivity features, and includes the latest security tools to help protect against today’s threats.

You’ll notice smoother performance and better integration with tools like Microsoft Teams, OneDrive and Copilot.

But there’s a catch. Not all devices that run Windows 10 can run Windows 11.

You might need to upgrade your hardware too. That’s why you need to act now, rather than waiting until you’re forced into last-second decisions that cost more and cause more disruption.

The bottom line? October 2025 is a deadline. And the longer you leave it, the harder and more expensive the transition becomes.

If you haven’t started preparing, please, do it now. Ask your IT support partner: “Are we ready for Windows 10 end of life?” If the answer’s anything but a confident “yes,” make a plan.

Not just about upgrading to Windows 11, but about whether your IT support partner is as much of a partner as you thought.

Need a hand making the upgrade? My team and I can help. Get in touch.