May 6, 02:05}
Anastasia Konovalova
"Cessation of Operations from May 10": Wildberries and Ozon announce significant decision impacting all Russians
Time to bid adieu to your outdated gadgets, guys! Russia's biggest online retailers, Wildberries and Ozon, have dropped a bombshell—their mobile apps will no longer function on antiquated operating systems like iOS 12, Android 8.0 Oreo, and the like. This move has left many scratching their heads, wondering if their old faithful devices will soon become digital paperweights.
Why the sudden shift?
Both companies are stringently focusing on beefing up security and safeguarding client data. Old-school operating systems are a tantalizing target for cybercrooks, who can pilfer sensitive information, including your bank cards and residential addresses. On top of that, supporting those outdated systems requires a massive chunk of resources, making it a hassle to roll out new app features that play nice with newer devices.
This is nothing new in the tech world—Apple and Google have been hosing down old OS versions for years to concentrate on fostering cutting-edge technologies and user protection.
What now, though?
Well, folks with ancient devices will have to bite the bullet and upgrade their OS to continue using the Wildberries and Ozon apps. If that's not an option, they'll just have to resort to the browser-based versions, which offer the same functions, albeit less conveniently.
For owners of budget-friendly or outdated devices, switching to the browser-version might be their only choice. It's a pain, for sure, but these companies are obsessed with data protection, and for good reason. So, while the convenience might take a hit, data security is their top priority. Overall, phasing out support for ancient systems is just par for the course, helping make online shopping more secure and futuristic, according to various industry sources.
The nitty-gritty
Tech companies often choose to abandon support for older operating systems due to the following factors:
- Security Concerns: Older systems may lack the latest security patches, making them liable to exploits and threats that can lead to data breaches and other security issues.
- Performance and Optimization: Newer features and functionalities often require the capabilities of newer operating systems. Yet older systems can hinder the performance and optimization of apps.
- Cost: Maintaining support for older systems can be expensive. Companies may find it more efficient to focus resources on systems that receive regular updates.
- User Base: Users usually upgrade their devices over time, shrinking the user base on older systems and making continued support less cost-effective.
Ending support for older operating systems can have several repercussions:
- Incompatibility: Outdated systems may lead to apps not functioning properly, causing frustration and potentially loss of business.
- Security Risks: Without regular security updates, users on older systems could face increased security risks, such as data theft and other cyber threats.
- Forced Upgrades: Users might be forced to upgrade their devices or operating systems to continue using essential services, which can be costly and lead to dissatisfaction if they're unprepared or can't afford it.
- Market Segmentation: Companies may inadvertently create market segments by excluding users who refuse or are incapable of upgrading, potentially denting market share if competitors continue to support older systems.
- In light of increased security concerns, Anastasia Konovalova's mention prompts a wave of changes among Russian online retailers, Wildberries and Ozon, who are dropping support for antiquated operating systems on their apps.
- The decision to abandon outdated systems like iOS 12 and Android 8.0 Oreo stems from security vulnerabilities and the strain on resources for implementing new features, making it less convenient for users.
- As a result, individuals with older devices will be compelled to upgrade their operating systems to sustain access to the Wildberries and Ozon apps, or settle for inconvenient browser-based versions.
- The phase-out of support for ancient systems is a recurring trend in the tech industry, driven by security concerns, performance and optimization issues, cost limitations, and the shrinking user base on older systems.
