XP system running Aloha 5.3.24 - how screwed am I? 1

[57delivery]

So I've got just one XP terminal connected to an XP BOH, could not afford $$$ upgrades and maintenance agreements. Have been VERY fortunate system has not crashed bc my local after hours Aloha tech moved away.

But it looks like my day of reckoning has come, because my CC processor is charging me $20 per week for my April 8 2014 non-compliant XP system (thanks Microsoft).

Hard to justify another $5000 Aloha terminal with sales barely over $100k. So just how screwed am I?

Options as I see them:
1) Would love to load my Aloha on a new terminal and BOH, but suspect the version 5.3.24 would not like the new Win 7/8 operating system.
2) Might just pay $20/week to avoid trashing the whole system and programming my products on a new cheap stand alone terminal with separate CC swipe gizmo.
3) Continue using my POS but get swipe card reader to handle CC charges.

This forum is awesome; hope some of y'all can provide advice. THANKS!

 

[PosGuyUS]

Can't believe a new terminal is $5000, I would think about $2000. You could also change CC processors, the next one isn't going to know you're on XP till an audit is done. You're still better off replacing the terminal. If you are breached, that $100k is going to be more like $60k between fines and lost customers.

 

[AlohaRoss]

Here is what you should do
1. Change processors. I have plenty of relationships with Credit card vendors who dont do the PCI FU fee.
2. Install a Windows 7 X32 and reinstall Aloha

You can do all this labor inclusive if you hire someone for less than $1200


AlohaRoss

http://www.needalohahelp.com

 

[57delivery]

Thanks for advice! I decided to change processors and use their stand alone swipe terminals. Now I can keep my ancient but working XP/Aloha system with little add'l effort.

Bonus: My new CC processor rates are 30% lower than current. I should probably bank the savings toward purchase of a new POS system ;-)