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Is Your Technology Environment Still Supported?

Outdated operating systems and aging hardware are creating growing security, compliance, and operational risks for businesses in 2026.

North Country helps organizations modernize with secure, future-ready technology solutions.

Schedule a Technology Assessment

Windows 7 and Windows 10 Support Milestones Have Passed

Many businesses are still using operating systems and devices that no longer receive full security updates or manufacturer support.

As technology standards evolve, unsupported environments become harder and more expensive to maintain.

Businesses operating on aging technology may face:

  • Cybersecurity vulnerabilities
  • Software compatibility issues
  • Payment processing concerns
  • Increased downtime
  • Rising support costs

Aging Technology Creates Hidden Business Risks

Older systems may struggle to support modern cybersecurity protections, cloud platforms, business applications, and evolving compliance standards.

Many organizations are now dealing with:

  • Unsupported devices
  • Hardware incompatible with Windows 11
  • Reduced productivity and performance
  • Increased cybersecurity exposure
  • Vendor support limitations

The longer outdated systems remain in place, the more difficult and costly they become to support.

Future-Ready Businesses Need More Than an Upgrade

Modernization is about more than installing a new operating system.

North Country helps businesses evaluate aging infrastructure, assess Windows 11 readiness, modernize endpoint security, and create long-term technology lifecycle plans.

Our team helps organizations:

  • Assess Windows 11 readiness
  • Evaluate aging hardware
  • Improve cybersecurity protections
  • Plan technology refresh cycles
  • Create scalable technology roadmaps
  • Reduce operational risk

Proactive Planning Reduces Cost and Disruption

Businesses that modernize proactively avoid emergency replacements, unexpected downtime, rushed migrations, and costly security incidents. Planning ahead creates smoother transitions and minimizes business disruption.

A strategic technology roadmap helps organizations:

Improve security

Stabilize Operations

Create Predictable Budgeting

Reduce long-term support costs

Improve Employee Productivity

Prepare for future technology changes

Let’s Evaluate Your Technology Environment

Schedule a Technology Readiness Assessment with North Country today.

Our team will help you identify aging technology risks, evaluate upgrade opportunities, and build a plan for a more secure and future-ready environment.

North Country helps businesses modernize with secure, supported, and future-ready technology solutions designed to improve security, reduce operational risk, and support long-term business continuity.

Schedule Your Upgrade

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is unsupported technology a business risk?

Unsupported systems no longer receive critical security updates or manufacturer support, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats, downtime, and compatibility issues.

Many older devices may require replacement to meet modern security and performance standards. North Country can help assess your environment and recommend the best path forward.

Aging and unsupported systems may create compliance and security concerns that affect payment processing environments and business operations.

A technology assessment can identify unsupported systems, aging hardware, cybersecurity gaps, and upgrade opportunities.

We Thrive Together

As a 100% employee-owned organization, we take pride in living our values and sharing in the success of our clients. When you partner with North Country, you gain more than a vendor – you join a team that’s personally invested in your success.

Our approach combines the personalized service of a local partner with the capabilities and resources of a national technology leader. We understand the unique challenges facing independent and regional grocers, and we deliver solutions that help you compete and thrive in today’s dynamic market.

Schedule a demo today!

Jeff Zimmerman
Director of Grocery Sales

As NCBP’s Director of Sales, Jeff focuses on building relationships with our Grocery/Retail customers, partners, and associates. He holds a deep belief that personal connections are an integral part of everyone’s success in business.

Jeff began his career in wholesaler management and as a general manager of an independent grocery chain. His retail expertise helped him quickly achieve sales success and grow our business at NCBP, and he now leads the continued success of our entire sales organization.

Kirk Benson
Director of Hospitality Sales

With 20 years of food and beverage technology experience, Kirk helps our customers deliver excellent hospitality and dining experiences while optimizing their business operations and financial performance.

Kirk leads the NCBP Hospitality sales team and builds relationships with partners to bring new technology solutions to hospitality and hotel industry clients across the U.S. He is a devoted supporter of the local restaurant and craft beverage scene, and he actively participates in industry groups and events.

Monica Laurent
Director of People and Culture

Monica joined NCBP in 2020 with over twenty years of leadership experience and is deeply committed to the associate experience. She is refining the company’s talent strategy with an emphasis on engagement, inclusion, and leadership development. Monica has earned her SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications, is an active member of several HR associations, and volunteers for Twin Cities R!SE.

Matthew Swanson
Vice President of Operations

As a technology leader, Matt helps our associates, and our clients tackle their toughest business challenges. Matt has held several roles at NCBP and has focused on numerous process improvement, operational excellence, cybersecurity, and strategic technology initiatives.

Matt’s approach to leadership strives to balance a tenacious focus on results against making sure associates and their families are well-cared for. He is passionate about his family, and endeavors to build a team that allows his associates the space to achieve results while also achieving their desired work-life balance and personal objectives.

Before joining NCBP in 2008, Matt worked with MICROS Systems with their Leisure and Entertainment team. He holds multiple technical, project management, and process improvements certifications and advanced degrees focused on helping him build successful teams and drive results.

Over his career, Matt has worked with some of the largest operators in the industry and around the world, is passionate about helping them design and implement technology solutions that help achieve their goals, and has presented at multiple conferences and seminars on related topics. Matt also serves on the boards of directors of multiple industry and community organizations, and volunteers actively in the community.

Mark Olson
Board Member

Mark is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in technology and automation industries, most notably for his impactful leadership as President (1988-2014) and later President & CEO at APG Cash Drawer, LLC until his retirement. His multifaceted career demonstrates both technical expertise and strategic vision, leaving a lasting impact on the companies he has served and the industries he has influenced. Mark has brought his valuable insights to North Country as a board member since 2010.

Chelsey Paulson
Board Member

As a Culture Strategist & Business Growth Guide at Keystone Group International, Chelsey previously led North Country’s HR Team and has remained a dedicated Board member and ESOP Trustee. With experience chairing two boards and active participation on three, Chelsey brings her passion for creating lasting business impact through Strategic Foundation and Growth Strategy, Culture Evolution, Leadership Academies, and Executive Coaching. Her superpower of positive energy and commitment to continuous learning helps push North Country to break through growth ceilings and reach new heights.

Bruce Mann
Board Member

With over 45 years of management experience in the POS and Transaction Processing industries, Bruce brings exceptional expertise in operations, HR, product development, exporting, importing, multi-level distribution of hardware and software, marketing, business development, electronic payments, M&A, loyalty programs, integrated electronic payments, and integrated coupon programs. As one of the original Retail Solution Provider Association vendor BOD members, Bruce has been a frequent contributor to industry publications and presenter at industry events, in addition to serving on several NPO Boards.

Jim Freed
CEO and President

Driven by hands-on experience with technologies and his dedication to the people who use them, Jim cultivates a vision, organization, and work environment to enable our associates and customers to succeed and thrive.

Jim served in several key technology, service, support, and operational roles before becoming CEO and President of NCBP. He is a member of multiple partner advisory boards and enjoys fostering relationships, sharing best practices, and staying on top of industry trends.

Jandi Ketelsen
Sr. Director, Financial Services and Administration

During her more than 25 years at North Country, Jandi has worked across every facet of the organization’s accounting and financial systems, advancing to her current role as Vice President of Finance & Administration. 
 
An employee owner, she drives process improvement, strategic planning, strong partnerships, and associate development. Jandi’s business acumen includes leading cash flow, budgeting, inventory management, business operations, and North Country’s ESOPs. She is most proud of the team she has built and is especially passionate about the ESOP—where everyone has a stake in the outcome—and the culture it creates.