With Microsoft products representing the backbone for basically everyone’s technology environment, the next few years are set to get interesting for several of Microsoft’s most popular server products. In 2020, several Microsoft products (notably Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows 7) are set to reach their End of Extended Support date. If your organization is currently utilizing any of these soon to be Microsoft End of Support products – chances are you probably are – then the time is now to create a plan to move onto the latest and greatest available technologies….or face the risks that come with using out-of-support solutions.
The following Microsoft products are set to reach a critical stage in their product lifecycle.
When Microsoft launches a new product, there are two key dates that you need to keep track of:
Mainstream Support End Date
When a Microsoft product reaches the end of Mainstream Support, it moves into Extended Support, which means that you will need to pay for any support case with Microsoft, which can range between $500 and $700 per support case. During Extended Support, Security Updates are still provided, however, Microsoft will not accept requests for warranty support, design changes, or new features.
Extended Support End Date
When a product reaches the end of Extended Support, Microsoft will no longer provide any support or security upgrades, which can leave your organization at significant risk.
Utilizing an out of support product can be a significant problem for your business. Below are several concerns and risks that accompany out-of-support products.
No Security Updates
First, out-of-support products do not receive security fixes or updates, meaning that your servers running the outdated product will be wide open to attack from any new, enhanced, or emerging security threat (i.e. viruses, intrusions, ransomware, vulnerabilities, etc.)
Higher Costs
Not only is it dangerous from a security standpoint to use out-of-support products, it also significantly raises your operating costs. Microsoft support cases for End-of-Life products can be astronomical, not to mention the cost to your business if the out-of-support product causes an outage due to poor performance.
Poor Performance
This is an obvious risk, as older equipment and systems are prone to failing or breaking down. According to IDC, servers over three years old are 60% more likely to fail.
Software Incompatibility
Hanging on to older operating systems can keep you from experiencing the latest and greatest version of business systems and applications, forcing you to not only stay on outdated systems, but also on outdated applications.
For Microsoft server products, there are two options:
When considering an upgrade, there are other important factors to consider, such as:
Either way, it is important to put a plan in place to move away from any Microsoft End of Support system that you may be using, or risk scrambling for a solution when it is already too late.
Not ready for the end? We can help you get there.
Original source from IT Weapons, Konica Minolta’s Canadian IT division.
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