How are you preparing for Microsoft’s looming end-of-life dates on the popular Windows 7 and Server 2008? Are you prepared with a transition plan in place and a migration date already booked with your Microsoft partner?
Or, are you, like many Tucson-area businesses, putting it off until you have no choice but to deal with it?
Well, time is ticking, and January 2020 is less than four months away. That’s when all support from Microsoft will end for Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and Small Business Server (SBS) 2011.
End of life (EOL) is a standard operating procedure in the technology industry, and managed IT service providers, like Silverado, plan and prepare clients for instances like this all the time. Here’s what you need to know now in order to get your operating systems and servers up to date while keeping your data secure and compliant.
The Case to Make the Microsoft EOL Transition Now
Many proactive Tucson-area businesses have already upgraded their Microsoft operating systems and servers. Here’s the case to transition now:
- If you continue using an unsupported Microsoft operating system or server and you have a security issue, there will not be a security patch to fix the problem.
- Your systems will no longer be compliant with federal regulations, like HIPAA and PCI.
- Personal information and confidential data will be easy targets for hackers.
- Technical assistance from Microsoft customer service will be limited.
- Application vendors have planned for Microsoft’s EOL, and many business-line applications are no longer compatible with older Microsoft products.
- Many IT providers and Microsoft partners are currently booked 30 to 60 days in advance – as of today.
- The longer you wait, the more likely you could be forced to use unsupported equipment while waiting for an IT vendor to plan and implement your upgrade.
End of Life for Windows 7
EOL Date: January 14, 2020
Summary: Microsoft will not provide support or security updates for personal computers that operate with Windows 7. This also means Internet Explorer, which is part of Windows 7, will no longer receive support or security updates.
Recommendation: Microsoft suggests upgrading your devices to Windows 10.
Silverado’s Tips: Before migrating to Windows 10, be sure your apps are compatible with the new version. Silverado runs an analysis on the PCs our clients are upgrading to ensure they’re compatible with the new operating system (OS). We also make a recommendation to keep or replace hardware.
End of Life for Windows Server 2008 and Small Business Server (SBS) 2011
EOL Date: January 14, 2020
Summary: Support for Windows Server 2008 and Small Business Server (SBS) 2011 will also end, and those servers will no longer receive regular security updates.
Recommendation: Microsoft suggests migrating your Windows Server and SQL Server to Azure. By migrating to Azure, you’ll have access to modern tools and services, like their app builder and scalable cloud infrastructure. You’ll also receive all security updates and remain compliant with all industry regulations.
Silverado Tips: You’ll need to determine if your operating system is compatible with Azure or decide if your business may be better suited for a different solution. Now is the time to discuss the pros and cons of cloud versus on-premise and what is the best fit for your business.
End of Life for Exchange Server 2010
EOL Date: January 14, 2020 October 13, 2020
Summary: When support for Exchange Server 2010 ends you will no longer receive security updates or patches, leaving your network vulnerable to bugs and security threats.
Recommendation: Microsoft recommends migration to Exchange 2016 or Office 365.
Silverado Tips: You’ll first need to determine if you should host email on-premise or opt for a cloud-based solution. There are many business licenses and options for Office 365, and you want to make sure you get the plan that will scale with your business needs.
Ensure a Smooth Transition
Silverado works with clients to help them strategically plan and budget for major business changes like Microsoft’s end of life. Our clients are not surprised by end-of-life issues from their technology vendors because we manage those details for them.
Are you ready to invest in a professional IT partner? Then it’s time to meet with one of our technology consultants to learn more about Silverado Technologies managed IT services. Reach out at 520-903-1580 or contact us online today.
