Windows Server 2008/R2 will be reaching its end of life on January 14th. After you create a plan to upgrade from Windows 7 using our last article, you will need to turn your attention to your servers if you are still using Windows Server 2008/R2. Upgrading your server may seem daunting but it doesn’t have to be as long as you do your research.
Windows Server 2008/R2 end-of-life
Let’s review what Windows Server 2008/R2 coming to an end means. Microsoft isn’t going to provide any more updates for Windows Server 2008/R2 moving forward. They only provide support for their products for ten years after the product launches. You will still be able to use Windows Server 2008/R2, but it will always be stuck in the last update. It is not a good idea to continue using Windows Server 2008/R2. Its security and reliability will decline, which will cost you more money in the long-run than making the upgrade.
Why should you care
- To maintain your systems, you will have to pay 75% of the full on-premises license cost to Microsoft. If you are operating with a Microsoft re-seller, you will have to contact them to determine the maintenance price.
- Staying with Windows Server 2008/R2 is also very dangerous. There will be no protections against the latest security hazards. The best firewall and anti-virus software cannot protect your computer. The server itself is not equipped to handle the latest security threats. And because Microsoft is no longer providing support for these products, you are liable for anything that happens—and that can be costly. In fact, regulated industries like healthcare and finance have rules against using older software. Violating rules can result in large fines and even jail time.
- Not migrating can also lead to unexpected downtime. Older servers are more likely to crash, so you will lose money as you have more and more technical problems.
Next steps
Here are your options for dealing with the end-of-life of Windows Server 2008/R2:
- Upgrade to 2012, 2016, then 2019: You can keep your hardware and migrate your servers to the 2019 server by following Microsoft’s path of on-prem upgrades. You will upgrade to Server 2012 first, then Server 2016, and finally Server 2019. Windows Server 2019 has hybrid capabilities with Windows Azure as well as better security and more modern apps.
- Upgrade to Azure cloud services: You can also upgrade to Microsoft’s cloud computing service. It will get security updates until February 2023 at no cost, so it will save you money in the long-run. Azure features an app service, IaaS resources, and a managed database.
- Staying with Windows Server 2008/R2: While we don’t recommend this option, if you have to stick with your current server make sure you research how to maintain it. You might have to invest in extra security to ensure that your data remains protected.
Let us help
Do you have a plan to migrate your servers? Let us help you take the next steps. Give us a call and we will make the transition hassle-free. You can also check to see if you qualify for a free IT analysis!