Windows Server 2008 End of Support is imminent… what next?

There’s already a date looming large on the office calendar (no, not Christmas!!). For anyone still operating on Windows Server 2008, January 14th is the only fixture worth fretting over, since it’s the date that Microsoft will end its support for the system altogether.

What does that mean for your business? Fortunately, Microsoft understand many businesses are likely to be compromised by their upcoming withdrawal of support and aren’t yet ready to upgrade onsite and there’s a ready-made solution in the shape of Azure. By migrating your systems to Microsoft’s Cloud-based service, you’ll immediately gain access to a range of innovation-enabling, cost-cutting and security-enhancing benefits. Here’s how.

The end (of support) is nigh

From January 14th, Microsoft will no longer provide updates, patches, automatic fixes or online technical assistance for any security problems that may develop in the future for Windows Server 2008, opening the potential for business interruptions, losing precious data, or having issues with your business applications performance, because of potential weaknesses in your environment.

Any vulnerabilities found in the future will be open to exploitation, and without a costly support agreement in place, there’s a chance that continuing to run the server will be as good as to inviting hackers in for tea and sensitive data! With only two months to go until that deadline, uprooting your entire IT infrastructure can seem like an insurmountable challenge – but there is another way.

Taking advantage of Azure: Assess – Migrate – Optimise

We know that not everyone will be ready or willing to leave behind Windows Server 2008 right away, but you can migrate your applications and workloads to Azure. This removes the upheaval of upgrading and allows users to benefit from a wide range of features in the meantime.

With a suite of fully managed services such as Azure SQL Database, Azure IaaS and Azure App Service, migrating to the Cloud allows you access to tools that can catapult your business into the 21st century and free your workforce up to concentrate on more important tasks. Outsourcing arduous maintenance chores in this manner can also minimise business disruption and optimise the expenses normally devoted to ensure your ship is kept up and running.

Most crucially of all, Microsoft are offering those customers who migrate to Azure a further three years of extended support updates, free of charge. This gives you access to continual patches, fixes and online assistance, as well as a full set of Azure Advisor recommendations and a Personalised Service Health Dashboard. Not only will this help to reinforce your online defences but will also ensure compliance with the latest regulations and build trust with your customer base.

Upgrading onsite

Alternatively, you could decide to upgrade. By switching to Windows Server 2019, you’ll be embracing the digital transformation and equipping your business with the tools it needs to reach the next level. You’ll also be futureproofing it against any other upcoming End of Support deadlines, such as January 10th, 2023 (for Windows Server 2012).

Of course, the actual process of upgrading those servers is a time-consuming and expensive one, and it may be that you fully intend to switch to Windows Server 2019 as soon as possible, but are concerned you won’t make it within the specified timeframe. The solution here would involve purchasing up to three years’ worth of Extended Security Updates (for only those servers which require them) to ensure you stay protected during the transition.

By opting to employ Windows Server 2019 as your primary operating service in your place of business, you’ll bridge the divide between your on-premises hardware and your Azure software. This holistic solution allows you to reap the twofold benefits of at once upgrading and modernising your business infrastructure, while simultaneously adding extra layers of security to ward off cyber-attacks.

Call on Quorum

The implications of the imminent end of support for Windows Server 2008 can feel akin to having the rug pulled from under the feet of those still running on the system, and getting your head around the logistical complexities of managing a transition to firmer ground is no mean feat. Fortunately, Quorum are here to help.

With two decades of experience in spanning the chasm between technological innovation and business success, we can efficiently help you to leverage the former to achieve the latter. We’re experts in Cloud-based services such as Azure and on-premises Windows Server environments. Whatever your business’s unique situation and circumstances, we can help you overcome the hurdles in front of it and elevate you to your full potential.

For more information on how we can assist in transitioning through the upcoming End of Support deadline for Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008, why not get in touch? Our friendly and knowledgeable team are always on hand to lend their support wherever its needed. Simply fill out our online contact form, give us a call on +44 131 652 3954 or drop us a line at marketing@qnrl.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.