End of Support for Windows 7 and Server 2008
Microsoft have announced the end of support for Windows Server 2008 and Windows 7, with a confirmed ‘end of support’ date of 14th January 2020. So, in just over a year, security patches of these systems will no longer be released.
Windows 7 has been an incredibly popular operating system; its market share still stands at 41%. This has continued to stay firm even with the launch of Windows 10. While the end of support for Windows Server 2008 also means it’s the end of the road for Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS) 2008 and SBS 2011, both of which run Server 2008 in the background.
Windows 7 was launched in 2009, it superseded the widely disliked Windows Vista, and for many became the upgrade option from Windows XP. And Windows Small Business Server 2008 and 2011 were the last server editions aimed at small businesses to run their own exchange (email) server.
SBS 2008 ran Exchange 2007 – already end of life as of 11th April 2017 – and SBS 2011’s Exchange 2010 will reach its own end of life along with Windows 7 and Server 2008 in January 2020.
With such change lingering just around the corner, it’s advisable that businesses use the next 12 months to plan and implement upgrade strategies, the goal being to complete removal of unsupported systems before January 14th, 2020.
How Rio IT Can Help In this Transition…
· Support
With the end of their support lifecycle fast approaching for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 products from January 14th 2020, there will be no additional:
- Free security updates on-premises
- Non-security updates
- Free support options
- Online technical content update
So how can Rio IT help? Well, for desktop PCs and laptops the transition is easy, a new PC with Windows 10 can be supplied. Our engineers can make sure your profile and settings are transferred and you’ll be up-to-date and ready to work again in no time at all.
· Servers
For Servers, there are specific questions that you’ll need to ask:
- Do you still need a server?
- What does the server do?
- Is cloud an option?
Rio IT will take each of the questions above into account when assisting you with decisions based on IT infrastructure for the next 3-5 years for your company, after all, a new server can be a significant investment.
Software, and the flow of data is what drives the business, if this means you need a new server we will advise as such, but if your requirements to successfully operate day-to-day can be met in another fashion we will provide all the information and guidance required to make a clear decision.
The natural progression from Windows SBS 2008 or SBS 2011 is now called ‘Windows Server Essentials’. If you have fewer than 25 users, this is an excellent option and can be easily linked with Office365 Exchange online to manage your email capacity. For companies with more than 25 users, the next step is Windows Server Standard edition.
What’s the Next Step?
In some cases – owing to legacy software or hardware support – it may be necessary to continue to run a Windows 7 or Server 2008 system for some time after the official end of life date. This is not a problem however, Rio IT will work with you in these cases to ensure the necessary compensating controls are enforced to limit the risk. This will include steps such as restricting internet or network access.
If you’re worried you may be running one of these systems please get in touch, we will be happy to review and provide an appropriate replacement plan for all devices. For more information about how Rio IT can help, please contact our friendly team today.
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