Are You Running Server 2008 or Windows 7?
Microsoft cannot maintain every product it has ever released. Support eventually ends, meaning security updates are no longer offered. This end-of-life period will happen for Windows 7 and Server 2008 on January 14, 2020. If you are running either of these operating systems, now is the time to start planning and budgeting.
Why End of Life Matters for Your Business
Ignoring end of life for Server 2008 and Windows 7 is not the same as skipping an update for an app on your smartphone. There can be security and compliance risks if you continue to run the old operating systems after Microsoft stops offering the patches. Notably:
- Your technology and network will be vulnerable to attacks by cybercriminals
- You will not meet compliance requirements because without critical security updates you cannot prove confidential information is properly safeguarded
IT Upgrades are Better Together
Chances are, the equipment running Windows 7 and Server 2008 is more than a few years old. You wouldn’t want to just update the software as the older hardware is ill-equipped to handle new operating systems. End of life for Server 2008 and Windows 7 presents an ideal time to evaluate your systems and take advantage of tools and processes that will help grow your business and achieve your top goals.
Forcing old machines to run new software can lead to compatibility issues and slow down systems. Ask yourself:
- How old are your servers and PCs?
- Does hardware meet battery life, security and performance needs of users?
Refreshing your hardware at the same time you update your operating systems is not only a best practice, it can save you money. By buying hardware with the updated operating system this year, you won’t have to install the new operating system on an old machine and then upgrade the device next year or be forced to replace equipment that fails.
Need more time to plan? Microsoft is allowing users to rehost their Server 2008 workloads in Azure and receive 3 years of free extended security updates while planning their server migration. Contact us for help.
What This Change Brings
The technology landscape has significantly changed since Windows 7 was released in July 2009. Office 365 and the cloud have leveled out the playing field through a steady stream of innovation, like the ability to collaborate and communicate seamlessly across devices in Microsoft Teams.
Increase Security
Server 2019, Windows 10 and the cloud all have significantly more features that improve your overall security posture than their predecessors. Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) is one example. You can turn this powerful monitoring tool on for Server 2019 and gain a comprehensive overview of your security. Using information from network scans, you’ll be able to quickly review, investigate and respond to alerts and incidents.
Opportunity to Simplify IT Management and Reduce Capital Spend
Changing how you manage technology can break the cycle of coordinating multiple moving parts with unexpected expenses. For instance, you can switch to a Hardware as a Rental (HaaR) model. Instead of continually buying new servers or PCs, an IT professional provides and manages your machines. The majority of your IT budget is changed to an operating expense instead of a capital expense.
HaaR is a great option because it removes the expense of buying new machines, recommended every three to five years. The rental option ensures your technology is updated every three years – software, hardware and everything you need to run a business smoothly. Deerwood Technologies offers HaaR, backed with our comprehensive IT support, to help greater Minnesota businesses create a predictable, reliable technology budget and have the technology operate effectively.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Contact us today to start planning for Server 2008 and Windows 7 end of support.