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These Microsoft products (operating systems and database software) will reach their End of Life phase support on January 14, 2020. In the words of Microsoft, “Every Windows product has a lifecycle. The lifecycle begins when a product is released and ends when it’s no longer supported.” Windows 7 (which us a successor of Windows Vista) was released in July 22, 2009. Windows Server 2008 (which is successor of Windows server 2003) was released in February 27, 2008.

Every Windows product has a lifecycle. The lifecycle begins when a product is released and ends when it’s no longer supported.

The best way to describe an operating system is to liken it to a road (single lane with two way traffic). When its first built, its great and gets you from point A to B. The road will require continual maintenance because of usage and weather changes so that it doesn’t fall into disrepair. At some point, it may not make sense to keep repairing it, and the only viable option is to build another road (double lane), that can meet present/future capacity with the latest building standards. Same case applies to operating systems and database software.

What does this mean for you and your business? I’m glad you asked. There are two ways to answer this question.

  1. Functionality standpoint, they will continue working as designed and none of the features will be taken away from you. Therefore there’s no great panic to upgrade immediately. However, you will no longer receive Microsoft Security updates. This might make you less secure to cyber security threats.
  2. Cyber Security standpoint; To maintain a secure internal environment, you should absolutely upgrade to the supported versions of Microsoft products. This will ensure that you are not as vulnerable to cyber security threats like viruses, malware and ransomware. Another reason to upgrade, Microsoft and third party software vendors will stop supporting versions that are running on unsupported operating systems.

Solution

  1. Upgrade to a supported version of Microsoft operating system. This is a sample upgrade path; Perform a software inventory, backup you files and initiate upgrade.
  2. Pay for Extended Security Updates. This is only available to enterprise or business customers. You can go this route if you have legacy (old) software that is not supported in the latest operating system.
  3. Transfer your server workload to the cloud. Instead of running an on premise server you can run server operating system in the cloud. You transfer your costs from capital to operational thus having a predictable

Kilele Consulting is able to provide you with a free consultation on options available for your business, such as Cloud services, Endpoint Protection and Microsoft 365 licensing.

Always remember, Security is a shared responsibility.

Send us an email [email protected] for more info on  IT Consulting, Productivity Software, Cloud and Online backup services.

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