If your business uses Windows Server 2008 or SQL Server 2008 for networking, databases, messaging, and other office productivity, be aware that support for these products will end soon. Microsoft will end support for SQL Server 2008/R2 on July 9 2019 and Windows Server 2008/R2  on January 14, 2020. That means you have less than twelve months to migrate to a new platform.  Microsoft will also end support for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020.

What does end of extended support mean for your business?

End of support refers to the date when Microsoft no longer provides automatic fixes, updates, or online technical assistance. Vulnerabilities in the operating system that are discovered after this date will not be fixed by Microsoft. Furthermore, after that date Microsoft will no longer offer any type of support for the operating system. It won’t be long before those systems are specifically targeted and exploited by bad actors.

Inaction puts your business at risk of Non-Compliance and Security Breaches

Businesses subject to HIPAA, Financial, and PCI regulations running non supported Microsoft applications may face stiff penalties and huge fines. Risk of non-compliance and breach potential increases exponentially after these dates, because they will no longer receive proactive patches and security updates. Unsupported operating systems will be more vulnerable to malicious attacks. In addition, businesses that accept credit cards may lose their merchant privileges if they continue to run on an unsupported operating system. In short, your business, and your data will be at risk.

What should I do?

You still have time to prepare and protect your business, provided you begin the process soon.  This can take time, but with planning and the right guidance, this can be a smooth, successful transition.  Here are a few pointers to get started:

  • Assess your situation by identifying servers running Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008, or Windows 7 Computers
  • Evaluate applications impacted when upgrading to newer Microsoft products
  • Define a timeline and budget to replace hardware and software
  • Ensure Line of Business application and vendor support is currently place
  • Consider and address how security, patching, and operational issues are managed
  • Work with a qualified IT provider to complete your upgrade or migration
  • Windows Server 2008/R2 – mainstream support is expired, and extended support will end January 2020
  • SQL Server 2008/R2 – mainstream support is expired, and extended support will end July 2019
  • Windows 7 – mainstream support is expired, and extended support will end Jan. 14, 2020
  • Office 2010 – mainstream support is expired, and extended support will end Oct. 13, 2020

Need help upgrading or replacing these older systems? Jeter IT Solutions can help you to migrate or upgrade systems containing Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 as well as any other software approaching end of support. We’ll help you determine your next steps and maintain a secure data environment throughout the process.

End of support can be a serious issue for businesses that don’t follow through on upgrades and migrations. Don’t jeopardize your company’s data security – contact us for more information!