End-of-support for Windows Server 2008/R2
The 14th January 2020, marks the end of extended support for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2. Both of these versions are now no longer supported by Microsoft. For users of Windows Server 2008 or 2008 R2, this is the end of regular security updates. Organisations must avoid the challenges and vulnerabilities caused by end-of-support and now is the time to act.
End-of-support is like any lifecycle milestone – it offers organisations a chance to reassess directions and weigh up their options. With the right strategies, organisations can make sure they are protected, that their infrastructure is secure and that their technology stack is future-driven.
If you are running Windows Server 2008/R2, end-of-support should create an opportunity to evaluate and reassess your current set-up and to digitally transform. Could a move to Azure be an option? If you want to make sure your organisation is protected from cybersecurity attacks then, yes.
Running end-of-life infrastructure and applications is a huge risk. Cybersecurity attacks are on the increase. Research has shown that most organisations would struggle to remain operational in the event of a cyber incident and technology outages have also increased by 187% in the past year alone. Cyber-attacks have also increased at an unprecedented level.
End-of-support dates for Windows Server
End-of-support means that there are no further updates for Windows Server 2008/R2. While many organisations might get by without the latest application features, no organisation should go without regular security updates. Storing data on unsupported versions creates a massive compliance and security risk, with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), leading to business complications and financial penalties.
Versions in bold are no longer supported
Impact of end-of-support
Security updates are mission-critical in today’s world. The risks of staying on Windows Server 2008/R2 are not to be taken lightly. Security and compliance lapses, customer loss, damaged reputation, and missed opportunities are just some of the risks of remaining on unsupported Windows Server versions.
Security and compliance
Without security updates, you may fail to comply with regulations such as the GDPR or The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). This can seriously hamper your ability to:
- Protect against hackers and malware
- Utilise end-to-end data protection across SQL Server and frequently used together with services
Customer loss
Many customers will not work with a company that does not keep their systems up to date. Others will be forever lost in the event of a breach. According to a study by Microsoft, 20% of companies lose customers due to security attacks, and 30% lose revenue as a direct result.
Damaged reputation
If a data loss occurs, your company will be accountable to shareholders, investors, customers, the public, and perhaps even the courts. Admitting you did not keep your systems up to date can cause significant reputational damage.
Missed opportunities
Organisations who embrace digital transformation, by moving to supported systems, gain access to new features and the benefits they deliver.
Mitigate the risks of end-of-support and get three more years of security updates by moving to Azure
If you migrate to Azure, you gain the benefit of three more years of security updates. If you are a Software Assurance licence customer, you can leverage Hybrid Benefits and save up to 80% costs.
We have created a guide End of Support for Windows Server 2008/R2: How to use end-of-support as an opportunity to transform and move to the cloud, to give you all the information you need on migrating Windows 2008/R2 to Azure.