Anyone who operates on Windows products should be used to the continual cycles of new versions of OS and the end-of-life cycles for older platforms. While Microsoft does a great job of ensuring that the customers have plenty of notice about support on any given version ending so that they can make decisions on how to handle the changes. This week’s announcement was in regard to Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 End of Extended Support.
Clients depend on Windows Server to operate their mission-critical business workloads. Microsoft cites customer feedback as the impetus for introducing new product rollouts for Windows Server workloads on Azure, on-premises, and at the edge. The company recently announced its Windows Server 2022 preview, which introduced innovations such as advanced multi-layer security, hybrid abilities, and enhancements to create newer applications with containers. Similarly, Microsoft has introduced several enhancements such as Azure Automanage for Windows Server and Windows Admin Center in Azure for Windows Server on Azure.
As the tech giant brings many innovations to market for Windows Server, existing support for older versions (as well as security updates released under the supported version) will be terminated. Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 End of Extended support is approaching per the Lifecycle Policy: Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 Extended Support will officially end on October 10, 2023.
Clients upgrading their systems to be compatible with the most recent release of Windows Server and applying the latest advancements to bring their IT environment up to cutting-edge standards. However, it should be noted that the Windows Server product runs various business-critical applications and more time may be required for clients to bring everything up to date. Microsoft assures customers that they are providing options and benefits to prevent any disruption to their workloads while they use Azure and Windows Server to transform their environment.
Important: This week, Microsoft announced Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 Extended Security Updates.
Clients can shift their workloads over to Azure and get free Extended Security Updates for three additional years (applicable in Azure.) Customers operating these releases of Windows Server on-site will have the opportunity to obtain Extended Security Updates. In addition, Microsoft also revealed one additional year of extended security updates for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 (applicable only to Azure.)
If you are running Windows Server 2012 and need to strategize for the planned end-of-support date, you can refer to Microsoft’s end-of-support blog for additional guidance. You may also wish to read Extended Security Updates / Frequently Asked Questions and read more about the latest features being added to the Azure Migration and Modernization Program.
If you are a Sarasota area small business owner and need expert guidance as to the end-of-support for Microsoft platforms, call the IT professionals at Alliance IT. We employ a deep bench of tech experts to walk you through the network changes required to keep your company competitive and efficient. Ready to learn more? Call us today.
Alliance IT offers secure, reliable IT support and managed IT services that work seamlessly with your business. Keep your computers, networks, printers, software and other IT running at full capacity, as well as protect critical business processes and minimize downtime with our Managed IT Services.
