End of Windows SERVER 2008 R2 Support

Windows Server 2008 R2 Support is ending! If you are a Microsoft product user, you need to be aware that support for another of the company’s most widely used products is due to end in the next few months. Following the widely publicised end of Windows 7 support, Microsoft have announced that they will be ending support for Windows Server 2008 R2 at the beginning of 2020. 

From January 14, 2020 Microsoft will cease offering extended support for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2, which means there will be no further updates, and all of your business workload that is currently handled by these servers will have to be migrated, either to the Microsoft Azure cloud or by upgrading to a newer version of Windows Server. 

So as 2020 approaches, it is important to understand the potential impact of this development on your business and the best ways to handle the change. 

Risks of Continuing to Run Windows Server 2008

For an indication of the risks associated with continuing with an unsupported server platform, we only have to look back to 2015, when Server 2003 moved out of support. The outdated system was threatened by a range of new web attack and malware threats, and the same thing is likely to happen with Windows 2008. By sticking with an outdated system, you will be more vulnerable to cyber-attacks, as older software is easier to exploit, putting your organisation at significant risk. 

It is widely known that hackers have already started to target security flaws in Windows 7 machines, and we can expect the same problem for servers running Windows Server 2008 R2.

Continuing to run Windows Server 2008 will also lead to additional costs, through reduced performance and future incompatibilities, which could be exacerbated by the potential for failed audits and compliance problems, leading to fines or other penalties. 

In addition, organisations running Windows Server 2008 after 2020 will not have access to the enhanced features available in later versions, putting them at a competitive disadvantage. 

How to Upgrade from Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2

When considering how to upgrade from Windows Server 2008, one of the first questions that has to be asked is whether you want to move your server environment to the cloud. 

Instead of going to the expense and hassle of investing in both a server migration and new on-premises hardware, in many cases a cheaper and more flexible solution is to switch their operations to the cloud. This takes the responsibility for updates, monitoring and maintenance out of your hands, freeing you and your staff to focus on your business.

But with 2020 looming, whichever option you take, it makes sense to get ahead of the game.

To get advice on the best way to help your business cope with the end of Windows Server 2008 support, AMJ’s dedicated team of IT support experts can talk you through your options. Our experience as a leading Kent and London IT Company specialising in London IT Support and IT Support Kent which means we can help you with the full range of IT issues, from hardware improvements to server migration, so get in touch today.