All good things must come to an end—and that includes Windows 7 for both business and personal use as well as Windows Server 2008 R2. On January 14, 2020, Microsoft will officially end all software and security updates and support for the popular operating systems. *
End of Extended Support for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 7 in January of 2015, but 36-40% of businesses (depending on who you ask) still use it. During this extended support phase, users have been able to continue operating their system as usual—only without any new functionality or warranty coverage. Windows Server 2008 R2 has also been in extended support mode.
Come January 2020, things will be different… the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 life cycles and support will come to a permanent halt.
Your Company’s Risks of Continued Use
The Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 end of life will not create a doomsday-type shutdown. Your business can technically continue to operate these systems after the cut-off date… but you will do so at your own risk.
Microsoft will no longer offer bug fixes or security patches for the system or server. And technical support for businesses will only be available at a cost. That means your company’s computer system will face numerous threats, including the following:
Vulnerability to malicious viruses and hacks
Costly support for technical problems
Software incompatibility
M7 Support for Your Upgrade
You’re not on your own when it comes to upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10, or from Windows Server 2008 R2 to 2012 or higher. M7 Technology Solutions is your partner in computer system, network, and server selection and maintenance.
We can help you choose the best operating system and server upgrades that make sense for your business. M7 will also help you transition, including training and testing before your upgrade goes live.
If your business is using a Windows 2008 Server or Windows Server 2008 R2, you have several options available to upgrade your equipment.
Windows 2012 Server
Windows 2012 R2 Server
Windows 2016 Server
Windows 2019 Server
Cloud computing
The Time to Act Is Now
Operating system endings are necessary—even good—things. Over time, a system’s original programming will inevitably become less able to keep up with the pace of technology, making it sluggish and incompatible with new software applications.
At M7 Technology Solutions, we recommend that you start planning now for your system upgrade. Don’t wait until January—when your system will be vulnerable—to take action.
Windows 7 was a great operating system while it lasted, but it’s time for your business to move on to a new and improved system. By migrating to Windows 10, or another comparable system, you will not only avoid the risks of an old system, but you can enjoy the advantages of a new, well-supported one.
The same holds true with migrating your Windows Server 2008 R2 and SQL Server applications to a newer server. Not only will this transition offer you security and cost savings, but it will benefit your business with innovative tools that will modernize your system.
Don’t let time run out. Upgrade your business’s system before the New Year begins… and let M7 Technology Solutions assist you!
Don’t manage Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 End of Life on your own.
Contact M7 Technology Solutions today!
Find out how we can help you through all phases of migration.
* Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Enterprise customers with volume Windows 7 license agreements and those participating in the Software Assurance program can opt to pay for extended security updates until 2023.