In the fast-paced world of technology, software and operating systems are constantly evolving to meet the growing demands of businesses and organisations. However, as progress marches forward, older systems eventually reach the end of their lifecycle. In October we bid farewell to Windows Server 2012 and 2012R2 as it officially reaches the end of support.
What are the implications of this milestone and what are the potential risks of using an unsupported operating system?
The End of Support: What Does it Mean?
To put simply it means from the end of support date onwards, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance for Windows Server 2012 and R2.
What are the Risks of Unsupported Systems?
Running an unsupported operating system poses several risks to businesses and organizations. Without regular security updates, your servers become vulnerable to new and emerging threats, potentially exposing your network and data to cyberattacks. As hackers become more sophisticated, their ability to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities increases, putting your sensitive information and critical systems at risk.
Furthermore, unsupported systems can result in compliance issues for organisations operating in regulated industries. Many compliance frameworks require (such as ISO and Cyber Essentials) the use of supported software, and failing to meet these requirements can result in penalties, legal liabilities, or loss of business opportunities.
What are my options?
If your organisation is still relying on Windows Server 2012, it’s time to take action. The end of support is an opportunity to evaluate your current IT infrastructure and invest in an upgrade that ensures the security and stability of your operations.
Choosing the right successor may not just be replacing like for like. There are various options based around cloud, 365, or hybrid, depending on the current use of the 2012 server.
We’ve helped many organisations successfully migrate from older on-premise servers to various cloud infrastructures as well as provide robust on-premise upgrades. Ensuring the solution fits in with the needs and future projections of the business.
Don’t delay the inevitable. If you’re still using Server 2012, now is the time to act. You can book a quick chat with us using the toolbar on on this page. We’ll be happy to give you an idea of your options.