Microsoft Windows Server 2008 End of Life (Questions/Answers)

Microsoft Is Ending Support For Windows Server 2008

Microsoft will be stopping mainstream support Server 2008 on January 14, 2020. This is a popular technology solution, so the end of support creates concern for many. Read on and we’ll explain what this means and what you should do.

What Does Windows 2008 Server End of Life Mean For Your Company?

Windows Server 2008 end of life means that Microsoft will no longer update this product unless a warranty compels them to do so. January 14, 2020 marks the End of Support for Servers 2008 and 2008R2.

Unfortunately, many businesses in Canada are still not ready. The reasons vary, but many company owners stay busy running their day-to-day operations. They just don’t have time for issues like this. And yet, this is a crucial server EOL that could cause many disruptions to your business if not dealt with promptly.

How Soon Should You Get A New Microsoft Windows Server?

You need to change over from the Windows 2008 Server and Windows 2008R2 to a supported server by January 14, 2020. That’s the very last moment you’ll have before support will no longer be available.

However, most IT professionals believe that companies should already be working on this. Migrating all your data, applications and other IT solutions to new servers is a time-consuming and complicated process. What if there are problems and issues?

By waiting, you place your IT assets in danger, and you could pay more for last-minute service. Think of it as an auto repair problem. The sooner you get it fixed, the less it will typically cost. Avoid extra costs and problems by upgrading your servers now.

What Problems Can Occur If You Don’t Update Your Microsoft Windows Server?

An end to bug fixes and those all-important security updates may be the ultimate deal breaker for users. Data managers will tell you that not having these fixes makes your data vulnerable to access by unauthorized parties. Cybercriminals are on the look-out for ways to infiltrate your systems and steal important info.

Since Microsoft will no longer offer security updates and bug fixes for this server, this creates numerous loopholes in data security that could be exploited. These security breaches can be avoided by installing a newer generation server with supported security updates.

What Should You Do Before Windows Server 2008 End Of Life?

There are many reliable servers available on the market today. This new generation of servers offers better efficiency, virtualization, faster speeds and many other good attributes. Do some research to ensure that you get a proper replacement that will address all the functions your organization requires.

How Do You Get Ready For The Upgrade?

Installing new servers can be challenging. You have to plan out the process so that everything is done correctly and during off hours, so it doesn’t disrupt your daily operations. The sooner you start, the better.

To plan for an infrastructure upgrade, rewrite and migrate all applications based on SQL Server 2008 to a safe storage place. The new server may require some troubleshooting. SQL databases can be hosted on the Windows Server 2008 hardware as you install the new system.

During the transition, put a data protection infrastructure in place that will eliminate risks during a server upgrade. This will protect your data from problems with the old server and risks associated with the new system. While this will cost extra, the fines associated with a data breach are often far more expensive.

What Should You Do? Work With Your IT Professionals

if your business is running Windows Server 2008 you can look at these 3 Solutions based on your business needs when you need to upgrade:

1. Migrate to the Cloud with a product like Azure server from Microsoft.
2. Upgrade your on-premise server to a Window 2016 Server.
3. Choose a Hybrid solution that uses what’s best from both solutions.

In most cases, it can be highly beneficial to give the entire project over to your IT service company. If you aren’t currently working with one, then please check out the services offered by CTECH Consulting Group.

Our team can handle the entire transfer of data and install and set up your new servers correctly. This can minimize problems and downtime. And, if your in-house IT department hasn’t done this before, they could run into all sorts of issues that would be avoided by working with a skilled, experienced team like the one at CTECH.

Call your CTECH account manager to figure out what solution is the best for your business.

Do You Have More Questions About Upgrading?

Every Windows operating system has a lifecycle. CTECH will keep you informed about essential lifecycle dates. We can help you make informed decisions about when to upgrade or make other changes to your software or hardware.

CTECH Consulting Group can help your organization in Calgary, Edmonton or Saskatoon make the choices that are best for your business. And we can migrate your IT environment to an on-premise or cloud-based server solution.

If you found this article helpful, we have many more in Our Blog.

Written by Carl Fransen

posted on February 22, 2019

Carl Fransen

My passion is to make my mark on the world in a positive and lasting way. I want to set an example for my son that his father can compete with integrity in today’s world, be very successful, and leave the world a better place for him.

Combining my technical/business-based education with a long career steadily progressing up the corporate ladder, I decided to build a company that held true to my values. So, I founded and designed the next generation of IT support firm: CTECH Consulting Group Inc. We are a completely automated, cloud-based IT company designed to compete against any other IT firm without the overhead. We promote a lifestyle to all our staff where they can work anywhere, at any time, access any information on any device that is relevant to their job, and collaborate with anyone they want to.