When Microsoft ends its Extended Support for Windows 7, Windows Server 2008/R2 and Exchange Server 2010 on January 14, 2020, millions of computers and networks will almost instantly be exposed to dangerous hacks, invasions and ransom situations from cybercriminals around the world. But what does that really mean for the Enterprise?
Here is an overview. And to learn more, download our free White Paper, “How to Prepare for Windows 7 End-of-Life.”
Windows 7
End of Life: January 14, 2020
Recommended Replacement: Windows 10
Notes: Windows 7 will cause the most havoc in organizations because Win7 still accounts for 42% of Windows installations. We recommend replacing your Windows 7 licenses and workstations with Windows 10. If your computers are newer, the solution may be as simple as a software upgrade: upgrading the operating system from Windows 7 to Windows 10. If they’re older, you will need to replace them in order to upgrade to Windows 10. And don’t worry: Stratix Systems can help you determine if your existing machines can be upgraded to Windows 10 and plan for the transition.
Windows Server 2008
End of Life: January 14, 2020
Recommended Replacement: Windows Server 2016
Notes: Similar to windows 7, once Server 2008 reaches its end-of-life date, no new features or fixes are released for it, nor will Microsoft’s support team be available for any issues relating to your server. This will leave any Windows 2008 servers in your environment vulnerable to infiltration due to the lack of new security patches.
We recommend replacing your Server 2008/R2 with Server 2016. The process for replacing Server 2008 can be complex. A server’s responsibilities and processes can result in a longer-than-average replacement process. Replacing a server with Windows Server 2008/R2 will typically require purchasing new hardware. Since server hardware undergoes much more use and wear, we recommend putting your business data and Server 2016 on hardware that will last you another 5-6 years.
Exchange Server 2010
End of Life: January 14, 2020
Recommended Replacement: Hosted Exchange or Exchange 2016
Notes: Exchange Server 2010 may not have a large impact on your business because many organizations have already transitioned their communications and collaboration needs to a cloud-based system, like hosted exchange. The exception is for businesses needing deep integration with third-party software or those with very high security needs. Those Exchange environments should upgrade their Exchange Servers to Exchange 2016, but the migration between Exchange versions or to Hosted Exchange is typically smooth and easy.
What should you do first?
Start by downloading our free White Paper, “How to Prepare for Windows 7 End-of-Life.”.
Your next call should probably be to Stratix Systems. With more than 130 IT professionals, Stratix Systems has the resources, people and experience to help you develop your options. We can also help you develop a budget and a plan to update or replace your affected computers and servers long before Microsoft support for Windows 7, Windows Server 2008/R2 and Exchange Server 2010 ends in January 2020. That way, you won’t be left in a panic as January 2020 creeps closer, and your systems and data will be secure.