Sunsetting Microsoft Windows Server 2012
After a decade of phenomenal service, on October 10, 2023, extended support for Microsoft Windows Server 2012comes to an end. With customer questions rising the clock is ticking on extended support. Many of you have a big decision to make regarding what’s next and as the future may be unknown the amazing people at All lines Technology have you covered! So don’t go into panic mode just yet as you have come to the right place when making such a crucial decision for your organization. This tends to be such a crucial decision for any organization due to the fact that once October 10th passes Microsoft Windows Server 2012 no longer receives non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates and in the day and age where security should be a top priority for your company, it’s important to make the right decision when updating your server. Customers like yourself have learned to develop a certain trust with Windows Server 2012 and now that it’s officially ending it’s time to put your trust into something else.
What’s Next? Upgrading or Migrating?
As the three year deadline of extended support approached the decision has finally come for many organizations on what to do regarding the future of this soon-to-be obsolete operating system. It’s a decision that needs to be made quickly but also strategically as cybercriminals are knocking, making you a prime target if action isn’t taken before October 10th arrives. There are two different routes you can take when deciding what options are best for you, migrating to Azure or upgrading to the Microsoft Windows Server 2019. Migrating to Azure is an excellent option when making your decision as Azure provides multiple options to pick from including Azure Virtual Machine, Azure Arc, Dedicated Azure Host and Azure Stack HCI. Windows suggests that if your servers are on prem that Azure Arc might be the best decision for you. Here are a few more reasons upgrading to Azure might be the best decision for you:
- Modernization of .NET apps by using Azure App Service
- To containerize and manage your workload you can use Azure Kubernetes Services
- To patch and upgrade the old apps and programs Azure provides Azure SQL. SQL Server database which is a PaaS service.
- Azure simplifies the process of updating and managing Windows Server with Azure Auto manage.
Another option users have if you still haven’t upgraded Windows Server 2012is to upgrade to Windows Server 2019. Instead of going through an installation period users can perform an in place upgrade of Windows. All this will do is upgrade the operating system to a supportable and patchable version. This option is also a safe choice for customers who want to still use their old hardware and maintain the safety of their data. Besides being an easy transition from 2012 to 2019 there are also two main benefits when doing so, the operating system is more compatible with new services and applications and the safer to operate in your IT environment. Windows Server 2019 was built on a strong base not only blocking threats but monitoring and reacting to perceived threats as well.
Decision Time
October 10th, 2023, the day your organization can fall victim to cyberattacks if the right steps aren’t taken. With extended updates coming to an end very soon, decision time has come for many organizations and IT leaders on what the best option may be for sunsetting Windows Server 2012. With two good options available no decision can be a wrong one as either upgrading or migrating both have great benefits. Hesitation could open the door to cyber criminals. Another great thing about updating your servers at such a crucial time is that All Lines Technology is here to help. Our IT experts are the best in the business and with years of experience and expertise we are sure to give you the best possible solution your organization needs. Contact us today for all your Microsoft Windows Server 2012 end of life solutions today!