What will happen when Windows 7 and Server 2008 are retired?
It’s official, Microsoft have announced that as of January 14th 2020 Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 and Exchange 2010 will stop being supported. What will you do?
It’s official, Microsoft have announced that as of January 14th 2020 Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 and Microsoft Exchange 2010 will stop being supported.
This means that if your PCs are running Windows 7 (home or business), or you have a server running Windows Server 2008 or Exchange 2010, you will need to upgrade or replace these devices.
How will this impact your business?
- Microsoft will not support you
These products are already in extended support, but as of January they will no longer receive any support from Microsoft. This means that should issues occur with devices running this software, we may not be able to resolve the issues.
- We will no longer be able to support the devices
For security reasons, the software we use to monitor and support your devices will eventually stop supporting these old versions of Microsoft software. This means that in time we will no longer be able to offer our support services for these devices.
- You’ll be wide open to cyber attacks
Microsoft have made clear that as of January 2020 they will not be releasing any security updates, and that they will not take responsibility for any security breaches that occur.
In the current climate of cyber crime, security updates are crucial in protecting you from things like ransomware and hackers accessing your network. You’re far more likely to be targeted by cyber criminals and could lose data/money and breach the GDPR as a result of an attack.
What are your options?
- Upgrade to Microsoft 365 Business
Microsoft 365 Business is a fully cloud-based solution. It offers file storage using SharePoint Online, emails with Exchange Online and Azure Active Directory to manage your users and permissions.
In addition to this it includes advanced security software to keep you safe and a Windows 10 upgrade licence. As a result, the solution can allow you to remove your server and work entirely from the cloud (subject to eligibility).
- Upgrade your servers and desktops
If you are not eligible for Microsoft 365 Business, we can upgrade or replace your devices to utilise the latest versions of Windows software.
