Windows Server 2012 R2 Ending Support: What You Can Do
Attention business owners: Windows Server 2012 R2 is approaching the end of its support cycle. As a trusted cloud services partner, we want to shed some light on what this means for your business and what options are available to stay ahead of the technology curve.
What Does the Windows 2012 R2 Situation Look Like?
Let’s start with the announcement from Microsoft: “Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 will end on October 10, 2023. After this date, these products will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support or online technical content updates.”
So, what does this situation look like for your business? Well, it depends on your current state, architecture and infrastructure.
If you’re wondering whether Microsoft will completely drop the OS, it’s not as drastic as that. While they won’t actively support it, they might still release critical fixes for severe vulnerabilities that impact all operating systems.
What Happens If My Business Uses Legacy Applications?
We understand that migrating to the cloud can be daunting, especially if your legacy systems are crucial to productivity and too complex to move. Fortunately, we have a solution: We can help you lift those systems into Microsoft’s Azure cloud and Microsoft will continue to provide support for them until October 2026.
Unsure about choosing IT services? Check out our free guide.
As for businesses currently using Windows 2012, you’ll need to weigh your options. Perhaps you can perform an in-place upgrade to a newer server if it’s straightforward. However, if you have a more intricate environment with multiple servers, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Either way, we’ll help you assess the circumstances and find the best approach.
What If My Business Doesn’t Do Anything?
So, what happens if a business using Windows 2012 takes no action? Unfortunately, you become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. With no more patches from Microsoft, you’ll need to implement extra layers of security and limit access to critical systems to only authorized personnel.
If cloud migration sounds appealing, you can dip your toes into the water with a hybrid environment. We’ll help you transition some of your on-premises servers into Microsoft Azure, offering increased protection and extended support until October 2026.
Alternatively, upgrading your operating system to a more secure version like Windows 2016, 2019 or 2022 is a viable option. The choice will depend on the compatibility and support of your business applications.
What Is The Best Advice You Can Give Me? Which Way Should I Go?
The truth is, there’s no one right answer. It all depends on your specific infrastructure and business environment. Migrating to the cloud can positively impact businesses seeking resiliency and operating in hybrid environments.
However, if you prefer on-premises servers, we’ll work with you via our IT consulting process to develop a well-defined project scope.
Windows Server 2012 R2 Ending Support: Exploring Your Options
At Merit Technologies, we understand that every business is unique, and the decision-making process involves more than just technical aspects. We consider the “people, process, technology” aspects of your business to offer the most suitable solutions.
If you’ve been putting off cloud migration for Windows 2012 due to complexity or uncertainty, don’t worry. We are here to help you find a tailored solution that aligns with your business needs.
Contact us or book a meeting with one of our experts, and together, we’ll find a successful path forward for your business. Your peace of mind is our priority.
