Upgrading Windows Server 2008
Would you leave your wallet, phone, and keys on the front seat of your unlocked car? Probably not. We protect our physical belongings by locking our doors, installing security systems, and keeping an eye out for anything, or anyone, that looks mischievous because when it comes to our personal belongings we don’t allow ourselves to be that vulnerable. Why then, do we not take those same precautions when it comes to our computer systems? After all, compromised data and files can have devastating impacts on your business.
On January 14, 2020, support for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 will end. This means there will be no more patches or security updates, leaving your data more susceptible to security vulnerabilities, threats, and attacks. Failing to update to a more current operating system will also break compliance requirements in regulated industries.
You probably remember the WannaCry ransomware attack in May, 2017, that wreaked havoc on 200,000+ computers through an exploit in older Windows systems. While Microsoft had released patches to close the exploit before the attack, many organizations didn’t apply those patches, causing millions of dollars in lost productivity and expenses to the companies affected. Keeping your systems updated is one of the easiest ways to avoid an attack. Plus, upgrading is an opportunity to innovate and grow your business while introducing new features, enhancements, and functionality.
January 14, 2020 will be here before we know it and it’s important to start planning your migration and upgrade strategy now. Upgrades to a new OS require time but we can help you get it done right.
Two options to upgrade Windows Server 2008
Two modernization paths you can take depend on your business requirements:
Option 1: Rehost to Azure and get three years of Extended Security Updates at no additional charge.
Option 2: Upgrade on-premise servers to Windows Server 2016 for built-in security and continued support with regular updates.
Don’t let your infrastructure and applications go unprotected, we’re here to assist you in every step of the way. Give us a call today at 616.837.6930 and we will review the best path for your business.
