Notice: End of support for Windows Server

First, it is important to note which products are affected by the end of support. Microsoft discontinued extended support for the Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2 and Small Business Server 2011 (SBS 2011) software products on January 14, 2020. In the case of Exchange Server 2010, Microsoft has again extended the support period until October 13, 2020. This gives companies the opportunity to switch to newer software solutions and protect themselves from potential effects.

These Microsoft products are affected by the end of support:

• Windows Server 2008
• Windows Server 2008 R2
• Small Business Server 2011 (SBS 2011)
• Microsoft Exchange Server (extended until Oct. 13, 2020)

Ignoring the end of support for Microsoft products can have serious consequences for your business, primarily owing to permanent security vulnerabilities. End of support means that there will be no more updates or patches for the software. This can lead to critical security and server problems. For instance, if you are experiencing problems with Windows Server 2008, you no longer have a point of contact for help. Furthermore, complications and compatibility problems can also occur with third-party software. In such cases, users are left to find their own solutions.

• No support for problems that occur
• Compatibility problems due to missing bug fixes
• Vulnerability to permanent security loopholes
• Cyber attacks and blackmailing by hackers
• Malware and viruses
• GDPR infringements and heavy fines

In short: Eliminate the dangers stemming from potential security gaps and switch to a current server operating system immediately! This is the only way to be optimally prepared for the future. With active support, you can rely on help when problems occur. Moreover, regular new updates and bug fixes ensure that your IT systems are optimally protected. So the question is not so much "what" you should do, but rather "when" you should do it.

The situation is much more drastic when it comes to data protection. If, for example, a security hole in the system becomes known, the error will no longer be corrected. On the contrary, if you use Windows Server 2008 / R2 and Small Business Server 2011, you are permanently at risk. Hackers can, for example, use known loopholes for cyber attacks and they no longer have to expect a bug fix. The longer you use outdated software without the necessary support, the greater the risk of security vulnerabilities.

This means that your data is also at risk of being spied on by third parties. This aspect in particular can lead to massive problems for data protection - keyword GDPR. If personal data is stored on servers that are managed with software that is no longer classified as secure, this can result in high fines for GDPR violations. In the worst-case scenario, the theft of personal data could result in waves of lawsuits from affected customers.

If you use outdated software that no longer closes security gaps, you also make yourself even more vulnerable to cyberattacks. In the worst-case scenario, successful cyberattacks by hackers could result in your company being threatened with extortion attempts worth millions - the malware Emotet demonstrated the impact this can have in 2019. On average, every 10th company was affected by cyberattacks. And these are only the cases that are reported to the police. The number of unreported cases is much higher. If companies do not tackle the switch to newer versions, this figure could increase significantly in 2020 due to the end of support for Windows Server 2008 / R2, SBS 2011 and, from the fall, Microsoft Exchange Server. It is therefore better to switch to Windows Server 2019 now, where support is guaranteed for years to come, instead of being left out in the cold with the many consequences and perhaps even putting your company in financial difficulties.

So make the switch to the modern server operating system as quickly as possible. With Windows Server 2019, you are ideally equipped for the challenges of future developments in the age of digitalization. The latest operating system from Microsoft offers you numerous functions such as software-defined storage and the integration of hyperconverged infrastructures (HCI). Windows Server 2019 is released under the Long Term Service Channel (LTSC) and therefore offers you 5 years of basic and extended support. You also benefit from the use of numerous security functions.

• Up-to-date server operating system
• Security updates and support for 5 years
• Good integration of third-party software
• Simple migration of data
• Storage Spaces Direct (S2D) as a modern storage solution
• Operation of containers/Kubernetes

With our S2D Micro-Cluster, we have put together a compact server system especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The flexible 2-node system is the ideal entry point for Windows Server 2019, especially for smaller companies such as law firms, medical practices or craft businesses . The S2D micro-cluster has Azure Stack HCI certification for Windows Server 2019, making the transition easy.

If you want to go one size bigger, the rack servers from our S2D Series are the right choice. Azure Stack HCI certified for Windows Server 2019 and Storage Spaces Direct (S2D), they are the ideal hardware for demanding storage projects and hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI).

If you have any questions about End of Support, simply get in touch with our contact persons. Let our experts advise you personally, because we will support you in your transition to a modern, secure server operating system with Windows Server 2019 - and worries about security vulnerabilities will finally be a thing of the past.