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 The longer you use outdated software without the necessary support, the greater the risk of security vulnerabilities.

As a result, your data is in danger of being stolen by third parties. It is precisely this aspect that can lead to massive data protection problems – keyword GDPR. Storing personal data on servers that are managed with software that is no longer classified as secure can result in high fines for GDPR violations. In the worst case, the theft of personal data could lead to waves of complaints from affected customers.

If you use outdated software that does not patch security holes, you make yourself even more vulnerable to cyber attacks. In the worst case, hackers can threaten your company with blackmail attempts potentially costing millions – the effects of this were seen in 2019 with the Emotet malware. In general, every 10th company is affected by cyber attacks. And these are only the cases that are reported to the police. The number of unreported cases is likely much higher. With the end of support for Windows Server 2008 / R2, SBS 2011 and, from October, Microsoft Exchange Server, this figure is likely to rise significantly in 2020 if companies do not make the transition to newer versions. So switch to Windows Server 2019 now to ensure support for years to come, rather than putting your data and perhaps even putting your business at risk.

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

• Latest 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 (SME). Particularly for smaller companies, such as law firms, medical practices or handicraft enterprises, these systems represent an ideal entry point for Windows Server 2019. The S2D micro-cluster has Azure Stack HCI certification for Windows Server 2019 – making the changeover child's play.

If you need something a bit bigger, the rack servers from our S2D series are the right choice. With their Azure Stack HCI certification for Windows Server 2019 and Storage Spaces Direct (S2D), they represent the ideal hardware for demanding storage projects and hyper-convergent infrastructure (HCI).

If you have any questions about end of support, simply contact our support staff. Let our experts advise and support you in your transition to a modern secure server operating system with Windows Server 2019 – and make worrying about security holes a thing of the past.