Microsoft is set to end support for Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 on October 10, 2023. This means that these products will no longer receive security updates or support, potentially putting your system at risk. While the end date may seem distant, it's important to start planning for a software upgrade now. In some cases, upgrading your IT infrastructure may be necessary due to the operating system, which could take longer than expected.
Probrand can offer expert advice on this matter.
Under the Microsoft Fixed Lifecycle Policy, the manufacturer provides five years of mainstream support and five years of extended support, which applies to Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2. On October 10, 2023, these products will reach the end of their ten-year lifespan, with the mainstream support ending in October 2018.
During the mainstream support period, the products receive all types of updates and service help, while during the extended support period, they stop receiving non-security-related updates. Although the software will still function, lack of updates and support creates a security risk.
So what are your options?
Migrate to Azure and run securely with up to three years of free Extended Security Updates
Migrating Windows Server 2012 to Azure Virtual Machines enables organisations to have up to three years of Extended Security Updates, free of charge, as well as ongoing access to support via their current support contract. The complimentary Extended Security Updates includes various Azure destinations, like Azure Stack HCI, Azure VNWare Solution, and Azure Dedicated Host. Because Azure Virtual Machines runs on the same Windows Server as an organisation’s on-premises environment, migration is a more simplified process. Additionally, it can be the lowest total cost of ownership at upwards of 69% less than buying Extended Security Updates on-premises.
Upgrade your Windows Server
Upgrading to a newer version of Windows Server keeps software and IT infrastructure compliant and up-to-date. Depending on your budget and expected IT environment lifespan, you have several options:
- Windows Server 2016 is the cheapest option that's still supported, recommended for businesses that don’t want to spend too much money but need to prolong the life of their server environment for a couple of years
- Windows Server 2019 is currently the most popular version and provides the best security, features, and cost value
- Windows Server 2022 is the most recent version, ideal for organisations looking to integrate hybrid server environments with Microsoft Azure in their IT infrastructure
Note that there's no direct upgrade from Server 2012 to Server 2022. Microsoft allows for direct upgrades through a maximum of two versions via an in-place upgrade. The latest upgradeable version of Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 is Windows Server 2019. If you want to upgrade to Server 2022, you must first install Server 2016 or 2019, then upgrade to the latest version.
Deploy Extended Security Updates on-premises
Customers that cannot meet the end of support deadline and have Software Assurance or subscription licenses under an enterprise agreement enrollment will have the option to buy Extended Security Updates to get three more years of security updates for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2.
If the idea of migrating is a bit nerve-wracking, then you need not worry – at Probrand we can help you make the move without all the stress. Our technical specialists are available to advise on the best option that puts your business needs first, contact us, we’re happy to help.
