Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 end of support coming in July

2 min. read

Published on June 11, 2019

published on June 11, 2019

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Last year, Microsoft announced the end of support deadline for Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 as well as SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2. Microsoft clearly stated these systems would stop receiving updates on January 14, 2020, and July 9, 2019, respectively.

This means all the organizations who are still using these server versions will stop receiving security updates and patches beyond the end of support deadline.

Cyber attacks and, most importantly, ransomware attacks are common these days. These type of attacks can be seriously damaging especially for large enterprises and organizations. They may end losing sensitive information and even a handsome amount of money.

So, your systems are more prone to such type of attacks if you are running unsupported software versions. The attacks often take advantage of known vulnerabilities that exist in your system.

What should you do?

If you are also running unsupported Windows Server versions, don’t worry, you have enough time to develop an effective mitigation plan. We are going to discuss some of the possible solutions that you may adopt for your organization.

Upgrade your software

Many users and organizations are often reluctant to go for an upgrade. Keep in mind that an upgrade guarantees additional security, saves cost and improves overall performance.

As the end of support date is approaching, you should consider an upgrade to the latest version of SQL Server and Windows Server.

Jump to Azure

Here is an alternate solution for you if you don’t want to upgrade. A better solution is to move to the Azure platform. You don’t need any changes to the source code while moving Windows Server and SQL Server to Microsoft Azure.

You may prefer to choose none of these options. In that case, you will have to pay an additional cost to receive extended security updates on your systems.

Microsoft offers three years of extended security updates to users who pay 75% of the existing OS cost.

It’s now up to you which path you follow. But it is recommended that you should not leave your systems vulnerable to cyber attacks.

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Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web. Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they're looking for.