Goodbye 2008 R2, SQL 2008 & Windows 7
Support ends for Windows 7, Server 2008 R2 and SQL 2008 (July 19) - ACT NOW!
It seems like Server 2003 support only ended yesterday and now Microsoft have announced that it will officially end its support for all editions of Server 2008 R2. Mainstream support ended during 2013 and extended support will cease on 14 January 2020. Whilst putting off the inevitable might seem like a good idea, updating an IT infrastructure is a large task. Accordingly, now should be the time to plan system upgrades if you wish to ensure your systems are protected.
When Microsoft launch a new operating system, typically mainstream support lasts for approximately five years. This means that Microsoft continue to provide security updates, bug fixes, warranty claims and design changes. Beyond this an extended support period kicks in, typically around another five years, when Microsoft will provide limited support and security patches.
Once a product reaches its end of life, no new features or fixes are released for it. Whilst Microsoft continues to provide some help for customers still running Windows Server 2008 R2 through its extended support agreement, on 14 January 2020 Microsoft will no longer offer any type of support for the operating system. This will leave systems exposed to Cyber criminals because future security gaps will no longer be plugged by software patches. All three Windows Server 2008 R2 editions (Datacenter, Enterprise, and Standard) will be affected, including the Hyper-V role.
Other Microsoft product end of life dates:-
Windows operating system | Latest update or service pack | End of mainstream support | End of extended support |
14 April 2009 | 8 April 2014 | ||
10 April 2012 | 11 April 2017 | ||
13 January 2015 | 14 January 2020 | ||
9 January 2018 | 10 January 2023 | ||
Service updates provided every March and September | Refer to Microsoft Product Lifecycle database | 14 October 2025 | |
NIS is currently advising companies on how best to plan for a move away from Microsoft’s Server 2008 environment and the consideration which should be given to application software, printer drivers, security and wider aspects of an IT infrastructure. If you require assistance with your 2008 R2 environment or other system issues, please email sales@nis-it.co.uk or contact your nearest NIS office www.nis-it.co.uk – Act now!