Preparing for the Future: Navigating the End of Life for Microsoft Server 2012 

 Three Cherries aim to make IT support as simple and risk free as possible. Our team of experts can assist you with seamlessly migrating to the cloud or other server operating systems and also implementing Microsoft 365 features to boost your business productivity. In this blog post we will explore the challenges of Windows Server 2012 End of Life and how Three Cherries as a leading Bristol IT support provider can help you navigate the associated hurdles. 

  

What is Microsoft Windows Server 2012 and When did its Support End? 

Put simply, Microsoft Windows Server 2012 is an operating system offered by Microsoft. It featured the same simple to use tile styling which was synonymous with Windows 8. Support for Microsoft Windows Server 2012 ended on the 10th of October 2023. This means that there will be no more updates to either the security of the system or the appearance. 

What are Microsoft Extended Security Updates? 

Microsoft Extended Security Updates (ESU) are a service offered by Microsoft in which offers up to 3 years extended support of the 2012 operating system at a cost. They do not include any new features or design changes to the operating system, just urgent or important security updates. This is almost like putting a plaster over a wound. It is designed to give you a short-term solution. These shouldn’t be viewed as a long-term solution like migrating to a cloud server or newer on-premises server. 

The cost of Microsoft Extended Security Updates vary depending on the length of time required. In comparison to replacing the server, it is an expensive option to keep a 2012 server running in a secure manner to only need to upgrade it by 2026 when all support is stopped. 

 

How will End of Life affect your Business? 

Windows Server 2012 EOL (End of Life) will provide many challenges to businesses who still haven’t migrated to newer versions such as Windows Server 2019/2022 or moved to a cloud-based solution. 

• Security- The major area of concern surrounding 2012 EOL is the increased likelihood of security breaches. This is the main associated risk due to Windows no longer providing security patches and updates to the system. This allows for unpatched areas to be exploited and threats to be deployed by malicious sources. This endangers the security of the data within your business. 

  

• Technical Support- Similar to the lack of security updates and patches being provided by Microsoft, all technical support will also be stopped. This means that any potential technical issues you may face will not be addressed by Microsoft. Consequently, your business may face long periods of downtime whilst potential fixes our found leading to a potential loss of income or productivity. 

  

• Compatibility- With 2012 having a lack of patches and updates, many pieces of software will lose their compatibility with the 2012 server operating system. This could cause a variety of issues within a business however the main area of concern may surround productivity. If a necessary piece of software becomes unsupported and the operating system needing to be changed to use it, periods of unforeseen downtime may occur and lead to lack of profits or services for customers. 

 

Why should you upgrade from Windows Server 2012 and what are your Options? 

The main reason behind upgrading from Windows Server 2012 is future proofing your businesses server. By not prolonging your support of 2012 and moving sooner, In the long term less money will have been spent and less downtime of services will have occurred due to lack of compatibility etc. It also allows for greater cloud integration which provides greater data management and organisation. 

The most straightforward option is by upgrading the Windows Server operating system from 2012 to 2019/2022. This provides you with higher levels of security and performance due to being much more up to date than the now outdated Windows Server 2012. 

 The other option is migrating to a cloud-based server such as Microsoft Azure. This has a variety of benefits compared to an on-premises server. Examples of these benefits include improved security using Multi Factor Authentication (MFA). Another benefit related to cloud based servers are the great reductions in cost associated with running a server. Instead of your business having to pay for upgrades to the server as it ages and electricity costs, Microsoft Azure runs on a Pay as you go model meaning you aren’t burdened with unnecessary costs. This also means that it is a scalable system allowing for changes in demand to be quickly reacted upon allowing for you to maximum uptime. 

 How can Three Cherries Help your Business with Microsoft Server 2012 End of Life? 

Three Cherries as a leading Bristol IT support provider, have the ability to seamlessly and efficiently move your business from Microsoft Server 2012 to cloud-based services and implement Microsoft 365. We believe that by embracing the cloud your business will truly benefit from increased efficiency and security. Contact Three Cherries today to find out more about how we can help your businesses migration to the cloud and enable your IT growth.