If you’re still using personal computers and laptops with Windows 7, it’s time to stop throwing good money after bad. From a resources perspective, it doesn’t make economic sense to keep outdated software patched when there are new versions available. More than four years ago, Microsoft ended its support for Windows 7 when the company stopped adding new features and did not honor warranty claims. They did provide an extended support phase to patch and update operating systems for security issues, but that time is coming to an end on January 14, 2020. When the Windows 7 end-of-life phase ends, Valeo Networks managed IT services will require clients to upgrade their support.
In other end-of-life news, Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 and SQL Server 2008/2008 R2 are also on the chopping block with regard to mainstream support. Service by Microsoft for these machines will terminated as of July 8, 2019 for SQL Server 2008/2008 R2 and January 14, 2020 for Windows Server 2008/2008 R2. Microsoft has a few options for keeping your systems running beyond these dates. One is simply to upgrade to a newer version of Windows Server and SQL Server. A second option can save money by moving to the Azure Hybrid Use Benefit. The third approach is a Software Assurance or Enterprise Subscription Agreement, which extends security updates for three years.
It’s important to be prepared with the right solution before it’s too late. If you’re a Valeo Networks client, please contact our Customer Success team for an endpoint summary report that will identify the age and operating systems of your connected devices.