Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008R2 are close to the end of their lives, a decade on from their release.
- February 2008 - Windows Server 2008 released amidst the falling stock markets of the Global Financial Crisis
- October 2009 - Windows 7 released soon after the launch of the iPhone
- October 2009 - Windows Server 2008 R2 released alongside Windows 7, incorporating the new interface along with functionality and security improvements over 2008.
Windows End of Life
On the 14th of January 2020 - 4 months away - all support for the above operating systems will cease at Microsoft, increasing their vulnerability to attack considerably. A recent vulnerability known as Bluekeep has amplified the need for users of all legacy operating systems prior to Windows 10 to upgrade.
Windows 7, Server 2008 and Server 2008 R2 have long passed their "soft" End of Life milestone, when mainstream support for the operating systems ceased on the 13th of January in 2015.
Improved security now and future
The advantages of upgrading to Windows 10 and Server 2019 don't stop with these particular vulnerabilities. Further improvements made to the architecture of Windows itself along with new features such as Windows Hello mean that users of older operating systems miss out on the advantages of new and improved security.
In a new beta version of Windows 10 (mid 2019), Microsoft has launched for the first time a version of Windows that can run without a password, instead able to authenticate its users through biometrics, PIN codes and other methods of multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Other advantages of upgrading
The advantages of upgrading your desktop and server operating systems to the latest are not limited to cybersecurity and privacy. New features, better compatibility and scalability are available and continue to be improved in the updates since Windows 10 was released in 2015.
Windows 10 is a big improvement on previous versions on its ability to morph to different desktops - providing a consistent experience on multi-screen workstations, laptops and mobile touch-based devices. Windows 10 also includes support for new interfaces, such as the Microsoft Pen and Microsoft Dial, which used together work like a paint brush and palette.
Windows Server 2019 and Windows 10 now work with Linux. In recent updates of Windows Server you can run your Linux services in a Virtual Machine alongside Windows services — all from the same hardware with full support and compatibility.
The new operating systems are also much faster, both to boot up, in displaying graphics, and in navigating and finding what you need.
Don't leave upgrading until the last moment
Changing your desktop or server operating systems may require an audit of hardware and software to check for any logistical, licensing or compatibility issues. Depending on the complexity and limitations identified, more time and testing may be required to get you the smoothest transition possible.
Call us for a coordinated and smooth upgrade
Our Business Technology Managers and project management team action upgrade projects every day. Along with the expertise of our Technology Consulting and Software Development teams, we are ideally prepared to evaluate your current systems and set a project in motion to get you up to date on Microsoft's Windows 10 and Server 2019.
Give us a call on 1300 307 907 or contact us via the form below.
