The end of Windows Server 2012 is rapidly approaching: time for action

In less than three weeks, the extended End of Support for Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 will come to an end. If your company still relies on this outdated operating system, you’ll need to make changes quickly. In this blog, we’ll delve deeper into what Windows Server 2012 was, why it’s time to migrate to the cloud, the risks businesses face by not transitioning in a timely manner, and the benefits of Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Microsoft Azure.

What was Windows Server 2012?

Windows Server 2012 was initially an on-premises operating system used by many businesses of all sizes. In recent years, many Windows 2012 R2 machines have also moved to Azure cloud. Windows Server 2012  provided powerful server capabilities and was ideal for businesses that wanted complete control over their IT infrastructure. It remained reliable and stable for many years. However, even though it still runs smoothly in many organisations, it is no longer secure.

The importance of migrating to the cloud

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, it’s crucial to keep up with the latest developments. On-premises solutions have given way to the cloud, with Microsoft Azure being a leading platform. The reasons for transitioning are numerous, including:

Security and support

Windows Server 2012 reached its End of Support several years ago, meaning that regular patches are no longer provided. The official End of Support date for Windows Server 2012 was October 9, 2018. On 10 October 2023 the extended End of Support will end, meaning  no support, patches, or security updates. This poses significant risks, such as an increased exposure to security threats, compatibility issues, and the inability to keep up with new market features.

Extended support with Azure

Migrating to Azure provides businesses with a secure Platform as a Service (PaaS) solution. In addition, when you migrate your existing Windows Server 2012 R2 server to Azure, you automatically gain access to extended support until 13 October 2026 through Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU). This means peace of mind as well as enough time for a smooth transition.

Azure also offers an extensive ecosystem of services and tools that enable businesses to achieve new functionalities and embrace innovation. Whether it’s building scalable web applications, deploying machine learning models, or managing an IoT infrastructure, Azure has the resources to make it happen.

More on our Azure Managed Service

More benefits of Azure (PaaS)

We’ve outlined why you should migrate; now let’s look at the benefits of Azure as a PaaS:

Ease and scalability: Azure takes away much of your management and infrastructure concerns, such as hardware upgrades, system maintenance, or scalability. Azure automatically scales with your needs, keeping you flexible and cost-effective.

Automatic updates and security: Azure keeps your services and applications up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. This minimises the risk of security vulnerabilities and data breaches, as Azure evolves with changing security threats.

Diverse services and integrations: Azure offers a wide range of services and integrations to optimise your business processes, such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, or the Internet of Things

The benefits of migrating to Azure go beyond just security. It’s an opportunity to modernise your business, become more efficient, and future-proof your organisation.

We’re ready to assist you with this crucial transition process. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your organisation in moving from Windows Server 2012 to a more modern and secure IT landscape.