The Time to Start Planning Is Now
Have you heard the news? Extended support for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 is ending on January 14, 2020. That means if your business is using a Windows 2008 Server, you will no longer receive technical support or security updates. Trinity Solutions can help you easily upgrade your windows 2008 Server. Here’s what you need to know…
Hackers Are Ready to Pounce
First thing’s first… of course, your Server will still work come January 14th. And hackers and cyber criminals know this too. These guys are waiting for the clock to strike midnight so they can take advantage of good business owners who failed to take the steps to protect themselves and their data. Don’t be one of THOSE business owners. Make the decision to start planning today.
It’s already September 2019, and January 2020 is just four months away. So, the good news is that you still have time to plan a migration to an upgraded Server and test all of the functions before you go live—and before you’re under last-minute stress and pressure.
Start Preparing for Your Upgrade Now
Upgrading your equipment will be necessary to prevent network vulnerability and intrusions as well as protect your business continuity. If your business or manufacturing company relies on a server to maintain operations or production, you don’t have time for your data or programs to be down or unavailable. You’ll want a smooth transition from your Windows 2008 Server to your upgraded Server. Trinity Solutions can work with you or take over the entire transition process for you. Let’s take a look at your options.
Windows Server 2008 Upgrade Options
No matter your business, don’t get caught unprotected. Now is the time to start planning and preparing so that your business operations are not interrupted. Today’s businesses using a Windows 2008 Server have several options available to upgrade their equipment.
- Windows 2012 Server
- Windows 2012 R2 Server
- Windows 2016 Server
- Windows 2019 Server (coming out this fall)
- NAS Box (Network Accessible Storage)
The best option to easily upgrade your Windows 2008 Server and acquire new licenses depends on your business and your needs. New equipment may be an investment of $5,000 ̶ $7,000 or more. However, purchasing an NAS Box may be your next best alternative. An NAS Box provides file storage, backup, and security; however, it does not offer advanced features like Exchange Mail Services or Internet Information Services (IIS) that some companies require. Compared to new equipment, this option may only run about $2,000. So, if you just need file storage, it could be an affordable option for your business.
NOTE: Some companies believe they can just upgrade their Windows operating system from Windows Server 2008 to the latest version. But our experience shows the upgrade doesn’t usually go very smoothly—and if you are running Windows Server 2008, the hardware being used is most likely six to eight years old, which is the industry standard for the end of life of a server.
Putting a new operating system on old hardware doesn’t make sense, and most companies find that the hardware isn’t robust enough to run the new Windows OS effectively. Plus, Microsoft often does not provide the drivers for the old hardware, thinking no one would think of trying to install it on a server that is so old. If you need to go from Windows 2008 to something newer, it makes sense to install it on a physical new server.
We also recommend that if you use a specialized or industry-specific program on your Windows 2008 server, you check with the company who wrote / supports the software to determine the latest version of Windows server software that they support. While Windows Server 2016 is tested and a solid production system, it doesn’t mean that certain software companies have completed their testing and are ready to have their programs running on the new Windows OS.
Trinity Solutions: Your Windows 2008 Server Upgrade Pros
As with any major release, it takes time to get familiar with new equipment and get hands-on experience while implementing new features. Windows 2016 and Windows 2019 Server enhancements include improved security and enhanced data center capabilities among several other features.
So, you and your IT department don’t have to go it alone. Let Trinity Solutions manage your entire migration away from Windows 2008 Server or let our pros work alongside your in-house IT team to ensure the smoothest transition possible for your business.
Have questions about transitioning your Server and system?
Like to discuss our Desktop and Server Support options?
Want to find out how to easily upgrade Your Windows 2008 Server?
Call Trinity Solutions Today at 336-776-0060 for Your Free Consultation!