Announcement of EOS
Last 14th of January and 9th of July, Microsoft has officially announced end-of-support for Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 respectively. This means Microsoft no longer provides regular automatic fixes, security updates, patches, and online technical support for the said server operating systems.
What does this mean for you?
If you are one of the many Windows Server 2008 users, this might mean a great obstacle for you to get through when it comes to operational transactions and cost. Your operational transactions might get affected due to system incompatibility, which could cost you more expenses in the long run. But how do we move forward from this? Should you continue using the unsupported system? or should you invest in a new windows server license?.
Either way, here are four (4) challenges you might face in choosing either of the mentioned options:
- Operational Cost
When support ends, the maintenance costs could increase if your IT staff needs to continue managing your aging hardware along with software.
The statistic shows that the average office worker wastes 21 days per year due to outdated technology and 41% of business users have critical company data trapped in legacy systems that cannot be accessed by cloud services.
- Malware vulnerability
Without regular security updates, it may be impossible to protect against hackers and malware or prevent unwanted access to sensitive data.
Cybercrime cost the world $6 trillion annually by 2021, up from $3 trillion in 2015 and an estimated 111 billion lines of new software code are produced each year — creating a massive number of vulnerabilities.
- Modernization
Digital transformation has become the industry standard. Without modernizing, businesses may fall behind the competition and fail to provide the latest, most up-to-date customer experience.
In 2007, only 21% of the world’s population had access to the Internet. Now more than 47% of people, even in remote areas, are online.
- Regulation & Compliance
By the end of support, your system may fail to comply with regulatory standards, which can lead to penalties, fines—and even a loss of customer trust.
The statistic shows that 43% of businesses already question whether they can identify and report a breach within a 72-hour time and 70% of businesses are concerned about the damage to brand reputation associated with noncompliance.
To thrive and stay competitive, your business needs a responsive IT infrastructure to adapt to an ever-changing business environment. If your company is growing or has fluctuating capacity requirements, you need the kind of flexibility that allows you to scale IT resources quickly and cost-effectively.
Leveraging challenges into opportunities:
These challenges do not mean it’s a dead-end for your business, rather this could be a great time to take advantage of the constant innovation to stay ahead of the game by leveraging these challenges into opportunities and start running your business into the cloud.
What is Cloud Computing?
In layman’s terms, Cloud computing is the delivery of on-demand computing services from data storage, application software’s and processing power over the internet on a pay-as-you-go basis even without the direct control of the user.
There are three (3) services of cloud computing:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
IaaS is a cloud computing service where companies rent servers for computing and storage in the cloud. It eliminates the need to manage physical servers in the data center.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS)
PaaS is a cloud computing service where a cloud service provider allows the customer to develop, run and manage business application without the need of building and maintaining the infrastructure that associated with developing software.
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS is sometimes called on-demand software, web-based software, or hosted software. It is a software licensing model which access via the internet and provided on a subscription basis and liberates you from maintaining and updating an app.
Why should you consider migrating to the cloud?
If you are one of the many users of the mentioned unsupported server, or if your business is still hesitant to modernize your workplace and still sticking to traditional means, then you should consider running your business in the cloud.
Read below five (5) of the many reasons why you should consider migrating to the cloud now:
- Access your data anytime, anywhere
Cloud computing platform allows you to move more freely from any location outside of the workspace, which can’t be done with local physical servers only. Plus, you can use any device like mobile, tablet, or laptop to access your corporate data anytime, anywhere, providing flexibility & increases productivity for you and your organization.
- Cost-efficient
Cloud will make your life easier by saving time and money on purchasing and maintaining your physical servers and system. Meaning, you can minimize your expenditure on hardware and software, and you’ll be able to focus more on your business growth.
- Pay-as-you-go
Not all features and services in the cloud apply to the demand of our businesses. Cloud platforms allow you to customize applications, features, and services depending on your business needs so you can optimize and maximize your cloud computing experience.
- Hassle-free transition
You might think that migrating to the cloud is quite a complicated process, and you can’t afford to take your eyes away from your growing business. Don’t worry, our IT professionals are fully trained and experienced to assist you in migrating to the cloud and get your business running in no time.
- Leading data security
‘Will my data be secure in the cloud?’ You might ask. Cloud computing offers advanced security features that ensure your data is secure and protected from being hacked. Studies show that professionals swear by the cloud is safer than your local physical servers.
How to do it? – Running your business in the cloud using Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing service design by Microsoft for testing, building, and managing applications and services through Microsoft data centers. It supports different programming languages, tools, and frameworks including third-party software systems. It also provides Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Instead of building an on-site server, Microsoft Azure provides an off-site location.
With the help of Microsoft Azure, it will bring solutions while you focus on your business’ success. No need to maintain or manage physical servers, and lets you build on your term, yet you can ensure that your systems are always up to date. Modernizing and migrating from a physical server to a cloud server with Microsoft Azure you can stay on track in two (2) easy ways.
Two (2) simple ways to upgrade your on-premise server with Azure:
- Migrate on your terms
Move your business applications to the cloud any time you want with no pressure. You can transfer your data one by one or set your timeline, so you can focus more on running your business.
- Flexibility
Choose the right Azure features and services that fit your business. You can choose whether it is fixed rates or pay-as-you-go or other services like disaster recovery to meet your business’ demand.
Plus, Azure offers free 3 years of extended security patches for those Windows Server 2008 & SQL Server 2008 users with no additional cost beyond the price so you can plan your future when you choose to migrate to the cloud.
Final Thought
There are many factors to consider before migrating and running your whole business in the cloud. But one thing is for sure – this can be a great first leap in modernization and digital transformation for your business, which will prepare for a much greater business advancement as your business grows in the future.
Need help? Talk to our experts, and let’s get you ready for your digital transformation.
Data Connect Technologies Pte Ltd is a dynamic ICT and Services Provider with over 18 years of experience in providing excellent IT support to companies all over Singapore.
Data Connect Technologies Pte Ltd is a Gold Partner of Microsoft and has recently been recognized as one of Singapore’s Fastest Growing Companies 2021.