Windows Server 2008 End of Life

How Does It Impact You?

Windows Server 2008 meets its End of Life on January 14, 2020. This means you won't get any regular security updates which exposes you to great security and business risks. Without security updates, you're vulnerable to cyber attacks which can potentially lead to data breaches, financial losses, and brand erosion.

How Can You Prevent That?

Though official support for Windows Server 2008 has ended, you are not left open to hackers and attackers. You can secure your applications and data with any of the following options:

Whether you are looking to upgrade your Windows Server or want to learn more about the ESU program, Apps4Rent can help. Feel free to contact our experts now!

Windows Server 2008 End of Life - Your Options

Buy ESU independently

If you don't want to upgrade servers right now, buy Extended Security Updates (ESU) independently from Apps4Rent.

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Move to Azure

You can either move your workloads completely on Azure, or be in the hybrid mode with some on-premises elements.

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Upgrade to latest version

Stay on-premises and upgrade your Windows Server to the most recent versions - Windows Server 2016 and 2019.

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Windows Server 2008 R2 - What Do You Get?

Purchase ESUs independently

If you do not want to upgrade to current Windows versions nor move to Azure, continue using Windows Server 2008 by purchasing ESU licenses. This allows you to buy some time before you upgrade.

Upgrade to current Windows Server versions

If you want your applications and data to stay on-premises, upgrade to the latest cloud-ready versions of Windows Server. Get benefit from the default hybrid cloud capabilities for high availability and backup.

Save money by moving to Azure

Migrate your apps and data from Windows Server 2008 to Azure. Avoid paying significant costs for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) after support ends. On Azure, you get free ESUs for three years.



Get full migration assistance

If you want to migrate your Windows Server 2008 to recent versions, get an acute migration strategy from Apps4Rent's experts.

Get 24/7 technical
support

Subscribers get 24/7 technical support from Microsoft-certified partners to resolve any issues that might need expert advice.

Over 10,000 customers served

We have served over 10,000 customers, including all kinds of businesses, over the last 16 years across more than 90 countries.

Serving Over 10,000 Businesses in More Than 90 Countries

Why Choose Apps4Rent for Windows Server 2008 ESU?

Apps4Rent has an exemplary record of being one of the premier and economical Microsoft Partners with the following achievements:

  • We have served over 10,000 businesses - from small and medium businesses to Fortune 500 companies.
  • We have over 16 years of experience in Cloud hosting business, including business applications such as Exchange, SharePoint, Office 365, and cloud infrastructure such as Virtual Desktop, servers, and private cloud.
  • We have Microsoft Gold Certification in Small & Midmarket Cloud Solutions, and Application Development. We also have Microsoft Silver Certification in Collaboration and Content.
  • We are a Tier-1 Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider for Office 365 and Azure.
  • We provide superb 24/7 support by phone, chat, and email, which is more extensive than Microsoft's Support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What does the end of extended support for Windows Server 2008 mean?

Windows Server 2008 will stop getting security updates from January 14, 2020. Microsoft advises users to migrate to the latest alternatives to avoid security and compliance issues that might pose risks to applications and businesses.

2. What are the alternatives to Windows 2008 Server?

Businesses should upgrade to compatible versions of Windows Server or directly migrate to Azure. Under exceptional circumstances, you can purchase Extended Security Updates if there is a compulsion to maintain the existing on-premises Windows 2008 Server. However, migrating to Azure will provide free Extended Security Updates for three years.

3. Is my Windows 2008 Server eligible for Extended Security Updates?

Your Windows 2008 Server is eligible for ESU if you are using Datacenter, Enterprise, and Standard editions.

4. What should we do to get ESUs when we don't have compatible servers?

For users of other Windows 2008 Servers, the only option to access ESU is by migrating their workloads to Azure. The updates will be available at no additional cost to their subscriptions.

5. How can Windows 2008 servers be upgraded?

Users can opt for either of two modernization paths. If you opt to stay with the on-premises solution, you will have to upgrade to Windows 2012 first and then to Windows Server 2016 and later versions. While Microsoft has launched Windows Server 2019, it provides the option migrating to Azure from any of its on-premises solutions.

The path to migrate to Azure is more straightforward. Users can continue to use their Windows Server 2008 on Azure using virtual machines.

6. How can Apps4Rent help us with Windows 2008 Server migration?

Migrating from Windows 2008 Server to Azure is a complex process. It must be noted that Microsoft does not provide technical support to on-premises solutions even after you purchase Extended Security Updates. Apps4Rent provides 24/7 assistance via phone, chat, and email in migrating from Windows 2008 Servers to Azure.

7. If I want to purchase Exchange Security Updates (ESU), what licenses do I need?

If you are a Software Assurance customer, you can purchase ESU on-premise under following licenses:

  • Enterprise Agreement (EA)
  • Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS)
  • Server & Cloud Enrollment (SCE)
  • Enrollment for Education Solutions (EES)
Note: It does not matter if Software Assurance is on the same enrollment or not.

8. Do I need to have active Software Assurance for CALs for accessing servers that have Extended Security Updates (ESU) coverage?

Yes. You will require Software Assurance on your CALs to access servers covered by Extended Security Updates (ESUs). However, ESU coverage is neither available nor necessary for CALs or External Connector Licenses.

9. Is the ESU program eligible for old Windows versions like Windows Server 2003?

No. This is only applicable to Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 versions. If you are still using ancient versions, we recommend you upgrade to the most recent versions. You can upgrade the ancient versions to the 2008 versions to take advantage of the current ESU offer.

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