The Windows Server 2012 era is drawing to a close this week. Starting October 10th, support for both Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 will cease. This means that, from this date onward, these products will no longer receive essential security updates, bug fixes, technical assistance, or online technical content updates. However, Microsoft is ready to provide migration guidance for both cloud-based and on-premises solutions to assist users in transitioning to newer, fully supported versions.
A stalwart performer, Windows Server 2012 made its debut on September 4, 2012, as the successor to Windows Server 2008 R2. It brought numerous significant enhancements compared to its predecessor, including virtualization with Hyper-V 3.0. This introduced features such as live migration, virtual machine replication, and network virtualization, creating a more robust virtualization platform. Additionally, it boasted improved storage capabilities and networking enhancements.
To ensure the security of your system and compliance with industry standards, it is imperative to plan ahead and mitigate risks by migrating your workloads to newer, supported versions of Windows Server. There are several options available:
Upgrade
You can choose to upgrade to a more recent version of Windows Server, such as 2019. However, if you are transitioning from Windows Server 2012 to 2019, you will first need to make a pitstop at Windows Server 2016 before proceeding to 2019. Alternatively, you can perform a fresh installation of 2019, but don't forget to back up your server beforehand to prevent data loss during the upgrade process.
Migration
Another viable route is to consider migrating to Microsoft Azure, Microsoft's cloud computing platform. Azure offers several advantages, including scalability, cost savings, and enhanced security. Before embarking on upgrades or migrations, ensure that your system meets the minimum hardware and software requirements for the newer version of Windows Server or for Azure. It is also crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of your applications and workloads to identify any compatibility issues that may arise during the migration.
There is still time to formulate a strategy for the impending end-of-life of Windows Server 2012. As demonstrated, there are still multiple paths to explore. Regardless of what direction you take, proactive planning and action are essential to safeguard your system, maintain compliance with industry regulations, and leverage the benefits of modern technologies.
