Microsoft's EoL deadlines prompt urgent IT infrastructure updates

Several Microsoft applications and systems are nearing their End of Life (EoL) deadlines, creating a sense of urgency among organizations. Microsoft Teams will be phased out by July 2025, while Windows 10, Office 2019, and Exchange Server 2019 will reach the end of support in October 2025. Many businesses are now looking for advice on how to upgrade their systems and avoid potential security risks. The push to upgrade stems from concerns over outdated technology. Companies recognize the need to manage EoL products not as a one-time event but as an ongoing process. Instead of comprehensive overhauls, businesses are encouraged to migrate legacy systems to supported environments, such as updated Windows servers or cloud platforms. This allows critical applications to remain functional while receiving necessary updates. Reports indicate that approximately 49% of desktop computers in the UK were still using Windows 10 as of January 2025, highlighting the challenge for organizations. There is a growing demand for guidance to help companies navigate these transitions. New hotlines have been established for tailored assistance, helping businesses prepare for EoL changes and ensure compatibility of their existing applications. Moving outdated applications to secure environments can be complex. The 'R approach' is a widely used method among cloud providers, offering different strategies like rehosting and retiring. For companies that find these methods insufficient, working with external partners can help streamline the process. As EoL deadlines approach, organizations must shift their approach to managing these critical technologies. By focusing on migration strategies rather than costly system overhauls, companies can keep operations running smoothly and minimize the risks associated with outdated software. Keeping EoL challenges in mind will be essential for successful transitions before deadlines arrive.