Thank you for choosing Windows Server 2012/R2 as a trusted part of your organization for the past decade. As we reach the 10-year mark since its launch, we want to inform you that support for Windows Server 2012/R2 will come to an end on October 10th, 2023, in accordance with our 10-year lifecycle policy. This means that no further security patches will be released for this version of Windows Server after that date.
To ensure the continued protection and compliance of your systems, we would like to outline three options available to you from Azure.
Option 1: Modernize with PaaS or upgrade to a newer version in Azure
Modernizing your infrastructure provides a more future-proof solution, and you can achieve this by adopting a cloud-first approach or upgrading to a newer version of Windows Server in Azure. One option for modernization is moving your workloads to platform-as-a-service (PaaS) solutions such as Azure SQL Managed Instance or Azure App Service. By doing so, you can offload management and patching tasks to the cloud, ensuring that your systems stay up-to-date and free from end-of-support concerns. This approach allows your teams to focus on delivering innovative apps and experiences for your business.
Option 2: Migrate to Azure with Azure Migrate
Alternatively, you can migrate and upgrade your Windows Server 2012/R2 with Azure Migrate, our free tool for discovering, assessing, and migrating workloads to Azure. By utilizing this feature, you can move your legacy applications and databases to a fully supported, compatible, and compliant operating system. This includes our latest release, Windows Server 2022, which offers advanced multi-layer security, hybrid capabilities with Azure, and a flexible platform for application modernization. For more information about Azure Migrate and Windows Server 2022, please visit our website.
Option 3: Extended Security Updates (ESUs)
If you are unable to modernize or migrate your Windows Server 2012/R2 in time, you can still ensure the security of your systems by using Extended Security Updates (ESUs). These updates provide security patches for up to three years beyond the end-of-support date. When you migrate your end-of-support workloads to Azure, you will receive free Extended Security Updates. This includes options such as Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Dedicated Host, Azure VMware Solution, and Azure Stack HCI. By combining this with Azure Hybrid Benefit and consumption models such as reserved instances or savings plans for compute, you can maximize savings in Azure for Windows Server and SQL Server.
Additional Resources and Support
We understand that migrating to the cloud can be a complex process, so we offer in-depth resources and support to help you start your cloud journey on Azure. Our Azure Migrate and Modernize & Azure Innovate offerings provide end-to-end assistance, from migration and modernization to leveraging the latest innovations in analytics and AI.
Protection in Hybrid and Multicloud Environments with ESUs enabled by Azure Arc
For organizations unable to modernize or migrate before the October deadline, we offer the option to protect your hybrid and multicloud workloads with ESUs enabled by Azure Arc. This provides several key benefits, including monthly pay-as-you-go options for security updates, seamless delivery without the need for keys, improved visibility and reporting across your infrastructure, enhanced security and compliance with Azure services, and free access to Azure Update Manager and other automation tools.
We understand the importance of your Windows Server 2012/R2 systems and want to ensure that you have the information and options necessary to make the best decisions for your organization. Whether you choose to modernize, migrate, or utilize ESUs, Azure is here to support you every step of the way.
Choice to receive the actual patches. Azure Update Manager offers a seamless delivery experience, allowing you to effortlessly organize and inventory your assets across your hybrid, multicloud, and edge infrastructure. With this comprehensive solution, you gain visibility and reporting capabilities to effectively manage your servers.
In addition to organizing and inventorying your assets, Azure Update Manager also prioritizes security and compliance. By extending Azure security and governance services such as Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Microsoft Sentinel, you can further safeguard your infrastructure from cloud to edge. This ensures that your supported software remains in compliance and protected.
With ESUs enabled by Azure Arc, you also gain free access to Azure Update Manager, Machine Configuration, and Change Tracking and Inventory. These automation tools make the delivery of patches much easier and more efficient, saving you time and effort.
To get started with ESUs enabled by Azure Arc, simply connect to Azure Arc today. This will enable you to leverage the benefits of Azure Update Manager and enhance your security and compliance measures. If you want to learn more about this solution, you can find additional information here.
While implementing Azure Update Manager is a great step towards modernizing your estate, it’s important to prepare for other end of support dates as well. For Windows Server and SQL Server customers, there are several upcoming deadlines to be aware of.
If you have Windows Server 2008 virtual machines (VMs) running in Azure, it’s crucial to note that the fourth and final year of ESUs will end on January 9th, 2024. After this date, no more security patches will be provided for VMs running this version. To ensure the security and compliance of your workloads, it’s recommended to upgrade to the latest version. You can learn more about performing in-place upgrades for Windows Server to facilitate this transition.
For organizations running SQL Server for their databases, similar end of support dates apply. SQL Server 2012 reached its end of support on July 12th, 2022, and the upcoming deadline is for SQL Server 2014, which ends support on July 9th, 2024. To protect these workloads, you have the same three options outlined above.
To support you in navigating through these end of support scenarios, Microsoft offers several resources. You can learn more about your options for Windows Server and SQL Server end of support, as well as Extended Security Updates, on our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page and documentation. Additionally, you can explore the benefits of running Windows Server on Azure and watch our latest webinar to discover how you can secure your IT foundation and prepare for an AI-ready future.
Remember, it’s essential to protect beyond Extended Security Updates. By enhancing your security measures with Microsoft Defender for Cloud, a comprehensive and unified cloud-native security solution, you can safeguard your hybrid and multicloud environments from code to cloud.
As you prepare for current and future end of support scenarios, keep in mind the lifecycle of products supported with Extended Security Updates. This will help you stay informed and make informed decisions about your infrastructure.
In conclusion, Azure Update Manager provides a seamless delivery experience for patch management and asset organization. By connecting to Azure Arc, you can access ESUs enabled by Azure Arc and leverage the benefits of Azure Update Manager, Machine Configuration, and Change Tracking and Inventory. As you navigate through end of support deadlines for Windows Server and SQL Server, Microsoft offers resources to support your modernization journey. Remember to protect beyond Extended Security Updates and secure your IT foundation for the future.
Security Updates: Safeguarding Your Cloud Environments with Microsoft Defender for Cloud
In today’s digital age, ensuring the security of our data and applications is of utmost importance. With increased adoption of cloud technology, businesses need robust security solutions more than ever before. Enter Microsoft Defender for Cloud – a comprehensive and unified cloud-native security solution designed to protect your hybrid and multicloud environments from code to cloud. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and features of Microsoft Defender for Cloud and understand how it can enhance security in your organization.
Traditional security measures often fall short in addressing the unique challenges posed by the cloud environment. Businesses struggle to secure data and applications across multiple clouds, disrupted workflows, and complex infrastructures. Recognizing this, Microsoft has developed the Defender for Cloud solution to provide a holistic and integrated approach to cloud security.
One of the key advantages of Microsoft Defender for Cloud is its ability to protect hybrid environments. With the rising popularity of hybrid cloud architectures, businesses often find it difficult to effectively secure the data and applications that span across on-premises systems and various cloud platforms. Microsoft Defender for Cloud addresses this challenge by providing a single platform to monitor, detect, and respond to threats across the entire hybrid environment. This ensures that your organization’s sensitive information remains secure, irrespective of its location.
Moreover, Microsoft Defender for Cloud offers unparalleled visibility into your cloud environment. It continuously monitors the activities and configurations, detects vulnerabilities, and provides intelligent recommendations to improve security posture. By integrating threat intelligence and machine learning, this solution can proactively identify and mitigate potential threats before they cause harm. This not only saves valuable time but also helps in minimizing the impact of security breaches.
Another critical feature of Microsoft Defender for Cloud is its ability to provide real-time insights and actionable security recommendations. Its intuitive dashboard displays an overview of the security status of your cloud environments, allowing you to identify potential vulnerabilities and apply appropriate remediation measures. Additionally, it offers advanced analytics and reporting capabilities, empowering security teams with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.
In essence, Microsoft Defender for Cloud serves as your trusted partner in fortifying your cloud infrastructure. Its adaptive and intelligent capabilities enable you to enhance security, streamline operations, and gain peace of mind. By leveraging this cloud-native security solution, you can focus on growing your business without worrying about the ever-evolving threat landscape.
To sum up, the importance of cloud security cannot be overstated in today’s technology-driven world. Microsoft Defender for Cloud provides businesses with a comprehensive and unified solution to safeguard their hybrid and multicloud environments. It offers enhanced protection, real-time insights, and actionable recommendations to mitigate risks and secure your valuable assets. Embrace the power of Microsoft Defender for Cloud and embark on a secure cloud journey with confidence.