Many Microsoft business apps are reaching the end of their lifecycles in the fourth quarter of 2017 and in 2018. When the apps reach that point, Microsoft will no longer support them. The soon-to-be-unsupported apps include the following Office products:
- Office 2007 Suite, including the apps (e.g., Word 2007, Excel 2007) sold separately (support ends October 10, 2017)
- Accounting 2008 (support ends April 10, 2018)
- Communications Server 2007 (support ends January 9, 2018)
- Communicator 2007 (support ends January 9, 2018)
- Project 2007 (support ends October 10, 2017)
- Project Server 2007 (support ends October 10, 2017)
- Visio 2007 (support ends October 10, 2017)
Several other Microsoft business apps are also reaching the end of their lifecycles. They include:
- Dynamics CRM 4.0 (support ends April 10, 2018)
- Dynamics GP 10.0 (support ends October 10, 2017)
- Search Server 2008 (support ends July 10, 2018)
- SharePoint Server 2007 (support ends October 10, 2017)
- SQL Server Compact 3.5 (support ends April 10, 2018)
- Windows Web Server 2008 (support ends July 10, 2018)
What Will Happen
What will happen when these apps reach the end of their lifecycles? Here is what to expect:
- You will not receive security updates for that app.
- You will not receive updates that fix bugs in that app or add functionality to it.
- You will not have access to free or paid support options if you need assistant with the app.
- The only Microsoft resources that will be available are articles, blogs, and other free online content that has been posted about the app in the past. This online content will not be updated by Microsoft.
How Using Unsupported Software Can Affect Your Business
While you can continue to use unsupported apps, it can be detrimental to your business. Most concerning is that your business will be more vulnerable to cyberattacks because Microsoft will no longer patch any new security vulnerabilities found in those apps. Hackers often exploit software vulnerabilities to access businesses’ computer systems. Some hackers even keep track of when popular business apps are no longer supported. When that day arrives, they launch new attacks targeting those apps.
Having unpatched software can also make it harder for your business to achieve compliance with regulations and standards that govern the protection of sensitive data, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). If you cannot protect your apps from new cyberattacks, your business might be found in noncompliance with those regulations and standards. Noncompliance can result in penalties and higher costs. It can even result in lost business and lost business opportunities, as customers seek to do business with companies that are in compliance.
Are Any of Your Apps Nearing the End of the Line?
Because of the potentially serious consequences, it is a good idea to know whether your business is running any apps (including non-Microsoft programs) that will be reaching the end of their lifecycles in the near future. If you are uncertain, we can inventory your software and help you decide on the best course of action for any apps that will soon be unsupported.
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About CHIPS Computer Services
CHIPS Computer Services is an award winning Managed Services Provider specializing in help businesses increase efficiencies and profits by levering properly managed technology. To learn how CHIPS can help your business, email us at sales@chipscs.com to schedule no cost business technology assessment.
