Say goodbye to Windows Server 2008 and hello to Gen10 servers with Windows Server 2016!

[Willa]

Did you know that the vast majority of all HPE Servers are running Windows Server¹? And, a large percentage of these customers are still running Windows Server 2008… which reaches End of Support (EoS) in January, 2020. Customers running legacy Windows Server software OR legacy HPE ProLiant Servers face a number of challenges and risks!

You may have heard Microsoft's announcement that End of Extended Support (EoS) for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 will be January 14, 2020. But, do you know what EoS means for resellers and their customers?

After January 14, 2020, customers who are still running Windows Server 2008 or 2008 R2 will have:
    - No free support (and paid support, if they even qualify, will be extremely costly)
    - No security updates and no more security patches
    - No feature updates

Basically, after January 14, 2020, customers running Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 will be on their own to deal with an outdated (more than 10 year old) operating system. As you can imagine, this can present customers with several business risks such as:
    - Increased exposure to major vulnerabilities and cyber security attacks on systems, databases,
      and applications
    - Discontinued support for many commercial applications and tools
    - Mounting operational expenses

What’s this mean for reseller partners?
NOW is a great time to start migration discussions with your customers. Server upgrades can require time and significant planning so conversations around the need to purchase new servers and upgrade to the latest version of Windows Server can’t wait. Reach out to inquire about your customers’ current technology and help create migration plans for any that still running Windows Server 2008/2008 R2.

Did you know that Microsoft has also announced the end of Mainstream support for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 will be October 19, 2018? Ideally, customers should be off an OS before the end of mainstream support.  So, customers running Windows Server 2012 or 2012 R2 should start making migration plans as well.

Why should customers migrate to Windows Server 2016 on HPE ProLiant Gen10 Servers?
Purchasing new server hardware and running the latest version of the operating system will open the door for SMBs to gain many benefits from the advanced technology. When you pair Windows Server 2016 with HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers, you’re giving your customers a server infrastructure designed for their needs today and in the future, including the need to increase security measures, improve IT efficiency, and be ready for the cloud.

Help customers protect their organizations with enhanced security and threat detection
HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers and Windows Server 2016’s security features work well together to ensure your customers’ organizations have the best protection. HPE has taken security one step above any other IT providers by adding what has been considered as the most comprehensive server security available for IT organizations as state by Moor Insights and Strategy. HPE Silicon Root of Trust technology and HPE Secure Compute Lifecycle ensure customers get ultimate firmware protection and run-time attack detection.

Learn more about Gen10 Server's security features: Defend against server attacks with HPE Secure Compute Lifecycle protection

And, the security features don't stop there. Windows Server 2016 offers many additional security features such as Credential Guard, Just Enough and Just in Time Administration, and Device Guard to help organizations protect, detect, and recover.

Help customers unlock new capabilities to grow their businesses
A server solution comprised of Gen10 Servers + Windows Server 2016 can help organizations optimize their operations, build sales, and prepare for the future with enhanced performance and increased storage. Windows Server 2016 storage features offer many capabilities that were not available in Windows Server 2008 such as Cluster Rolling Upgrades, Storage Replica, Site-Aware Failover Clusters, and Storage Spaces Direct².

Help customers modernize and innovate with flexible cloud and hybrid opportunities
Migrating to Windows Server 2016 on HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers allows your customers to innovate their IT with flexible cloud and hybrid opportunities. Help your customers prepare for the future with a long-term approach to their on-going infrastructure needs with hybrid and on-prem capabilities. With a new Gen10 server and Windows Server 2016, a cloud-connected operating system, your customers have the ability to move to the cloud on their own terms and unlock new ways to run applications on-premises or in the cloud. 

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1. IDC Server Tracker
2. Some storage capabilities available only with Windows Server 2016 Datacenter