Office 2013 will no longer be supported by Microsoft starting in January 2023. This means that Microsoft will not provide any technical assistance, bug fixes, or security updates for the software. If this surprises you, keep reading to learn about software end-of-life, and what you can do to stay ahead of it to keep your organization up and running.
While most companies now utilize Office 365 subscriptions that include the latest version of Office, some still use older versions. If you continue to use Office 2013 after it reaches end-of-life, you may be vulnerable to security risks such as malware, phishing, ransomware, and data theft.
To protect your business, it is recommended that you upgrade to Office 365, a cloud-based subscription service that provides ongoing security updates and patches to protect against vulnerabilities. Additionally, Office 365 includes a large range of additional productivity applications available on the web and on mobile and even includes new tools such as a chat application (Teams) and shared file storage (Sharepoint). In short, the new subscription is your gateway into a new world of security, cloud productivity, data management, and even user management. This can be a difficult transition, so reach out to DKB to learn more about how you can get started on this journey!
What does software end-of-life mean?
Software end-of-life (EOL) refers to the point at which the manufacturer or developer no longer supports a software product. This means that the manufacturer or developer will no longer release updates, patches, or provide technical support for the software.
There are several reasons why a software product might reach its end of life. The manufacturer or developer may decide to discontinue the product, or they may decide to focus their resources on more current or popular products. Sometimes, the software may be replaced by a newer version more compatible with current technology or user needs.
When a software product reaches EOL, users are encouraged to migrate to a newer, supported version if one is available. If a more recent version is unavailable, users may need to find an alternative solution or continue using the software at their own risk. Users need to be aware of the end-of-life status of the software they are using, as it can affect the security and functionality of their systems.
How do you know if software is approaching EOL?
- Check the manufacturer or developer's website: Many manufacturers and developers announce the end of life for their products on their websites. You can often find this information in a support or FAQ section.
- Check for updates: If you are not receiving updates for a software product, it may be approaching its end of life.
- Contact the manufacturer or developer: If you are unsure about the end-of-life status of a software product, you can contact the manufacturer or developer directly to ask for clarification.
- USE DKBinnovative managed IT services: We can monitor and upgrade your EOL software and make needed changes before it becomes a problem.
It is vital to regularly check the end-of-life status of the software products you are using, as it can impact the security and functionality of your systems. Migrating to a newer, supported version or finding an alternative solution before the software reaches its end of life can help ensure that you are using a stable and secure product.
Why does software EOL happen?
The manufacturer or developer may decide to discontinue the product: This could be because the product is no longer popular or because the manufacturer or developer has decided to focus their resources on other products.
Manufacturers and developers often release new versions of their software with new features, improved compatibility, and updated technology. Maintaining endless versions of software can drain a developer’s resources and reduce the quality of the overall product.
Technology is changing to meet user needs, and older software versions might not be compatible or inhibit user experience on newer hardware or operating systems. The cost of maintaining that software may become so high that manufacturers and developers decide to end support.
End-of-life is a normal part of the software lifecycle, and users need to be aware of the end-of-life status of the software they use. Migrating to a newer, supported version or finding an alternative solution before the software reaches its end of life can help ensure that you are using a stable and secure product.
How to stay up to date with the most recent software
IT best practices will help ensure that your IT team is aware of approaching software EOL. Manufacturers will also reach out to current users of expiring software and let them know that support is ending and that it is time to upgrade to a newer version.
Newer versions of the software are often subscription-based service or software-as-a-service (SaaS) that automatically gives you the most updated supported version of essential software. This has become a standard answer to dealing with rapidly evolving technology.
One way to manage software EOL is to use a managed service provider (MSP) like DKBinnovative. Here are a few reasons why this can be a great idea:
1. Expertise: MSPs like DKBinnovative have a team of experienced professionals who are well-versed in the complexities of software EOL. They can help you navigate the process of retiring old software and transitioning to new solutions, ensuring that the process is as smooth and seamless as possible.
2. Cost savings: MSPs can often negotiate better pricing with software vendors, saving you money on your software purchases. Additionally, by outsourcing your software EOL management to an MSP, you can avoid the cost of hiring and training in-house staff to handle the process.
3. Risk management: By entrusting your software EOL management to an MSP, you can reduce the risk of security breaches and other issues arising when using outdated software. An MSP will ensure that your software is kept up-to-date and secure, helping to protect your company's data and assets.
Overall, using a managed service provider like DKBinnovative to manage your software EOL can provide various benefits, including expertise, cost savings, and risk management. If you are looking for a partner to help you navigate the process of retiring old software and transitioning to new solutions, consider working with a reputable MSP like DKBinnovative.
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