Does this sound like you? “Oh no, I'm going to miss yet another deadline!” Good news, there’s at least one deadline the tech experts at Arclight Group can take off your plate. I’m talking about the end of life (EOL) for Microsoft Server 2012 R2. This version has been around since October 2012, so there’s a good chance that one (or more) of your servers are running it. Plus, any outdated hardware creates the perfect storm for a downtime nightmare. So how do you know if disaster is on the horizon?

There are few things that we look at when deciding to upgrade hardware:

• Age.
• Purpose (what the machine is used for.)
• And performance (how hard the machine is working.)

Take a breath, there’s no need to panic yet— but you do need to start planning for a server upgrade today. The replacement process is lengthy and must be executed in three phases. So how long will the whole process take? The first phase is ordering new physical hardware. We have seen three to six months of backlog on some server models due to the chip shortage and current supply chain issues. The second phase is working with the software companies to update all their products to the correct versions. Finally, the third phase includes fine-tuning the server to optimize efficiency for your organization.

You don’t want to wait to replace your servers. Consider this, most of the world is likely waiting until the last minute to upgrade their obsolete hardware. Meaning, your business will also be caught up in a world-wide downtime nightmare. ArcLight has been doing these types of upgrades for years. We want your business to get ahead of the masses and to be prepared. We also realize that server replacement is no small task, it’s a huge undertaking for your business.

Arclight can do the heavy lifting for you. Our IT experts advise that you check server upgrades off your list sooner rather than later. Outdated hardware and software is a risk to HIPAA compliance and most cyber security insurance policies. If you’re not up to date, an insurance company may refuse to cover any lost data– even if it’s vital to your operation. Data is like the DNA of your company; without it you wouldn’t survive. Please take a few minutes to watch the video by Brian Largent, CEO of The Arclight Group, as he talks about the importance of upgrading your server and the ramifications that may happen by waiting.