Major Microsoft Products Reach End of Support
Microsoft has initiated what industry observers are calling an “October support massacre,” with multiple products reaching end of support simultaneously, according to reports. While Windows 10‘s support termination has dominated headlines, sources indicate that several other critical business products have also lost security updates and official support.
Office Products Face Permanent Support Termination
Office 2019 and Office 2016 reached their support end date on October 14, with no extended security update program available, the report states. Unlike Windows 10, which offers Extended Security Updates (ESU), Office users must either upgrade to Office 2024 LTSC or transition to Microsoft 365 subscription services. Analysts suggest this creates particular challenges for organizations requiring disconnected operations for compliance reasons.
Server Products and Communication Tools Affected
Enterprise infrastructure products including Exchange Server 2019 and Skype for Business 2019 have also reached end of support, according to the analysis. The report states that administrators must migrate to Subscription Editions to continue receiving security patches. This comes amid other significant technology developments, including UK budget announcements and major funding rounds in the tech sector.
Security Concerns Mount for Overlooked Products
Industry experts expressed concern that Office products might be overlooked by organizations focused primarily on Windows 10 migrations. Esben Dochy of Lansweeper told The Register that Office remains “a juicy attack vector” despite Microsoft’s security hardening efforts. This security challenge emerges alongside other industry shifts, including AI-driven wealth creation in Silicon Valley.
Enterprise Windows 11 Versions Also Affected
Even current products haven’t escaped Microsoft’s support changes, with Windows 11 22H2 for Enterprises and Education no longer receiving updates, according to reports. Microsoft is encouraging customers to move to later versions, creating additional migration pressure for IT departments already dealing with multiple product transitions.
Broader Impact on IT Administration
The simultaneous end of support for multiple Microsoft products creates significant challenges for administrators, sources indicate. While Windows 10’s support termination has received widespread attention, analysts suggest the collective impact of Office, Exchange Server, and Skype for Business support endings may create equal or greater operational disruption for organizations worldwide.
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