Are you thinking of upgrading to Microsoft Windows Server 2016 Are you unsure whether to take the plunge or not? Server 2016 might not be the right decision for you, at least not for now.
Let’s first ask, why do people upgrade their software?
They must upgrade because it is no longer practical to keep using the current version.
They want to upgrade to take advantage new capabilities in a new software version.
What’s your situation? Are you using older versions of Windows Server, such as Server 2003 or Server 2008? What about Windows Server 2012 R2 and Server 2003 R2? Server 2003 and Server 2003 R2 were retired in July 2015. This doesn’t mean your applications will cease to work, but it does mean you are on your own for support!
Server 2008 R2 or Server 2008 R2 systems will be in better shape. These systems are now in Microsoft’s extended support phase. This means that you will still have access to security fixes and paid incidents support until January 2020. You can also buy new Server 2012 R2 licenses, and you’ll still be covered by mainstream support until 2023, and extended support until 2028.
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Get trainingServer 2016 now! Is it Decision Time?
Windows Server 2016 is due out this month. This means you will probably be making plans to upgrade servers. Or maybe not.
If the past is any indication, most Windows Server customers won’t be upgrading as soon as they can. Spiceworks’ June 2016 survey found that Windows Server 2008 is still the most popular server OS, accounting for over 45 percent of all respondents.
The researchers also discovered that almost 18% of physical and virtual servers still ran Server 2003 a year after its end. Even though Windows Server 2012 was released almost five years ago, only 25% of all installed servers are still running it.
Does this mean you should ignore Server 2016 or not use it? No! There are some amazing new technologies in the new OS that can be used for both cloud and on-premise operations. Server 2016 has many new features, but it’s clear that existing applications will need to be able take advantage of them.
Technical Preview 5 should be seen in the lab. You should be looking at how containers and Nano Server will fit into your long-term system plans and considering Linux as an option to Windows. Microsoft recently announced plans to release a Linux version SQL Server. However, while they are doing this, it is safe to continue using your current Server version. As long as you remain vigilant about security threats.
But I need to move soon! You may have compliance regulations that require fully supported platforms or you need to migrate to a new version a third-party app, or perhaps you want to improve your DevOps process.
If this is the case, Windows Server 2012 R2 will provide you with a robust set features that you’ll require. You’ll also have at least five year to realize a return for the migration costs you incurred for your apps.
Microsoft Windows Server 2016 is a winner with its cutting-edge features, but it will take time for widespread adoption. Microsoft provides a helpful comparison of Windows Server versions 2008, 2012 R2 and 2016. Take a look at the comparison and see if you can live without any of these features in Windows Server versions 2008 R2, 2012 R2 or 2016.
While you wait It’s worth learning as much as possible about Server 2016 while you wait. Start with our blog post “What’s Ne?”
