End of Support Looming: The Ticking Time Bomb of Windows Server 2012 R2

Windows Server 2012 R2 reached end-of-support in October 2023. For businesses relying on these legacy systems, it's decision time. You can purchase Extended Security Updates (ESUs) to run those servers on-premises.... but at what cost?

The Hidden Expense of "Staying Put"

On-premises ESUs follow a steep pricing model:

• Year 1: 75% of the full license cost, per year
• Year 2: 100% of the full license cost, per year
• Year 3: 125% of the full license cost, per year

Example: A single 16-core Windows Server 2012 license might cost around $5000. That means ESUs could run you $3750 in year one, ballooning to $6250 by year three. Multiply that by all your servers needing support, and the figures get daunting quickly.

The Azure Advantage

Here's where Azure changes the game:

• Free ESUs in Azure: Migrate your Windows Server 2012 R2 VMs to Azure and you receive ESUs for three years without additional licensing costs.
• Hybrid Benefits: Potentially cut your VM costs by leveraging existing on-premises Windows Server licenses with Azure Hybrid Use Benefits.
• Cloud Optimization: Azure offers tools to right-size VMs, schedule workloads, or use reserved instances for further cost reduction.

Doing the Math: On-Prem vs. Azure

Let's imagine a scenario with 10 Windows Server 2012 R2 VMs. On-premises ESUs over three years could easily exceed $100,000 in licensing alone. Factor in hardware, maintenance, etc., and the true TCO is even higher. In Azure, those ESUs are free, opening the door to significant savings.

Beyond Cost: Azure's Modernization Edge

This isn't just about dodging a support bill. Migrating to Azure lets you:

• Enhance Security: Benefit from Azure's robust, continuously updated security posture.
• Innovate Faster: Access cloud-native services to streamline operations and development.
• Future-proof IT: Break free from the hardware upgrade cycle.

The Bottom Line for CIOs and CFOs

Staying with on-premises Windows Server 2012 R2 out of fear of cloud costs is a dangerous gamble. It's time for a serious cost analysis – Azure might be the budget-friendly solution you didn't expect.

Ready to explore the numbers for your organization? Let's talk.

#azure #microsoft #extendedsecurityupdate #esu