What is End of Support, and How Might It Affect Your Organization?

When a Microsoft product reaches the end of its support lifecycle, significant changes occur that can impact your organization’s security, compliance, and productivity. In this article, we’ll explore what end of support means, how it can affect your organization, and what steps you can take to stay ahead of the curve.

What Happens When a Product Reaches End of Support?

1. No More Security Updates

Microsoft ceases to provide security updates or fixes for out-of-support products. Without these critical updates, your systems are vulnerable to cyber threats, which could lead to data breaches and compliance violations.

2. No Feature Updates or Bug Fixes

End-of-support products no longer receive feature updates or fixes for bugs. Over time, this lack of updates can lead to performance issues, reducing user productivity and increasing operational inefficiencies.

3. No Technical Support

Microsoft stops offering phone, chat, or email support for technical issues related to these products. This can leave your IT team scrambling to find solutions when problems arise.

Given these risks, upgrading to supported versions before the end-of-support date is essential to maintain a secure and efficient IT environment.

Upcoming End-of-Support Deadlines

On October 14, 2025, support will end for Office 2016, Office 2019, and other products released around the same time. If your organization is still using these tools, now is the time to plan your upgrade.

While this article focuses on Office products, it’s worth noting that other solutions, such as Exchange, Skype for Business, Visio, and Project, will also be affected. For insights on Windows 10 end of support, look for sessions or resources dedicated to that topic.

Upgrade Options: Cloud vs. On-Premises

Organizations facing end-of-support decisions typically have two paths: move to the cloud or upgrade to the latest on-premises versions. Here’s a closer look:

Cloud Migration

The most popular choice is transitioning to the cloud with Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 Apps are always up-to-date, offering premium features like collaboration tools, AI capabilities, and advanced security. This option eliminates future end-of-support concerns and enables access to tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot.

On-Premises Upgrades

For organizations needing to keep some systems off the internet, upgrading to the latest on-premises version—such as Office LTSC 2024—is a solid alternative. However, these versions lack modern features and receive only critical updates.

Product-Specific Upgrade Paths

Office 2016 and 2019

For Office users, the best cloud option is Microsoft 365 Apps, included in various subscription plans. For on-premises needs, Office LTSC 2024 offers a standalone solution.

Exchange Server

• Cloud Path: Migrate to Exchange Online for a seamless, secure email experience.
• On-Premises Path: Upgrade to Exchange Server 2019 now to prepare for the future release of Exchange Server Subscription Edition.

Skype for Business

• Cloud Path: Transition to Microsoft Teams, the modern replacement for Skype for Business.
• On-Premises Path: Upgrade to Skype for Business Server 2019 and prepare for the upcoming Subscription Edition.

Visio and Project

For users of Visio and Project, cloud-backed versions like Visio Plan 2 and Project Plan 3 offer the best functionality. On-premises alternatives include Visio 2024 and Project 2024.

Why Choose the Cloud?

The advantages of Microsoft 365 extend beyond staying supported:

• Enhanced Collaboration: Tools like Microsoft Teams and SharePoint improve teamwork.
• Security and Compliance: Advanced security features protect your data and help meet regulatory requirements.
• AI Integration: Access to cutting-edge AI tools, such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, boosts productivity.
• Flexibility: Licenses include installation on multiple devices per user, ensuring seamless access across platforms.

Steps to Prepare for Migration

1. Identify Unsupported Devices Use tools like Configuration Manager or registry queries to locate devices running Office 2016 or 2019.
2. Plan Your Migration Decide whether to migrate to the cloud or upgrade on-premises. Ensure all users are licensed appropriately and your network is ready to support the new solutions.
3. Execute the Migration Leverage tools like the Office Deployment Tool and configuration files to install new versions and remove outdated ones. For Office 2019, use group policies to automate the upgrade process.
4. Train Your Team Equip your IT staff with the skills to manage the new environment and educate end users on utilizing new features effectively.

Don’t Wait—Act Now

The October 2025 deadline may seem far away, but migrations can take time. Begin planning now to ensure a smooth transition. Whether you’re moving to the cloud or upgrading on-premises, the key is to act early and stay proactive.

Datalink Networks, as a Microsoft Solutions Partner, provides tailored support and expertise for migrations and upgrades, ensuring a seamless transition for your organization. By staying prepared, you can safeguard productivity, security and compliance for years to come.