The cost-free mainstream support for Microsoft's Windows 7 may not have the same impact on businesses affected by the Windows XP deadline that occurred in April. Companies must have learned by now that the next time they upgrade their system, it should be either Microsoft Windows version 8.1 or version 9.
Other Microsoft products that consumers need to keep track of include Windows Storage Server version 2008, Windows Phone version 7.8, Windows Server version 2008, Exchange Server of 2010 and Dynamics.
Joining Windows 7 in the upcoming End of Support are several software packages such as Windows CE version 5.0, Visual FoxPro version 9.0, Virtual Server version 2005, Systems Management Server version 2003, Internet Security and Acceleration Server version 2004, and Host Integration Server version 2004.
Apart from ending their product support, Microsoft is also transitioning their products from Mainstream Support to Extended Support. The latter has a 5-year period which includes free security updates and charged hotfix support. During this period, Microsoft will disable design change or new feature requests.
Products that are currently under the Extended Support are also transitioning to the End of Support phase. Once the given deadline is reached, these products will no longer receive security updates, web-based technical content updates, free or charged assisted support features, and non-security hotfixes.
When a product is under the mainstream support, it means that Microsoft will provide it with free patches and product fixes which will also include security updates. This will go on for at least five years.
Products that are under the "end of support" banner will be ineligible for fixes or even patches. It doesn't matter whether they are paid, free or the fixes are security or non-security. These products also become vulnerable to hackers as features and performance will not receive the latest updates.
This time, the new move of Microsoft will affect consumers. Companies that availed of the extended Windows 7 support will enjoy their paid service until the 14th of January 2020.
Some people are speculating that Microsoft will extend its support to Windows 7 similar to what it did with Windows XP which enjoyed a support period of 13 years. So far, Microsoft officials have given no comment on the matter.
"Customers should migrate to the next available Service Pack to continue to receive security updates and be eligible for other support options for these service pack releases," said by officials from Microsoft.
For more information on Microsoft products, you may visit the company's official support page.
