SQL Server 2005 End Of Life

Last year we saw Microsoft retire Windows Server 2003 and this year will see Microsoft retire yet another product. SQL Server 2005 is the latest Microsoft product nearing its end of life date of April 12, 2016.

What does End of Life mean for end users?

Every product we use is likely to have a lifecycle, and Microsoft products are no different. All that Microsoft mean by the end of life of any of their products, SQL Server 2005 included, is that Microsoft will no longer support the product. Ultimately this means that Microsoft will no longer provide automatic fixes, updates or online technical support for retired products.

After April 12, 2016 SQL Server 2005 will no longer receive assisted technical support from Microsoft, software and content updates or the security patches that help provide protection from harmful viruses, spyware and other malicious software, thus resulting in an insecure and unstable infrastructure for your business. Not migrating away from SQL Server 2005 will expose you to an elevated risk of cybersecurity dangers or malicious attacks.

What are the options?

Literally speaking you have two options, you can upgrade to a newer version of SQL Server or you can continue to use an unsupported SQL Server 2005. However it is highly advisable that you do upgrade, not only for security reasons, but also because continuing to use an outdated system can cause compliance issues and end up costing a small fortune in maintenance costs.

Why upgrade?

Continuing to use out of date software poses potential security risks and is likely to make you a prime target for hackers, as it is easier for cyber criminals to exploit vulnerable software. After April 12, 2016 it is highly likely that you will need to invest in extra security to protect the vulnerable SQL Server 2005, and the cost for maintaining aging hardware will continue to increase with time. Another key reason to upgrade is compliance, many compliances require up-to-date, patch databases, just like they do with the operating system.

Additionally software has progressed since the release of SQL Server 2005 and so there are significant improvements and features that have been added to newer versions of SQL Server. For example SQL Server 2014 provides higher availability and scalability, with dramatic performance improvement, compared with the soon to be outdated SQL Server 2005. The benefits of upgrading to a modern data platform far outweigh the costs of maintaining security, support and compliance for an unsupported database.

Act Now – Upgrade

Upgrading is an opportunity to provide new value to your business, by enabling you to achieve breakthrough performance.

Here are the three key steps for upgrading away from SQL Server 2005:  discover, target and upgrade. 

Step 1 – Discover:

It is highly recommended that you start by determining which applications are running SQL Server 2005. This process can be done using the Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit or by collaborate with Practical Networks, a Microsoft Partner, who will be able to assist with the whole

upgrade.

Step 2 – Target:

In this step you need to determine a migration destination for each application, whether on-premises, virtualized or in the cloud. The choice of destination will be driven by factors such as speed, ease of migration, cost and desired functionality, with the most common choice being Windows Server 2012 R2.

Step 3 – Upgrade:

The final step is to plan and execute the upgrade, this may require additional assistance. Such assistance is available from Practical Networks a trusted Microsoft Partner.

If you would like more information or any assistance with your upgrade, please do not hesitate to get in touch with either David Philps or Andy Potts on 01723 587240.

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Dell Latitude 2-in-1

Practical Networks are delighted to report that DELL have launched the Latitude 2-in-1 Ultrabook. The new Latitude 2-in-1 is a secure, manageable, reliable and high performance Ultrabook with a detachable 13" tablet. This 2-in-1 is perfect for businesses who want to increase productivity on the move, wherever business takes you, the Latitude 2-in-1 allows you to work how and where you want, without compromising performance or security. 

True Business Productivity

The Latitude 2-in-1 is designed to keep you productive, on the road, or in the office, with it's powerful business-class features. 

Enjoy a high-performance Ultrabook and a detachable 13-inch tablet in one lightweight device with industry-leading security to keep your data protected. Working on the go has never been more comfortable with the full-size business-class single-point ISO keyboard with standard backlight. The Latitude 2-in-1 also offers the convenience of two USB 3.0 ports on the keyboard base. Plus, with superior connectivity options, including LTE/HSPA Mobile Broadband and Bluetooth 4.0, you can stay connected anywhere. 

For more information about this or other DELL products contact us, a DELL Partner on 01723 587240 or email info@practicalnetworks.co.uk

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What is Office 365?

What is Office 365:

Office 365 is a Microsoft subscription plan that includes access to Office applications and other productivity services that are enabled over the internet (Cloud Services). These services include Lync web conferencing and Exchange online hosted email for business, and additional online storage with OneDrive. Office 365 is available in business and enterprise tiers, where each tier offers various plans with varying features and functionality.

Business-class Mobile Apps:

With an Office 365 for Business subscription, you get mobile apps that help you get more done from your favourite device while keeping your data secured. Office 365 provides built-in security and tools to manage access across phones and tablets. You can apply device-specific security policies with ease, allowing you to ensure that data is synced and accessible on authorised devices only. Office 365 also allows you to wipe data remotely from selected devices.

Office 365 provides a consistent experience across devices for storing, sharing and updating your Office documents, while keeping content and formatting intact.  With 1TB of cloud storage with OneDrive for business you have plenty of file storage.

Security:

Office 365 is a secure service, designed following the Microsoft Security Development Lifecycle. Microsoft brings together the best practices from two decades of building enterprise software and managing online services, to give you integrated software-as-a-service solution.

Office 365 uses a defence-in-depth approach to provide physical, logical, and data layers of security features and operational best practices. Office 365 gives you enterprise-grade, user and admin controls to further secure your environment.

Additionally Office 365 offers privacy controls, allowing you to configure who in your organisation has access and what they can access.

Up-to-Date:

Office 365 stays up to date, so you’ll always be working with the latest version of your Office applications, without any extra upgrade cost. In addition Office 365 takes care of all the installing, updating and making sure everything stays in sync, so that you can spend your time working. Also, because your files are automatically saved online, you can access, edit and share the latest versions, even on the go.

Business Benefits:

• Anytime, anywhere access to emails, documents, contacts and calendars, on any device.

• Complete offering of solutions, including desktop productivity apps, online portals, e-mail, voice mail, web conferencing and unified messaging.

• Simple to use communication and collaboration with colleagues and partners.

• Integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office and other Microsoft programs.

• Flexible pricing options that gives you predictability and flexibility for all or part of your organisation.

• Business-class service, including IT admin phone support, financially backed 99.9% uptime guarantee, geo-redundant data centers, disaster recovery, robust security, privacy controls and standards.

For more information about Office 365 and the plans available, or to set up a trial, contact us on 01723 587240.

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