Change – while never easy – is sometimes necessary! If your organization is still running SharePoint 2013 for your enterprise content management, the time for change is fast approaching. On April 11, 2023, Microsoft is officially ending its extended support for this product (among others). What does this mean for you? And what are your migration options?
What is ‘end-of-support’?
An end-of-support date doesn’t mean the product stops working, but Microsoft no longer provides:
- Technical support
- Bug fixes for issues that may impact stability and usability
- Security fixes for vulnerabilities
- Time zone updates
That means there will be no further updates, patches, or fixes for the product (including security patches/fixes). Microsoft Support will have fully shifted its support efforts to more recent versions, including SharePoint 2016, SharePoint 2019, and SharePoint Online.
What are the risks of not upgrading?
Security risks
Without the routine security updates and patches from Microsoft, you open yourself up to security breaches from hackers and cybercriminals. You also won’t have support from Microsoft in remediating if one does occur.
Compliance risks
Your organization’s reputation could come under serious scrutiny, and you could incur potential hefty legal, financial, and operational penalties as well.
Data loss risks
With an unsupported on-prem platform, you risk being unable to recover data in the event your database is corrupted.
Productivity and functionality costs
Newer versions of SharePoint offer features that aren’t available on SharePoint 2013. By not migrating you are potentially costing your organization valuable time and resources that could be supported by new platform improvements.
Benefits of SharePoint Online vs. On-prem solutions
Running SharePoint on-prem requires the installation of server farms and demands frequent patches and upgrades. Installation costs can be hefty and require a server license purchase upfront.
With SharePoint Online as part of a Microsoft 365 subscription, Microsoft handles all patches and updates, which reduces the maintenance needed from users. The monthly subscription model is based on license type and number of users and can help organizations curb costs.
How can Perficient help?
Don’t be caught unsupported and at risk come April. Our Microsoft Modern Work experts have successfully helped many organizations navigate SharePoint migrations. We offer assessments of your current SharePoint environment(s), migration planning, and implementation services.
With over 20 years in the business, we have vast experience in implementing and supporting the adoption of modern work solutions and modern business applications, working side-by-side with clients to architect, design, and implement integrated solutions.
Contact our team to learn more.
