In an era where technology is rapidly advancing, it’s essential for businesses to keep their software infrastructure up-to-date and secure. Microsoft, a global leader in software development, is no exception. In this blog, we delve deeper into the impending end of support for Office 2016 and 2019, emphasizing the need for migration and upgrade strategies, including a potential transition to the cloud with Office 365.
Time is ticking: End of support for Office 2016/2019
Time is running out for Office 2016/2019. Microsoft has set end-of-support dates for some of their non-365 Office products. Office 2013 reached its end on April 11, 2023, while Office 2016/2019 will conclude its support cycle on October 10, 2023.
For those willing to invest in extended support, additional years of support can be secured. However, mainstream support for these Office versions will cease, meaning there will be no more security updates or new features after the mentioned dates.
The lifeline: Office LTSC 2021
Now, let’s examine the lifeline for Office users: Office LTSC 2021. In the world of Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) versions, Office LTSC 2016/2019 will continue to receive support until October 14, 2025. However, there is one significant change coming into effect from October 2023: access to Microsoft 365 services will no longer be officially supported.
For organizations hesitant to transition to a subscription model, Office LTSC 2021 provides an alternative. Microsoft has committed to supporting this version for an additional five years, making it the only non-subscription option for use in Remote Desktop Services (RDS) environments.
LTSC 2021 will also remain compatible with Microsoft 365 services, ensuring that users do not lose functionality during this extended support period.
Office 2016/2019 and Microsoft 365: The gray area
Now, let’s address the gray area: the compatibility of Office 2016/2019 with Microsoft 365. As the end of the support cycle for Office 2016/2019 approaches, the question arises: can these desktop versions still connect to Microsoft 365? The short answer is yes. Microsoft has stated that these desktop versions can still connect to Microsoft 365 resources after the end of support. However, this connection is not officially supported and may come with challenges.
Since Office 2016/2019 will no longer receive feature enhancements or security updates, the connection from these older desktop versions to Microsoft 365 can be an inconsistent experience. Some features may work seamlessly, while others may not, especially as authentication methods evolve, and these unsupported versions do not receive updates to add the necessary updated/upgraded authentication features.
The dangers of using outdated software
This brings us to the crucial point: the dangers of using outdated software. If you have invested in the desktop versions of Office 2016/2019 and are considering continuing to use them, remember that you can do so as long as they are compatible with your operating system. However, it’s essential to note that Windows 8.1 (Server 2012R2) and earlier versions will no longer support the installation of Microsoft 365 apps starting in January 2023.
The most critical aspect is that you expose yourself to risks by continuing to work with a product that no longer receives security updates from Microsoft. If you choose to stick with older perpetual Office versions and do not transition to a cloud-based subscription version, be cautious and aware of the potential security and functionality issues you may encounter.
Assistance with complex decision-making
In a rapidly changing digital landscape, it’s essential to stay informed and adapt to changes. BeSharp Experts can assist you in making complex decisions regarding your Microsoft license and subscription purchases. We are independent advisors, Microsoft license specialists, and experienced contract negotiators, dedicated to helping you make informed choices.
We are here to help you determine your preferred scenario, taking your roadmap into account, and to establish the most suitable negotiation strategies with Microsoft, with the ultimate goal of reaching a new agreement in collaboration with you that fully aligns with your needs for both the short and long term. Contact us now to discuss your options.
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