(No more) support for Windows Server 2003 R2

As of tomorrow, 7/14/2010, the mainstream support for Windows Server 2003 R2 is retired. This applies to all versions (Standard, Enterprise, Datacenter, etc., 32-bit and 64-bit).
For Business and Development software, like Windows Server products, the support gets extended for an additional 5 years. This “Extended support phase” will end on 7/14/2015.

The good thing about the extended support phase is that security updates and paid support (including pay-per-incident Premier and Essential support) remain available. The same thing applies to the self-help online support such as knowledge base articles and online information.

The changes that does effect the support of Server 2003 R2 are that
– Request to change product design and features is no longer available;
– Complimentary support (phone and online) included with license, licensing program (for instance software assurance) is no longer available;
– Other non-security hotfixes are only available with purchase of Extended Hotfix Support Agreement.

The extended support phase is only available for servers that has the latest service pack applied. The last service pack released is SP2 and can be downloaded here.

More information about the Microsoft Support Lifecycle can be read here. Information about the lifecycle of Windows Server 2003 R2, and other Microsoft products, can be read here.

Ingmar Verheij

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

en_USEnglish