Microsoft SharePoint 2013, which came to life on January 9, 2013, is nearing its end and will no longer receive any security updates, hotfixes, or technical support from Microsoft. The end date is April 11, 2023, so organizations must start planning now. Here is an elaborate guide on SharePoint 2013 end-of-life support.
What Does SharePoint 2013 End of Life Mean?
SharePoint 2013 end-of-life means that Microsoft will no longer provide technical support, critical updates, or security fixes. As a result, the product is considered obsolete and could be vulnerable to security threats.
Ideally, Microsoft provides two levels of support for products. The first level is a period of mainstream support lasting for five years. During this phase, Microsoft releases regular updates and fixes to ensure the product is up to date.
The second level is called the extended support phase, which lasts for another five years. In this phase, Microsoft focuses on security issues and ensures no vulnerabilities exist within the solution.
So, when SharePoint 2013 reaches its end-of-life in April 2023, it will no longer be eligible for these services. As a result, organizations will need to ensure that they are prepared and have a plan to upgrade their SharePoint 2013 solution before the deadline.
Note that SharePoint 2013 end of support does not mean that SharePoint 2013 will stop working. Instead, the product will not be eligible for the following;
- Bug and security fixes
- Software updates
- Technical support
What Are the Risks of Using SharePoint 2013 After April 2023?
The most significant risk of using SharePoint 2013 after the end-of-life date is that the product will become vulnerable to security threats. Microsoft will no longer provide bug and security fixes or software updates, exposing users to malware and hackers. Here are more reasons to upgrade your SharePoint 2013 before the deadline.
Compliance
Businesses are required to adhere to industry regulations. Therefore, the security and compliance of any system need to be regularly updated to ensure it meets the latest standards.
Otherwise, your business’s reputation could be at risk, and you may even face hefty fines from regulatory bodies.
Productivity Loss
Using outdated software can compromise your productivity. For instance, you cannot access new features or use the latest applications. Or, the applications may take longer to load, and you may even encounter unexpected errors while you work.
Loss of Valuable Data
Without regular security updates, your data may be susceptible to malicious attacks. This issue may cause theft or loss of confidential information. Also, you are at risk of data corruption, which can seriously affect your business operations and reputation.
What Are the Alternatives?
Luckily, organizations have several alternatives to SharePoint 2013. Microsoft allows you to migrate your data or site to SharePoint Online. This option will provide you with the latest features and security in an up-to-date version of SharePoint.
The other alternative is a SharePoint Server subscription. However, to leverage the new features, you must first move to SharePoint 2016, and then later to the subscription edition. You cannot move directly from 2013 to the subscription edition, making the process tedious.
Businesses may also upgrade to SharePoint 2019, available on-premises and in the cloud. However, to move your SharePoint 2013 data to 2019, you may need to move to the 2016 version before upgrading to 2019, which is a lengthy process.
Why Move to SharePoint Online
While businesses have different alternatives, SharePoint Online takes the day. First, this alternative allows you to remain in the SharePoint family, as it is a cloud version of SharePoint. Other benefits include:
Higher Security Features
Migrating to SharePoint Online will ensure that your system is up to date with the latest security features. Microsoft is intentionally upgrading the system to the latest security standards and ensuring no vulnerabilities exist. In addition, the service providers have added more layers of security measures, such as multi-factor authentication.
Fewer Maintenance Needs
Working with cloud-based solutions means you no longer need to maintain an on-premise server. This benefit reduces the burden of providing physical space, resources, and personnel for maintenance.
Ability to Share With External Partners
You can share data with external partners without worrying about security breaches. SharePoint Online enables you to easily control access and share files securely with the right users in a few clicks.
More File Storage
SharePoint Online provides more storage than traditional SharePoint, which is especially beneficial for large businesses. The OneDrive storage allows you to store, share, and collaborate on files easily.
It Is Mobile-Friendly
The mobile-friendly interface makes it easier for your teams to access and collaborate on files from anywhere, anytime. This feature is unlike the older version of SharePoint, where users can only access the system from a computer. Mobile friendliness is critical, especially at a time when nearly everyone has a mobile device.
Final Thoughts
SharePoint 2013 end of life is fast approaching. And companies need to migrate to a newer version or switch to SharePoint Online to enjoy the latest features and security updates. There are various alternatives available to businesses.
Moving to SharePoint Online benefits businesses because it provides higher security, fewer maintenance needs, the ability to share with external partners, more file storage, and a mobile-friendly interface. By making careful considerations and preparations now, organizations can ensure they meet the April 2023 deadline with minimal disruption.
You can trust us at Softlanding to help you through the SharePoint migration process. Our team comprises Microsoft Solutions professionals who can guide and assist you in successfully migrating your data or site to a more secure version of SharePoint.
Contact us for a consultation.
Written By:
softlanding
Softlanding is a long-established IT services provider of transformation, professional services and managed IT services that helps organizations boost innovation and drive business value. We are a multi-award-winning Microsoft Gold Partner with 13 Gold Competencies and we use our experience and expertise to be a trusted advisor to our clients. Headquartered in Vancouver, BC, we have staff and offices in Toronto, Montreal and Calgary to serve clients across Canada.
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