A Step-by-Step Guide for Local Businesses to Help them Plan Their Migration from Windows Server 2012

As the owner of a local business, you know how important it is to help the community, be reliable, and stay ahead of the curve. With the end of support for Windows Server 2012 coming up in October 2023, you might feel a little lost about how to make the switch. In this post we will walk you through every step of the move, making sure you're ready for this change. The most important hint? Start planning your move now to avoid stress at the last minute and possible problems with how your business runs.

Taking a Look at Your Current IT Setup

The first step in planning your migration is to take a good look at your IT system as it is now. This means knowing how Windows Server 2012 fits into your business, finding any software or apps that depend on it, and figuring out what your hardware can do. This evaluation will help you figure out possible problems and needs for your new server or cloud hosted alternative.

How to Choose a New Server

After you've looked at what you have now, it's time to choose a new server or cloud provider. There are likely several choices, and each has its own pros and cons to think about. When picking a server or cloud provider, you should think about your budget, the needs of your business, and how well the new system works with the software and apps you already have. Remember that cloud vs. in-house server each is quite different and has its own benefits. Choose the one that fits your business wants and goals the best. 

Getting Ready for the Move

Now that you've selected your best option, it's time to plan the move. This means making a schedule, dividing up the resources, determine a workable test environment, who on your team can test before going live, and getting ready for possible downtime. It's also important to plan for data backup and recovery to keep your business information safe during the change.

The end of support for Windows Server 2012 is a big deal, but if you plan and prepare well, you can make sure your local business has a smooth shift. Don't forget that you're not alone in this. We're a neighborhood business, just like you, and we want to help our community.

Our team of IT experts is here to help you through every step of the transfer process so that your business can keep running as smoothly as possible. Contact Nextworks today to start planning your move and make sure your local business has a bright future.