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Using outdated software can compromise your productivity.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.