Microsoft and Apple will end support for some of their older software and hardware products in the coming year. This means the companies will no longer release security patches and updates, or offer phone/web support for the aging products. In December, Apple will re-classify a handful of 2009 and 2011 machines as “vintage” or “obsolete”, ending their eligibility for future hardware service or new parts.
Microsoft Products Moving to End of Support:
According to Microsoft: “The following products will be reaching end of support in 2017. There will be no new security updates, non-security updates, free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates”:
| Product | Effective Date |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 | April 11, 2017 |
| Windows Vista | April 11, 2017 |
| 2007 Microsoft Office Servers | October 10, 2017 |
| 2007 Microsoft Office Suite | October 10, 2017 |
| Microsoft SharePoint Designer 2007 | October 10, 2017 |
| Microsoft SharePoint Server 2007 | October 10, 2017 |
| Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 | October 10, 2017 |
Apple products that will be classified as Vintage or Obsolete
According to MacRumors: “The following Macs will be classified as either vintage or obsolete in the United States, Canada, Japan, Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region":
| Product | Effective Date |
|---|---|
| MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011) | December 31, 2016 |
| MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011) | December 31, 2016 |
| Mac mini (Early 2009) | December 31, 2016 |
| MacBook (13-inch, Mid 2009) | December 31, 2016 |
| Table | December 31, 2016 |
We understand that some businesses keep running unsupported IT systems because the task of upgrading can be costly and complex. Provident Technology is here to help. We can securely backup your data in the early stages of an upgrade to prevent loss, help you select new hardware, and design and configure system software around your needs. If compatibility between software and hardware components is a concern, we’re prepared to help you identify practical and affordable solutions. Though some of the end-of support dates seem far off, Provident Technology is ready to start planning when you are. Just give us a call at 215-278-4090 or email support@providenttechnology.com.
Sources:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4001737/products-reaching-end-of-support-for-2017
http://www.macrumors.com/2016/11/29/early-2009-to-early-2011-macs-obsolete/