Top Reasons to Migrate to Windows Server 2019

Has your organization been hesitant to migrate to Windows Server 2019 due to a lack of support for non-cloud based applications? Since business productivity applications like Office 365 ProPlus that allow files to sync and download to local devices can be essential, a lack of support can make the migration to Windows Server 2019 difficult. Besides the need to retrain users, additional planning and resources have to be directed towards the removal of applications that will no longer be functional. However, the migrating process to Server 2019 will not have to be this tedious or difficult. Microsoft will be including multiple benefits in the latest version of Windows Server that are tough to ignore, including support for Office 365 ProPlus.

Scott Clarke, an IT support professional in Philadelphia and Microsoft expert shares why organization need to migrate to Microsoft Windows Server 2019.

Necessity Due to Older Versions

Organizations that are currently running older versions, including Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2, need to migrate out of necessity. Support for the older version is ending by January 2020, making the need to update critical. Organizations that do not migrate or find an alternative solution in time could risk exposure to security vulnerabilities and face the reality of malfunctioning systems. While Microsoft had previously announced reliance on public cloud-based applications would be necessary with the new version, the software giant has recently reversed that decision, making it more practical for many organizations to move forward with the migration.

Improved Support

Besides support for Office 365 ProPlus, the latest version of Windows Server will also support One Drive Files On-Demand. One of the key advantages of these applications is that they do not require users to depend on public cloud storage and access. While using the public cloud to store and access files can be more convenient, it can pose an additional security risk and create a dependency on the cloud storage provider. IT directors and system administrators that support users that deal with sensitive or proprietary data may be hesitant to rely on the public cloud.

According to an article in Channel Futures, Microsoft’s corporate vice president Jared Sparato was quoted as saying “while Office 365 ProPlus provides the best experience when running on Windows 10, we know some of you rely on Windows Server to provide virtual desktop services for your users.” Included in that support is One Drive Files On-Demand, which allows system administrators to configure local device file sync and download options. Instead of having files upload to the cloud, users’ files will remain stored on their local devices or sync to locally hosted servers the IT department can control.

Improved Performance

Once IT departments complete the migration, users can expect to experience improved performance within Office 365 ProPlus. Microsoft’s integration of FSLogix container technology will improve “the speed and reliability of virtualized Office apps to feel like the experience of using Office apps on a dedicated machine,” according to Sparato. This means users can expect to experience fewer instances of latency and problems related to inaccessibility or sync errors. The FSLogix technology is included in the cost of Windows Server 2019 for customers with certain existing software versions and licenses. According to Channel Futures, the following software versions and licenses are eligible:

• Microsoft 365 E3/E5/A3/A5/Student Use Benefits/F1/Business
• Windows 10 Enterprise E3/E5
• Windows 10 A3/A5
• Windows 10 VDA
• Remote Desktop Services
• Client Access License
• Subscriber Access License

Additional Installation Options

Specific applications within Office 365 ProPlus will contain improvements and individual machine installation options. Outlook’s Cached Mode will be improved, allowing more efficient access to calendars and emails. Currently, the Outlook calendar syncs to the local device before the inbox, resulting in slight delays. This process will now be reversed and the number of Outlook folders that sync by default will be reduced. Microsoft will also be including a new option for system administrators to speed up the sync process for Outlook calendars.

Both Teams and OneDrive will be able to install on a per-machine basis. Users will be able to control their files and folders on OneDrive from their own devices, while several options within Teams will be added or enhanced. Options for calling and meetings will be added to Teams, chat and collaboration tools will be able to be installed locally, and caching and performance options will be improved. These improvements are designed to increase and optimize performance.

Microsoft’s support for Office 365 ProPlus and inclusion of performance optimization options make it easier to transition to Windows Server 2019. Potential lower costs for improved technology, the ability to maintain internal control over user files, and enhanced capabilities should entice any IT department that desires to improve the user experience. With support for older versions of Windows Server ending soon, a migration and deployment strategy should be at the forefront of any IT leader’s planning process.