Microsoft has announced the end of M365 and Windows Server support for several versions, such as 2016, 2012 and 2008 R2, directly impacting the use of applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams in the corporate environment. According to Microsoft Modern Lifecycle Policy, to continue using Microsoft 365 Apps securely and efficiently, you must be on actively supported operating systems.

The urgency to modernize IT infrastructure is intensifying as support deadlines for several versions of Windows and Windows Server approach. Companies that still rely on systems such as Windows Server 2016, which will end support in October 2025, as well as versions of Windows Server 2012 and 2008 R2, which are no longer supported, need to act quickly to avoid information security vulnerabilities and operational interruptions. Microsoft, aware of this need, offers a path to modernization through solutions such as Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, enabling the virtualization of desktops and applications in the cloud.

In this scenario, companies face the challenge of migrating to more modern environments, such as Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop. However, before migrating, Do you know exactly what software your organization uses?

This question is critical — and the answer starts with the SaaS discovery.

Why the end of M365 and Windows Server support impacts your IT strategy

With the end of support for legacy operating systems, Microsoft 365 applications may no longer function correctly, causing security breaches, operational interruptions, and incompatibility with recent updates.

The list of impacted versions includes:

• Windows Server 2016 (End of Support: October 2025)
• Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 (End of Support: Now Closed)
• Windows Server 2008 R2 (support ended in 2020)

See more details at Microsoft official website.

The current IT landscape

Because the complexity of the modern IT landscape also involves integration with other platforms, such as Google Workspace, and the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in various applications, Microsoft has invested heavily in artificial intelligence, incorporating it into its products to improve productivity and security.

Lack of visibility: an invisible risk

However, transitioning to a modern environment requires careful planning, which starts with a complete identification of the company’s software portfolio. Many organizations may be surprised to discover the number of SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions in use, often implemented by different departments without IT’s knowledge – a phenomenon known as Shadow IT. This lack of visibility can obscure the true need for Microsoft licenses for various products, impacting licensing costs and compliance.

Many companies are completely unaware of the software ecosystem used by their employees. This is especially true with SaaS solutions adopted directly by business areas, without IT approval — the famous Shadow IT.

Without a discovery tool, the technology team runs the risk of leaving important applications unsupported or migrating environments without understanding the full impacts.

How MattZero helps in this critical moment

O MattZero is a platform of SaaS discovery that provides complete and automated visibility over all applications used in the company.

With MattZero, you can:

• Map all SaaS applications in use in the organization;
• Identify departments and users that still use legacy versions of Windows Server;
• Check which versions of Microsoft 365 Apps are installed and on which machines;
• Discover SaaS solutions already informally adopted by business areas;
• Plan a safe and efficient migration to the cloud, such as Azure Virtual Desktop or Windows 365.

Also explore our article: What are SaaS assets?

SaaS Discovery is the First Step to Modernization

Before migrating servers, renewing licenses or adopting VDI solutions, it is essential to understand the current landscape. SaaS discovery with MattZero enables data-driven decisions, helping your company to:

• Reduce security risks
• Meet compliance requirements
• Avoid waste with obsolete tools
• Modernize your IT environment with visibility

Turn the end of support into an opportunity

Although Microsoft has stopped supporting some versions of its products, it continues to innovate and provide new functionality in its latest offerings, such as Microsoft SQL Server (evolution of SQL Server) and Exchange Server.

The transition to these modern platforms, often hosted on a dedicated server or in the cloud, brings with it significant improvements in performance, security, and scalability.

If your company is facing the challenges of end-of-support and looking for an efficient way to modernize your IT environment, the first step is to gain complete visibility into your software ecosystem.

The end of M365 and Windows Server support isn't just a technical issue — it's an opportunity to rethink SaaS asset management and the IT strategy as a whole. With the MattZero, your company gains visibility, control and agility to navigate this changing scenario with confidence.

Request a demo of MattZero and see how we can support your transition.