The clock is ticking for organizations still running legacy Microsoft platforms. With Exchange already past its End-of-Life (EOL) on October 14, 2025, and Extended Security Updates (ESUs) ending approaching on April 14th, the final window for support is rapidly closing — and the impact on business-critical systems will be significant. The important dates are given as follows:
- April 14, 2026
- Microsoft introduced a one-time Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Exchange 2016 and 2019, running until April 14, 2026, for customers who need extra time to migrate. ESU only covers Critical and Important security fixes, not full support or feature updates. After this date no further updates will be available from Microsoft.
- July 14, 2026
- Support for SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019 will end on July 14, 2026. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide regular security updates or paid support.
- SharePoint Designer 2013 has been deprecated but will remain supported for SharePoint Server Subscription Edition until July 14, 2026. After that, it will no longer be supported. However, customers can continue to build and manage SharePoint 2013 workflows using Visual Studio beyond this date.
- InfoPath Forms Services will be fully retired from SharePoint Online for all tenants after July 14, 2026, in alignment with the extended support end date of InfoPath Client 2013. This retirement applies to all environments, including Government Clouds and the Department of Defense. Organizations currently using InfoPath Forms Services are advised to transition to Power Apps, Power Automate, Microsoft Forms, or other supported alternatives.
These dates aren’t just technical deadlines—they represent a strategic inflection point for your organization. Delaying action can lead to security vulnerabilities, compliance risks, business productivity loss, and escalating operational costs. But with the right approach, these EOL events can become a catalyst for digital transformation.
What Does End of Support Mean for Your Business?
When Microsoft ends support for a product, it stops providing:
- Security updates – leaving systems exposed to cyber threats.
- Bug fixes and patches – increasing downtime and instability.
- Compliance assurance – risking violations of GDPR, HIPAA, and other regulations.
The cost of maintaining legacy systems through Extended Security Updates (ESUs) can be significant. As ESU support approaches its end, organizations may find themselves with no viable options for continued security patching or vendor assistance—and any temporary provisions that do exist will likely be costly, limited in scope, and short-term in nature. Now is the time to act. Migration and modernization remain the only sustainable path forward.
Why This Is the Perfect Time to Modernize
Rather than treating EOL as a disruption, forward-thinking organizations see it as an opportunity to:
- Move to Microsoft 365 for cloud-first collaboration.
- Leverage modern security frameworks like Zero Trust.
- Enable hybrid work with Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint Online.
- Automate business processes using Power Platform instead of outdated InfoPath forms and SharePoint Designer workflows.
Migrating now ensures business continuity, future-proof infrastructure, and cost optimization.
Key Migration Challenges Organizations Face
- Complex environments with hybrid Exchange and SharePoint deployments.
- Custom workflows and InfoPath forms that need re-engineering.
- Data governance and compliance during migration.
- User adoption and change management for new tools.
These challenges require a structured approach and deep expertise in Microsoft technologies.
How Netwoven Helps You Navigate EOL and Beyond
As a trusted Microsoft partner, Netwoven specializes in end-to-end migration strategies. Our services include:
- Exchange Online migration – from on-premises or hybrid setups.
- SharePoint migration & modernization – moving from legacy SharePoint to Online and in tandem modernizing UI/UX, information architecture and associated customizations, leveraging out-of-the-box features everywhere possible.
- Business process / workflow transformation – replacing InfoPath and SharePoint Designer with Power Apps and Power Automate.
- Governance and security – ensuring security & compliance throughout and beyond the migration process.
- Adoption and training programs – driving user engagement and productivity and minimizing transitional friction and impacts to business continuity.
With proven methodologies, automation tools, and a focus on minimizing downtime, Netwoven ensures a seamless transition to modern Microsoft platforms.
The Risks of Waiting
Every month you delay migration:
- Security risks increase – unsupported systems are prime targets for attacks.
- Compliance exposure grows – audits can lead to penalties.
- Costs escalate – ESUs and emergency fixes are expensive, if they are available at all.
Early planning reduces risk and spreads migration costs over time, making it easier to align with budget cycles.
Act Now to Secure Your Future
Microsoft’s EOL deadlines are approaching fast. Don’t wait until the last minute—start planning today. Netwoven can help you convert EOL risk into a seamless transition and an opportunity for productivity & innovation.
Please feel free to contact us for more information.
