Windows Server 20012/20012R2 End of Vendor Support FAQ

Updated by Brandy Smith on Sep 05, 2023
Article Code: kb/1444

Description

This communication is regarding the end of vendor support from Microsoft for Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 operating system (OS) on one or more of your Lumen services. Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 are approaching the end of Extended Support on Oct 10, 2023.

This document is to provide Lumen customers with information regarding what the end of vendor support for Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 includes and what options are available.

Customers may be using multiple Lumen services and the options available to you may vary. We have created support documentation below that outline the options, as well as FAQs, providing answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Lumen services:

  • Lumen Private Cloud on VMware Cloud Foundation – provides Windows 2012/2012 R2 OS licensing
  • Lumen Dedicated Cloud Compute – provides Windows 2012/2012 R2 OS licensing and management
  • Lumen Managed Server (Intelligent Hosting) – provides Windows 2012/2012 R2 OS licensing and management for servers that have a Service Level option of Managed Server.

End of support does not affect existing Windows 2012 and 2012 R2 servers and virtual machines.

About Windows Server 2012/2012 R2 End of Vendor Support

Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 are approaching the end of their vendor support lifecycle. Microsoft released the OS on Oct 30, 2012; Mainstream Support ended Oct 9, 2018; and Extended Support ends on Oct 10, 2023.

Options Across Lumen’s Services

The below outlines the options available to Lumen customers that have these Lumen services. These are recommended for higher levels of security, performance, and support of customers’ environments. Lumen understands that these options may not be viable for all customers’ environments and we encourage customers to reach out to their Lumen sales representative to discuss their options and help create a plan that best fits their unique business needs.

options-across-centurylink-platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does End of Vendor Support mean?

A: End of Vendor Support (EVS) means that the vendor will discontinue support of the product including software patches, bug and security fixes, and will no longer supply hardware replacements, as applicable to their software, hardware, and support.

Q: Will current servers with Windows 2102 or 2012 R2 remain running?

A: The servers will continue to remain up and running. In other words, these won’t power down as a result of End of Vendor Support for the software.

Q: Can I create or order a new Windows 2012/2012 R2 server on or after Oct 10, 2023?

A: This depends on the Lumen Service:

Lumen Private Cloud on VMware Cloud Foundation: This can be created or ordered.*

Lumen Dedicated Cloud Compute: This can be created or ordered.*

Lumen Managed Server (Intelligent Hosting): This can be ordered as an OS option for a Managed Server on an individual cases basis. For example, the need for an additional, identical Managed Server to an existing Managed Server. However, this is subject to approval and subject to a server being available that supports the OS.*

Q: Does Lumen offset any of the cost to migrate?

A: Typically, fees associated with migrations are at the customer’s expense. However, if the customer is doing a tech refresh to a new version or a new service for a committed term, migration fees may be waived. Early termination fees may apply in certain circumstances.

Q: What should I do if I am unsure which Lumen Services I have and which ones have Windows 2012/2012 R2?

A: Please contact your Lumen CSP or Sales Representative to review your Lumen Services.

Q: What if customers have more questions?

A: Customers are encouraged to contact their CSP or Sales Representative.

Q: What if I do not know who my CSP or Sales Representative is or how to contact them?

A: Please contact 800-871-9244 for assistance.

Q: What if customers don’t take action?

A: Customers are encouraged to act, but if they don’t they should expect the following based on the service:

Lumen Private Cloud on VMware Cloud Foundation: service level objective support and uptime only; support, no standard security patches, and the risk that a future announcement from Lumen that the unsupported OS cannot be operated in the Lumen environments. Customer assumes all risk for the security of its environment.

Lumen Dedicated Cloud Compute: service level objective support and uptime only, no standard security patches, and the risk that a future announcement from Lumen that the unsupported OS cannot be operated in the Lumen environments. Customer assumes all risk for the security of its environment.

Lumen Managed Server (intelligent Hosting): service level objective support and uptime only, no standard security patches, and the risk that a future announcement from Lumen that the unsupported OS cannot be operated in the Lumen environments. Customer assumes all risk for the security of its environment.

  • Starting October 10, 2023, the software is unsupported and no further updates will be provided Lumen. Lumen will provide service as-is and as-available. Customers assume all risk and liability associated with continuing use of service with unsupported components.

Lumen strives to offer a vast portfolio of valued services in alignment with our vision to provide best of class services. Technology and the digital landscape are constantly evolving, and our goal at Lumen is to ensure that our customers have access and are informed about the most secure and up to date offers. At Lumen it is our mission to reduce friction along the digital transformation path for all of our customers so that they can focus on what is important — growing their business and taking care of their customers. We look forward to assisting you with this End of Vendor Support effort and your future business needs.