Are you prepared for the upcoming platform and licensing changes with Microsoft and Arctera technologies?
A lack of preparation for product retirements, end-of-support, and licensing updates can lead to unexpected costs and downtime.
Bluesource helps you stay compliant and maintain continuity for the critical platform and licensing changes coming in 2026.
The First Steps: Envisioning and Assessment
The Bluesource consulting process starts with envisioning what you need and where we can help ease any transitions. Our team combines knowledge and experience with a tested process and structured approach to put our clients’ business needs first. We’ll complete a current state assessment, identify any risks, and provide actionable solutions.
Environment & Licensing Review
- Review your current infrastructure and licensing support exposure across SQL Server, Windows Server, and Enterprise Vault.
- Identify risks and opportunities for modernization, renewal, or migration.
Arctera Enterprise Vault 2026 Licensing Updates
- Review your current infrastructure and licensing support exposure across SQL Server, Windows Server, and Enterprise Vault.
- Identify risks and opportunities for modernization, renewal, or migration.
Arctera announced major licensing updates for Enterprise Vault (EV), effective in January 2026. Licensing changes include:
- Transition to the new Arctera Entitlement Management System
- Shift to subscription-based licensing
- Stricter entitlement tracking and enforcement
Without proactive planning, renewals may become significantly more expensive. Bluesource’s no-charge consultation can help you:
- Run audit tools against your current EV entitlements
- Explore migration and renewal options
- Help you better align with Arctera’s new licensing framework
Microsoft Product Retirements
Microsoft’s lifecycle policies govern product timelines for support and retirement. End of support and retirement mark the end of support, servicing, and updates from Microsoft. Recent updates in October 2025 include the retirement of Windows 10 and end of support for Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019 products. Critical changes coming in 2026 include server support updates.
Microsoft Servers
SQL Server 2016 – End of Support July 14, 2026
Microsoft will end support for SQL Server 2016 on July 14, 2026. After this date, only Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will be available. Bluesource can guide you through:
- Upgrade paths and modernization strategies
- Cloud migration options
- Compliance planning to ensure business continuity
Windows Server 2022 – Supported Through 2031
Windows Server 2022 remains under mainstream support until October 13, 2026, and will enter extended support through October 14, 2031. Partner with Bluesource to plan ahead and:
- Evaluate your Server roadmap
- Align support timelines with your broader IT strategy
VERSION
RELEASE DATE
MAINSTREAM SUPPORT ENDS
EXTENDED SUPPORT ENDS
Windows Server 2025
Nov 1, 2024
Oct 9, 2029
Oct 10, 2034
Windows Server 2022
Aug 18, 2021
Oct 13, 2026
Oct 14, 2031
Windows Server 2019
Oct 2, 2018
Jan 9, 2024
Jan 9, 2029
Windows Server 2016
Oct 15, 2016
Jan 11, 2022
Jan 11, 2027
* Final licensing decisions rest solely with the end customer and their chosen software or hardware vendor. Customers are responsible for ensuring they remain properly licensed and compliant.
Staying Ahead
Avoid being caught unprepared for Microsoft and Arctera service changes with a no-cost initial consultation with the experts at Bluesource. Prepare a roadmap for any transitions and necessary updates, remain in control, and limit risks.