Microsoft BizTalk Support Lifecycle
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*BizTalk Version includes all editions viz. Developer, Standard, Enterprise, Branch, Partner, DataCenter.
If you are using 2016 or earlier – it’s time to investigate an upgrade.
Aidant has compiled an easy-to-reference summary of the support available for BizTalk versions.
X Critical X
This is a highly critical situation and creates a high risk for business continuity and prevents growth. BizTalk Support is not the only one that has ended. Microsoft Server OS and other development tools such as Visual Studio, SQL Server and other support tools like Covast, etc. are also not supported anymore. Information security is compromised as a result of unpatched and unsupported software.
! Getting Critical !
The normal support for BizTalk has ended and Microsoft is under extended support (see definition below). If the BizTalk version used is in extended support, the customer must start planning (and budgeting) for an upgrade. The following should be incorporated into an upgrade strategy:
Lower the infrastructure footprint
Decrease the total cost of ownership
Re-architecting data integrations and EDI platforms for current and future needs
Develop cloud strategy
💡 This is the perfect opportunity to explore options for partners and platforms that can guide the transition.
✔ Current ✔
There is nothing to worry about regarding the end of the support cycle from Microsoft. If a company is considering moving an older EDI platform (generally non-Microsoft) to BizTalk/Azure, there are still other challenges to tackle and will require roadmapping and rethinking on EDI. Data integration can be leveraged and moved closer to the business and create value add.
💡 Considerations for migration:
Master data migration (x-ref, party configuration)
User impact – technical and business users
Data quality – scope for improvement to avoid IT overhead
Migration testing and validation
Trading partner impact
Re-architect for cloud and next-generation readiness
Information security compliance and considerations
Reducing infrastructure footprint
The lower total cost of ownership
Bring business closer to EDI and create self-servicing options for businesses to create efficiency and lower their dependency on IT/EDI Teams for trivial/day-to-day questions
Mainstream Support: Hotfixes will be issued if any major bugs are found including security patches. Microsoft will issue these updates and hotfix at no cost. Service packs will be provided along with the product warranty at no cost. Microsoft support will be provided at no charge.
Extended Support: Microsoft will support issue patches and hotfix for a fee with non-security type issues found. Security related patches will be provided in special cases. However, no security updates, warranty, feature updates or service packs will be provided. Normal support and research may be charged by Microsoft.
What else happens after extended support ends?
No updates will be available. Any critical or non-critical bugs will be user liability.
Security patches and vulnerability, along with keeping up information security becomes customer responsibility.
Platform upgrades for Windows Server and other Developer tools not supported.
Microsoft Server lifecycle needs to be monitored and once Windows Server Operating Systems is out of support BizTalk Server as an application becomes unreliable.
The top reason Microsoft supports BizTalk in extended support mode, is to give customers enough lead time to plan, develop and execute BizTalk Migration to next platforms before Server OS becomes unsupported.
Running BizTalk Version 2006 or prior and using EDI Accelerators like Covast? – Contact us for streamlined, low impact migration services.
Stay up to date with your EDI Platforms and realize full return of investment and achieve peace of mind, along with confidence to grow and support your business leveraging EDI platforms of the future.
For reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle
