While many organizations have embraced Microsoft cloud services, there are still many that rely on certain aspects of SharePoint On-Premises. However, the end of Microsoft’s extended support for SharePoint 2013 on April 11, 2023, brings new challenges for these organizations. In this article, we explore the implications of SharePoint 2013’s lifecycle for those who continue to use it and discuss the necessary actions they should take.
It may seem puzzling to many why there are organizations still using a 10-year-old software platform. Despite tremendous growth on Microsoft 365, there are numerous factors why organizations are still using SharePoint 2013, including:
- Forms: Many organizations rely on InfoPath for form delivery within SharePoint 2013 and have not transitioned to an alternative solution.
- Complex Developments: Organizations have often developed intricate solutions on SharePoint 2013 that would require rebuilding on a new platform.
- Technology Barriers: Some organizations cannot switch to SharePoint Online due to a lack of supporting technology such as Azure and Exchange.
- Skills: Organizations have invested in SharePoint 2013 expertise and may lack the necessary knowledge to migrate to a different platform.
- Budget: SharePoint 2013 migration requires financial resources for skills, technology, or redevelopment.
These factors often result in hybrid scenarios where organizations use both Microsoft 365 and SharePoint 2013 or older environments.
Understanding SharePoint 2013 End of Support
To effectively plan their next steps, organizations must comprehend the implications of the end of support for SharePoint 2013. Microsoft offers two types of support: mainstream and extended. During the extended support phase, security updates continue, but functionality updates cease. Once extended support concludes, Microsoft discontinues all updates, including security patches. For SharePoint 2013, the extended support period ended on April 11, 2023.
With this understanding, it becomes evident that organizations using SharePoint 2013 must migrate to a new platform. While your SharePoint 2013 environment will remain functional, there are significant risks associated with operating an unsupported system. The lack of patches and security updates poses a considerable threat, particularly when personal or commercially sensitive data is stored in SharePoint.
Next Steps for SharePoint 2013 Migration: Assessing and Planning
When considering the next steps for migrating from SharePoint 2013, it is crucial not to rush the process, as it typically spans several months. As mentioned earlier, there are valid reasons why organizations continue to use SharePoint 2013, making careful planning essential for a successful migration. To start, assess your current environment and evaluate available migration options.
Since the deployment of your SharePoint 2013 environment, your organization has undergone numerous changes. The assessment allows you to identify which features are still in use, pinpoint areas of complexity, and determine the desired state for migration. Engaging key business users in this assessment process is vital for achieving the best outcomes. It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution or approach to migration. The optimal path will depend on factors such as budget, timeline, and technical constraints.
If you are seeking assistance with your migration from SharePoint 2013, we have got you covered.
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