Last summer, we reported that Microsoft announced (over the July 4th weekend) that it was planning to end of life its Windows Small Business Server (SBS). According to a blog report posted on July 10 by Harrybbb, the tech giant said that effectively, July 5, 2012, would be the last day for future sales for the product. Alternatively, Microsoft would be offering an on-prem hybrid alternative with windows Server 2012 Essentials.
Since then, many in the community have expressed everything from outrage, relief and fear, as noted by Harry in this blog post. Many discussions on the topic were the focus at the CompTIA Breakaway event that occurred just weeks after the announcement.
Now, Microsoft has called another end of life, this time it’s for its Windows 8 phone introduced last year. According to various press reports, Microsoft noted on its support page that support for Windows Phone 7.8 will cease on September 9, 2014. Additionally, the company stated on the support page that Windows Phone 8, released with much fanfare last fall, will no longer be supported following July 2014.
According to the Microsoft Support Page, the following was mentioned regarding Windows Phone 7.8: “Microsoft will make updates available for the Operating System on your phone, including security updates, for a period of 18 months after the lifecycle start date. Distribution of the updates may be controlled by the mobile operator or the phone manufacturer from which you purchased your phone. Update availability will also vary by country, region, and hardware capabilities.”
And for Windows Phone 8, the page noted its own separate note: “Microsoft will make updates available for the Operating System on your phone, including security updates, for a period of 18 months after the lifecycle start date. Distribution of the updates may be controlled by the mobile operator or the phone manufacturer from which you purchased your phone. Update availability will also vary by country, region, and hardware capabilities.”
Being that I am always looking for more information, is the door now open to question that Microsoft is working on developing a Windows 9 phone for release soon???
