The clock is running out for Microsoft Windows Server 2008/R2 and SQL Server 2008/R2.

The good news is that you have options that you previously never had. Microsoft has announced they are discontinuing free security updates on clients using Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2 as well as SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2.

• Windows Server 2008/R2 – mainstream support is expired, and extended support will end January 2020
• SQL Server 2008/R2 – mainstream support is expired, and extended support will end July 2019
• Windows 7 – mainstream support is expired, and extended support will end Jan. 14, 2020
• Office 2010 – mainstream support is expired, and extended support will end Oct. 13, 2020

You may have noticed that there are currently four Microsoft products with “Advanced Threat Protection” in their name:

1. Azure Advanced Threat Protection
2. Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection
3. Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection
4. SQL Advanced Threat Protection

While each of these solutions offers value to its users, there’s been some confusion around the similar naming of these products. Let’s clear up confusion by taking a closer look at each of these products and their features, benefits, and intended use cases.

Figuring out the best way to implement Single Sign-On (SSO) in a Microsoft cloud environment can be challenging given how the options have evolved over time, but it’s a key component of any successful Office 365 or Azure deployment. There are four main options on how you can configure SSO:

• Cloud-only passwords without SSO

• Password synchronization with SSO

• Pass-through Authentication with SSO

• Federated Identity (ADFS or 3^rd party) 

In the modern workplace, chances are that your employees are using their in their own devices for work, which often results in unsecure access to company files. This creates a challenge because organizations need to be able to secure their company’s data on these devices without violating personal information. Also, if an employee leaves the organization, it’s important to have a means to avoid wiping their personal information from their devices.

With your company’s valuable data in mind, Microsoft has created two device management services that allow you to secure your organization’s data - no matter what device is being used. Microsoft Intune and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager are both good options for device management, but it can often be hard to determine which option is best for your business. Sometimes it’s better to run a hybrid of them both.

Windows 10 Enterprise E3 was built for organizations that need enterprise-grade security for their sensitive data, operate in regulated industries, and need increased management functionality. If this sounds like your organization, the Windows 10 Enterprise E3 version is the way to go.

Below is a deeper dive into what Windows 10 Enterprise E3 features set it apart from Pro: