Microsoft has for Windows Server 2008 the mainstream supportperiode, which in addition to security updates also fixes free of charge to be released, with 1.5 years extended. The mainstream support runs now until January 13, 2015.
Originally, the mainstream supportperiode of Windows Server 2008 on 9 July 2013 will be converted to paid extended support for a period of five years. However, Microsoft has decided to mainstream-period with a 1.5 year extension until January 13, 2015, so read on Microsoft’s support page. The extended support period runs for five years until 14 January 2020.
Microsoft uses by default, both for its business operating system, such as that for the consumer market, a mainstream supportperiode of five years and extended support for five years. During the extended period necessary patches only available for a fee through a so-called Hotfix Agreement. Security updates remain free.
Microsoft does, however, also a further two years of support at an ” old ” Windows version if a new release is released. According to the software giant, is the arrival of Windows Server 2012 in september, then also the reason that the mainstream supportperiode is stretched to the beginning of 2015.