Microsoft will be discontinuing 3 of its products in the near future. Over the next 18 months, Microsoft will be discontinuing Skype, Windows 10, and Microsoft Publisher. The end-of-life for Windows 10 is something we’ve known about for some time. But The news of Publisher and Skype being discontinued seemed to come out of no where. And in the case of Skype, the end-of-life is coming up fast.
This move is part of Microsoft’s strategy to streamline its offerings and focus on more modern, integrated solutions. Here’s what you need to know about how these changes could effect your organization.
Skype
Discontinuation Date: May 5, 2025
Skype, once a pioneer in internet-based communication, will be retired on May 5, 2025. Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Microsoft Teams, which offers a more comprehensive suite of communication and collaboration tools. After this date, Skype will no longer be available for download or use, and its paid services will also be phased out.
This announcement has caught some off guard because of how close to the announcement the change will take effect. If you have any standard communications processes that use Skype or its features, you’ll want to figure out alternatives as soon as possible. Unlike the other products–which (as far as we know) will continue to exist in an unsupported form–it seems that Skype will be removed and unusable after it is discontinued.
Alternatives:
Microsoft Teams: Integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 apps and offers robust communication features.
Microsoft Publisher
Discontinuation Date: October 2026
Microsoft Publisher, a desktop publishing application, will no longer be supported after October 2026. This means that while you can continue to use Publisher until this date, it will not receive any new features, security updates, or technical support post-October 2026. For businesses relying on Publisher for creating marketing materials, newsletters, and other print documents, it’s crucial to start planning for the transition now.
Microsoft does not have a successor announced for Publisher and it’s possible no successor will be created. The native .pub format used for Publisher files cannot be opened in other Microsoft applications. But Publisher files can be saved from within Publisher as PDF or .doc formats.
Alternatives:
- Microsoft Word and PowerPoint: For basic publishing needs, these tools offer a range of templates and design features.
- Adobe InDesign: A powerful desktop publishing software for more advanced design and layout needs. (Requires a subscription)
- Scribus: An open-source alternative that provides robust desktop publishing capabilities.
Windows 10
Discontinuation Date: October 14, 2025
Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. This means no more security updates, technical support, or new features will be provided after this date. After this date, Windows 10 devices will become increasingly vulnerable to security risks. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11, which offers enhanced security and performance features. If your machine cannot support Windows 11, then you likely need to upgrade your hardware. As this end-of-life date for Windows 10 is global, there may be a rush to replace incompatible hardware close to the discontinuation date–avoid the rush and potential shortages by upgrading your hardware early.
Alternatives:
Windows 11: The direct successor to Windows 10, offering improved security, performance, and new features.
What These Discontinuations Mean for Your Business
The discontinuation of these products means that while you can continue to use them until their respective end-of-support dates, it’s essential to plan for the transition to alternative solutions. Continuing to use unsupported software can expose your business to security vulnerabilities and operational risks. Here are some steps to take:
- Evaluate Alternatives: Assess the alternatives mentioned above and determine which best fits your business needs.
- Plan the Transition: Develop a timeline for transitioning to new software, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations.
- Train Your Team: Provide training for your employees on the new tools to ensure a smooth transition.
- Backup Data: Ensure all important data is backed up and can be migrated to the new platforms prior to the discontinuation dates.
By proactively planning for these changes, your business can continue to operate smoothly and securely. Transitioning to modern, supported software solutions will not only mitigate risks but also enhance productivity and collaboration within your team.
At BSC Solutions Group, we know how changing platforms can be both a challenge and an opportunity. If you need help transitioning to Teams or procuring new Windows 11 hardware, contact us today.
