Why waiting until 2026 to migrate SharePoint could cost you more

Microsoft will end support for SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019 on July 14, 2026. While some organizations might be considering delaying migration to save effort and costs, waiting could create far greater problems. From security risks and compliance penalties to rising support expenses and business disruptions, the consequences of procrastination can be steep.

Planning your migration now ensures a smoother transition, cost control, and access to modern features. This article explains how migrating early helps organizations avoid unnecessary costs, reduce risks, and ensure smoother operations.

The hidden costs of waiting

1. Security Vulnerabilities and Data Breaches
Once support ends, SharePoint 2016/2019 will no longer receive security updates, leaving systems exposed to potential cyberattacks. This lack of protection increases the likelihood of breaches or ransomware incidents, which can cause significant financial losses, legal penalties, and long-lasting reputational damage. Ensuring proactive migration is far more cost-effective than dealing with emergency recovery after an attack, and it establishes a stronger foundation for secure operations moving forward.

2. Compliance Risks and Legal Penalties
Unsupported SharePoint versions can create serious compliance issues, especially for organizations operating under strict regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX. Without vendor support, your organization risks non-compliance, potentially facing fines, audits, and legal complications. Migrating before end-of-life ensures that all systems remain supported and aligned with regulatory requirements, preventing penalties and safeguarding your organization’s credibility.

3. Rising Operational and Support Costs
Legacy SharePoint platforms tend to incur increasing operational costs over time. Without official support, organizations often rely on expensive third-party services or specialized in-house teams to maintain stability. Emergency fixes or last-minute migrations further drive up IT spending, creating unnecessary strain on budgets and resources. Planning migration early spreads costs more evenly and reduces pressure on IT teams, allowing for smoother operations.

4. Business Disruptions and Downtime
Delaying migration increases the risk of unexpected system failures, unaddressed bugs, and incompatibility with other updated enterprise systems. Such disruptions can lead to lost productivity and revenue. By taking a preemptive migration approach, organizations can implement changes in phases, perform thorough testing, and build a buffer to address challenges, ensuring minimal impact on business continuity.

The benefits of early migration

• Smooth Transition: Conduct inventory, cleanup, and phased rollout to minimize risks.
• Access to Modern Features: Leverage Microsoft 365 integrations, AI-powered tools, and enhanced collaboration capabilities.
• Cost Control: Spread migration efforts to avoid emergency charges and overtime costs.
• Compliance Assurance: Stay up to date with regulatory standards without unexpected penalties.

Migration pathways to consider

• SharePoint Online (Microsoft 365): Cloud-based, continuously updated, and integrated with Teams and Power Platform.
• SharePoint Server Subscription Edition (SE): Modern on-premises solution with extended lifecycle and feature updates.

Conclusion

Delaying migration until the 2026 SharePoint EOL can be expensive, with security breaches, compliance violations, rising support costs, and operational downtime all adding up. By acting now, planning strategically, and leveraging our expertise at AVAMIGRATRON, organizations can reduce risks, control costs, and optimize modern capabilities for sustainable growth.

Start your migration today to secure a safer, smarter, and more cost-effective tomorrow. Contact us at sales@avamigratron.com

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