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Upgrade from Windows Server 2008 R2 to 2014

Hello

We are needing to replace our Server Hardware and the IT are telling us that we need to upgrade from Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2012.
Which of course means an additional 5K of Software (Do they get a Commission?)

The Question is - Do we NEED to upgrade?
What are the Advantages?

We have 25 Users and all they use is an accounting system (That runs on SQL Server) and Outlook with the occasional Excel and Word Document.

Would 2012 be Significantly Faster for the Users?
(A Lot of what I see about the Advantages are for the IT Guys in Setup and Administration)

Thanks

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Don S.

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Costas Georgiou

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VB ITS

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Cliff Galiher

VB ITS hit on an important point though. Small deployments (25 users definitely qualify) are often OEM licensed. If that's the case. 2008 R2 is no longer in the sales channel, so a new server would indeed require an upgrade to 2012 R2 just by the nature of what is currently in the channel and the restrictions on OEM licensing. Ultimately the relationship with your IT provider is about partnership based on trust. After all, they often have the keys to the kingdom in regards to domain admin passwords, router, VPN, remote access... if you are second guessing their wisdom that you must upgrade, you should probably bring in another IT firm for a legitimate second opinion where they can audit your hardware and licenses. A random opinion on the internet with no background is a tough way to justify distrusting your current partnership.