Microsoft support for the StorSimple 8000 series will end in December 2022. Have you started planning your data migration yet?
On 31 December 2022, Microsoft will end support for all StorSimple 8000 series devices and StorSimple Data Manager and Snapshot Manager software. This end of support (EOS) date will coincide with the discontinuation – or end of life (EOL) – of the StorSimple service.
If you’re using StorSimple as your hybrid cloud storage solution, then it’s important to understand how EOS for the 8000 series and EOL retirement of the service itself will impact your enterprise. Here’s what you need to know…
EOS for the StorSimple 8000 series is effective on 31 December 2022. On that day, Microsoft will end support for:
- StorSimple 8000 series (8100, 8600, 8010, 8020) devices
- StorSimple Data Manager
- StorSimple Snapshot Manager
EOL for the StorSimple service is also effective on 31 December 2022, which means the following will no longer be available:
- All cloud management capability
- Access to live data and backups
- Access to customer support resources (phone, email, web)
- Hardware replacement parts and repair services for StorSimple 8000 series devices
- Software updates for StorSimple 8000 series devices
StorSimple users are being encouraged to finalise a migration strategy as soon as possible to avoid losing critical stored data when the StorSimple service is discontinued at the end of the year. Today, we’re answering the most common questions about StorSimple migrations to help you take your next steps…
Q. Why is Microsoft ending support for the StorSimple 8000 series?
A. The StorSimple 8000 series follows Microsoft’s Fixed Lifecycle Policy. Mainstream Support ended on 1 July 2020 and Extended Support will end on 31 December 2022.
Several other StorSimple products – including the StorSimple 5000 series, 7000 series and 1200 series – also follow Microsoft’s Fixed Lifecycle Policy, and adhere to their own EOS timelines:
- Mainstream Support for the StorSimple 5000 series ended in July 2019
- Mainstream Support for the StorSimple 7000 series ended in July 2019
- Mainstream Support for the StorSimple 1200 series ended in July 2020
- Extended Support for the StorSimple 1200 series will end on 31 December 2022
Since its launch in November 2014, the StorSimple 8000 series has been embraced by enterprises looking for the best of both worlds: the scalability of cloud storage for limitless capacity, and on-premises physical or virtual storage arrays for performance and flexibility. Now, as Microsoft continues to expand its portfolio of Azure hybrid storage capabilities with new services for data tiering and cloud ingestion, there are more options for customers to store data natively in Azure.
Q. I have data stored locally on my StorSimple device. What will happen to that data, beyond the StorSimple EOL date in December 2022?
A. You will lose all data stored locally on your StorSimple device, which has a limited, local cache capacity. Microsoft has advised customers: “Once the StorSimple cloud service is shut down, you will not be able to access tiered files that your local device only holds a cloud reference for… Eventually, the device will stop working when it is no longer able to reach the cloud service.” To preserve your data, you need to migrate it into a new solution before the StorSimple EOL date in December 2022.
Q. I have a StorSimple 8000 series device on-premises. What will happen to it, beyond the StorSimple EOL date in December 2022?
A. Depending on your contractual obligations, you may be able to keep the device hardware. Microsoft has indicated that it will not ask for leased devices to be returned. Bear in mind that your device will stop working; the StorSimple service will stop working; and hardware and software support will no longer be available from Microsoft.
Q. What are my StorSimple migration options?
A. As a StorSimple customer, you have a range of choices for migrating your data – but the right choice will depend on your particular business environment. You’ll have to evaluate your existing StorSimple deployments and workloads, and then match them with an alternative solution that can support your current file-storage demands and scale to meet your future requirements. Need help? Talk to our experts, who can recommend the right solution for your enterprise and customise a migration strategy to streamline your StorSimple move.
Q. How long will it take to complete my StorSimple migration?
A. Every StorSimple migration project is different and time-to-completion will depend on the structure of the existing StorSimple deployment, the data volumes in play, and any bandwidth limitations, among other factors. The depth and breadth of the planning and preparation done beforehand will also affect the speed and progression of the migration, so make sure that you engage with your cloud solution provider in advance.
The timelines announced by Microsoft (EOS for the StorSimple 8000 series and EOL for the StorSimple service) are concrete – and there are only a few months left until yearend. If you haven’t started planning your StorSimple data migration yet, then you should prioritise the task immediately so that your stored files remain accessible beyond 31 December 2022.
