Microsoft’s Mainstream Support and Extended Support offerings are two different options for businesses to maintain their IT infrastructure and support their software needs. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between these two support plans and look at the advantages and disadvantages of each. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of which plan is best for your business’s needs.
| Microsoft Mainstream Support | Microsoft Extended Support |
|---|---|
| 5 years of mainstream support | Additional 5 years of extended support |
| Includes security updates | Includes security updates |
| Includes non-security updates | No non-security updates |
| Includes free incident support | No free incident support |
| Includes self-help support | No self-help support |
| Includes paid support | Includes paid support |
Microsoft Mainstream Support Vs Extended Support: In-Depth Comparison Chart
| Mainstream Support | Extended Support | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 years | 5 Years after Mainstream Support has ended |
| Security Updates | Yes | Yes |
| Non-Security Updates | Yes | No |
| Hotfixes | Yes | No |
| Bug Fixes | Yes | No |
| Technical Support | Yes | No |
| Design Changes | Yes | No |
| Online Self-Help | Yes | No |
| Warranty Claims | Yes | No |
Microsoft Mainstream Support and Extended Support
Microsoft offers two types of support for its products — Mainstream Support and Extended Support. Mainstream Support is available for products within their mainstream support period, and Extended Support is available for products beyond their mainstream support period. Both types of support provide customers with access to Microsoft technical experts and resources to help them manage their software and hardware needs.
Mainstream Support is the initial period of support for a product, and it is typically available for five years after the product’s release date. During this period, Microsoft provides customers with access to technical support, security updates, and non-security updates. Mainstream Support also includes access to online and telephone support, as well as hotfixes, service packs, and other maintenance releases.
Benefits of Mainstream Support
Mainstream Support helps customers keep their products up-to-date and secure. It provides access to critical security updates that help protect against cyber-attacks and vulnerabilities. Microsoft also offers additional resources and support options, such as the Microsoft Support Center, the Microsoft Answer Desk, and the Microsoft Security Response Center. All of these resources are designed to help customers get the most out of their products.
Mainstream Support also helps customers stay informed about new features and changes to their products. Microsoft provides customers with timely product information, such as feature updates and system requirements. This helps customers stay ahead of the curve and take advantage of the latest features and capabilities.
Limitations of Mainstream Support
Mainstream Support does not cover all aspects of a product’s lifecycle. Microsoft only provides limited technical support during this period, and there is no guarantee that a product will continue to be supported after its mainstream support period ends. In addition, Microsoft may not provide the same level of support for older versions of its products.
Microsoft Extended Support
Extended Support is available for products after they have reached the end of their mainstream support period. Extended Support offers customers access to critical security updates, hotfixes, service packs, and other maintenance releases. It also provides access to online and telephone support, as well as limited access to Microsoft technical experts.
Benefits of Extended Support
Extended Support helps customers keep their products secure and up-to-date. It provides access to critical security updates that help protect against cyber-attacks and vulnerabilities. Microsoft also provides access to hotfixes and service packs that help customers keep their products running smoothly.
Extended Support also helps customers stay informed about new features and changes to their products. Microsoft provides customers with timely product information, such as feature updates and system requirements. This helps customers stay ahead of the curve and take advantage of the latest features and capabilities.
Limitations of Extended Support
Extended Support does not cover all aspects of a product’s lifecycle. Microsoft only provides limited technical support during this period, and there is no guarantee that a product will continue to be supported after its extended support period ends. In addition, Microsoft may not provide the same level of support for older versions of its products.
.
Microsoft Mainstream Support Vs Extended Support
Pros of Microsoft Mainstream Support
- Receive regular security updates
- Access to new features and improvements
- Compatibility with all newer Microsoft products
Cons of Microsoft Mainstream Support
- Must pay an additional fee for extended support
- No access to any new features or updates after Mainstream Support ends
Pros of Microsoft Extended Support
- Extended security updates for five years
- Access to bug fixes and security updates
Cons of Microsoft Extended Support
- No access to new features or improvements
- Compatibility issues with newer Microsoft products
Microsoft Mainstream Support Vs Extended Support: Which Is Better?
In conclusion, both Microsoft Mainstream Support and Extended Support have their advantages and drawbacks. Microsoft Mainstream Support offers a shorter timeline and more rapid updates, but also a shorter time to receive support and only applies to the latest version of the product. Extended Support provides longer support and applies to older versions of the product, but also has a longer timeline with limited updates and potentially higher costs. Ultimately, it depends on the user’s needs and budget to determine which support option is the best choice.
Top Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microsoft Mainstream Support?
Microsoft Mainstream Support is the standard level of support from Microsoft for their products. It includes access to product updates, hotfixes, security updates, self-help resources, and technical support. It also provides access to online and telephone support for certain products. Mainstream Support typically lasts for five years from the product’s launch date.
What is Microsoft Extended Support?
Microsoft Extended Support is an additional level of support from Microsoft for their products. It provides access to product updates, hotfixes, security updates, self-help resources, and technical support. It also provides extended access to online and telephone support for certain products. Extended Support typically lasts for five years after the product’s Mainstream Support ends.
What Benefits Does Microsoft Mainstream Support Provide?
Microsoft Mainstream Support provides access to product updates, hotfixes, security updates, self-help resources, and technical support. It also provides access to online and telephone support for certain products. Through Mainstream Support, users can receive assistance with product installation, configuration, and usage.
What Benefits Does Microsoft Extended Support Provide?
Microsoft Extended Support provides access to product updates, hotfixes, security updates, self-help resources, and technical support. It also provides extended access to online and telephone support for certain products. Through Extended Support, users can receive assistance with product installation, configuration, and usage. Additionally, Extended Support provides support for certain non-security related product issues.
How Long Does Microsoft Mainstream Support Last?
Microsoft Mainstream Support typically lasts for five years from the product’s launch date. At the end of this period, the product enters into Extended Support.
How Long Does Microsoft Extended Support Last?
Microsoft Extended Support typically lasts for five years after the product’s Mainstream Support ends. At the end of this period, the product enters into End Of Life (EOL) status and will no longer receive support.
UNIFIED vs PREMIER SUPPORT
Microsoft Mainstream Support and Extended Support are both important for the successful deployment and maintenance of Microsoft products. Mainstream support offers customer assistance, security updates, and software updates, while Extended Support offers security updates and hotfixes. Both types of support are necessary for organizations to stay up-to-date and secure. By choosing the right type of support for their needs, organizations can ensure that their product remains safe and secure, and that their users are receiving the best customer experience.