SharePoint Server’s sunset marks the dawn of a smarter, cloud-based era

When it comes to the innovative tools that organizations rely on to collaborate, share knowledge and support productivity, nothing is forever — and SharePoint Server is no exception.

Microsoft has announced the end of support for their platform that allows you to store, organize, share and manage content and collaboration tools within a secure, centralized environment.

This means that if your organization is using this platform as your go-to collaboration solution, you face a dilemma as we approach the end of support on 14 July 2026. Do you continue to use SharePoint Server even though it is unsupported and may expose you to new threats, or do you migrate to a modern, cloud-based solution?

The answer is simple: The cloud is secure, cost-effective and offers you the flexibility to scale as your business grows. So, it’s not just a prudent choice right now, but also a smart one. And with years of experience in migrating our clients to the cloud, NTT DATA can help you make this all-important move.

• ALSO READ → SharePoint Server end of support: Why migrating to the cloud is the smart choice

What does the end of SharePoint Server mean?

Microsoft’s decision to end support for SharePoint Server signals a major shift from on-premises platforms to cloud-based platforms. Once support has ended, several issues will start to emerge should you continue running on-premises SharePoint solutions. Because you’ll no longer receive security updates, bug fixes or technical assistance from Microsoft, your business will be exposed to risks that would be mitigated by migrating to the cloud.  

The risks of running unsupported software:

• Security risks: Without the latest patches, your system becomes more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
• Compliance challenges: Unsupported software lacks the updates and documentation that regulators look for, making compliance more difficult.
• Operational inefficiencies: As the technology becomes outdated, your users could experience more downtime, integration issues and lagging performance.

Why the cloud is the future of collaboration

In the long run, relying on unsupported software isn’t sustainable. But this end-of-support announcement does create new opportunities for you. By migrating to a cloud-based solution like SharePoint Online or Microsoft 365, you can strengthen your security, simplify compliance and improve efficiency. It is a tactical move toward a more agile organization that is innovative and resilient.

Here’s why:

1. Improved security and compliance

Modern cloud platforms are designed with built-in security. Continuous updates and advanced threat protection help you safeguard your sensitive data, and built-in compliance frameworks make it easy to meet stringent regulatory requirements. With its advanced encryption and granular access controls, the cloud delivers a level of security far beyond the reach of legacy systems.

2. Cost-efficiency and predictable budgeting

Maintaining on-premises infrastructure is both resource-intensive and capital-intensive. The costs associated with hardware maintenance, software licensing and dedicated IT support can add up quickly. By migrating to the cloud, you can switch to a subscription-based model that reduces upfront costs and allows for predictable monthly budgeting. More importantly, your IT teams are no longer tied up with day-to-day maintenance, , so they can focus on innovation and value-added initiatives.

3. Unparalleled scalability and flexibility

Organizations always have to adapt to change — and sometimes quickly. With cloud solutions, you can easily scale your technology infrastructure to accommodate growth, new workloads or evolving business models. Whether you’re onboarding new teams, integrating external partners or expanding in new markets, the cloud lets you adapt and scale without the frustrations or delays associated with on-premises upgrades.

4. Streamlined collaboration and mobile productivity

Today’s employees work across locations, devices and time zones. Using cloud-based SharePoint, teams can collaborate in real time, regardless of location or device. Features like co-authoring, workflow automation and integration with Microsoft Teams support a collaborative culture and drive business outcomes — anywhere, anytime.

5. Access to innovation

Cloud platforms are always evolving, and Microsoft regularly introduces new features, integrations and AI capabilities. Once you have migrated, your organization will have uninterrupted access to the most advanced tools and technology without the need for disruptive upgrades or further migrations.

NTT DATA’s proven approach to SharePoint migrations

At NTT DATA, we understand that migrating your critical business systems to the cloud is a significant undertaking. With years of proven experience, we have helped organizations of all sizes and in all sectors move from legacy SharePoint environments to secure, scalable and innovative cloud platforms. Our expertise not only makes the transition seamless and low risk but also sets the stage for greater innovation and long-term value.

• Comprehensive assessment and planning: We begin every migration by gaining a thorough understanding of your existing SharePoint environment. We identify content, customizations and workflows that are critical to your operations. Only once this foundation is in place do we craft a tailored migration roadmap that limits disruption and maximizes
• Meticulous data and content migration: Migrating vast libraries of documents, metadata and workflows can be complex, but our proven tools and methodologies ensure data integrity, security and continuity throughout the process. We handle everything from legacy content clean-up to permission mapping so your users can hit the ground running on day one.
• Change management and user enablement: A successful migration isn’t just about technology — it’s about people, too. We provide comprehensive change-management support, including training, communication plans and user adoption strategies. We guide your teams in adopting new ways of working and in making the most of cloud collaboration.
• Ongoing support and optimization: Our commitment doesn’t end at go-live. We offer ongoing support, monitoring and optimization services to ensure your cloud environment evolves alongside your business. From performance tuning to the rollout of new features, we’re with you every step of the way.

Now is the time to act

As SharePoint Server nears the end of its support lifecycle, see it as an opportunity to modernize your digital collaboration environment and making your organization more resilient by moving to the cloud .

And with NTT DATA, you don’t have to navigate this transition alone. Our end-to-end solutions, industry-leading methodologies and deep commitment to client success make your move to cloud seamless, secure and strategically sound.

Let’s build the future of collaboration together — starting today.