As the warm days of summer approach, your thoughts might be veering towards that well-deserved vacation. Yet, for those dental clinics operating on Microsoft Server 2012, it's essential to begin preparations for the phase-out of Microsoft's Server 2012 without delay.

The final support date in October is fast approaching, and planning is critical. The transition to a new server demands substantial foresight and time investment. Remember, your dental clinic's network will be temporarily offline during the switch, so ensure you have sufficient buffer time to align with your office schedule.

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What Does the Microsoft Server 2012 End-of-Life Imply for Dental Professionals?

All technological tools have a finite operational life. Launched in 2012, Microsoft Server 2012 is now heading towards retirement after a decade of reliable service. Its features, security safeguards, and functionalities can't keep pace with today's dynamic needs and escalating cybersecurity threats. The hardware underpinning Server 2012 will also be outdated, leading to suboptimal performance and increased risk of system failure.

The end-of-life date is a defining moment when a server company discontinues all support - from security updates and system patches to technical assistance. For users of Microsoft Server 2012, this cutoff date is October 10, 2023. After support ceases, the system becomes increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. This risk is heightened when the termination of support is widely announced, as is the case with Microsoft's Server 2012.

For dental practices and organizations mandated by HIPAA regulations, transitioning from the server is a top priority. HIPAA's Security Rule 45 C.F.R. 164.308 (a)(5)(ii)(B) mandates that organizations implement processes for the identification, protection against, and reporting of malicious software. Retaining an obsolete and unsupported server post-October places your dental clinic in direct contravention of HIPAA regulations.

To stay compliant with HIPAA regulations, your dental clinic should employ a server that proactively updates and scrutinizes your system. Non-compliance with HIPAA rules can lead to rejected insurance claims following a cyberattack or server breach, and substantial fines in case of an audit.

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Demystifying the Server Transition Process

With well-considered planning and scheduling, moving to a new server can be a hassle-free process. It's an ideal opportunity to assess your entire network and guarantee that the final product aligns with your dental clinic's needs in terms of productivity, security, and dependability. There are three solutions to this:
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1. Server Replacement ($$$)
2. Server Operating System Upgrade to 2016 Version ($)
3. Migrate to the Cloud (Open Dental + SOTA Imaging preferred) (Long Term $ Savings)
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Our expert IT team at Darkhorse Dental IT is ready to answer all your questions about server transition and network upgrade timeline for your practice. Trust these extensive processes to the professionals. Server replacements and network upgrades require meticulous preplanning due to the time involved in planning, procuring, and setting up a server and coordinating a transition schedule.

With careful planning, organization, and scheduling, you can ensure a smooth server transition, maintain HIPAA compliance, and safeguard your server files and data. You may also have the chance to upgrade your network equipment and potentially your workstations.

Count on Darkhorse Dental IT’s experts to guide you, and you'll quickly understand why we're the go-to choice for IT professional services in the region. Get in touch with us today or book an online discovery session to learn why we're not just specialists in general business IT networking, but also leaders in all aspects of dental and healthcare IT, including practice management, imaging, and compliance.

Darkhorse Dental IT Is Here For You

We understand that caring for your patients is your top priority. Dealing with a computer issue, slow IT response time or HIPAA compliance requirements just aren’t high on your list of to-do’s. That’s where Darkhorse Dental Tech comes in. Our team of Dental IT specialists are experts when it comes to running a great, secure and successful practice —and so much more. Whether you’re looking for IT services for startups, or existing support and security services for your practice, Darkhorse can do it all for you, so you can get back to your patients.

Have questions? Looking for ideas? Just want to talk teeth? Drop us a line at sales@darkhorsetech.com to get the conversation started! Or head to our Contact page to send us a message. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram!

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