Microsoft Office Online Server End of Life: Your 2026 Migration Strategy for NC

For North Carolina manufacturers, construction firms, and industrial companies relying on SharePoint Server with Office Online Server for browser-based document editing and collaboration, Microsoft just pulled the rug out. Office Online Server reaches end of life on December 31, 2026 - no more security updates, no more support, and no on-premises replacement for this critical collaboration infrastructure. This isn't a suggestion to migrate. It's a mandate affecting organizations across Winston-Salem, Durham, Fayetteville, Asheville, and throughout the state. The clock is ticking, and North Carolina businesses that wait until the last minute will face rushed decisions, inflated vendor costs, limited migration partner availability, and significant operational disruption during the transition.

Critical deadline: December 31, 2026. After this date, Office Online Server receives zero security updates, leaving your organization exposed to vulnerabilities and compliance risks.

The good news? With proper planning, an experienced North Carolina-based migration partner, and a structured approach, this forced Office Online Server migration becomes an opportunity to modernize your collaboration infrastructure, eliminate on-premises server maintenance costs, implement modern security controls including multi-factor authentication and data loss prevention, and position your business for sustainable growth through cloud-based productivity tools. This comprehensive guide provides a strategic roadmap specifically for manufacturing operations, construction companies, industrial facilities, and professional services firms in the Piedmont Triad (High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem), Charlotte Metro, Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill), and throughout North Carolina including Asheville, Wilmington, and the Triad region.

Ready to start planning your Office Online Server to Microsoft 365 migration now? Schedule a free, no-obligation Office Online Server migration assessment with Preferred Data - we'll review your current SharePoint Server environment, analyze document libraries and workflows, assess security and compliance requirements, and provide a customized migration roadmap with detailed budget estimates. Call us at (336) 886-3282 or request a callback here. Serving North Carolina businesses since 1987 with on-site support throughout the state.

Why Microsoft Is Retiring Office Online Server

Microsoft announced the retirement of Office Online Server in October 2025, giving organizations approximately 14 months to migrate. According to the official Microsoft announcement, this decision reflects Microsoft's strategic shift toward cloud-first collaboration through Microsoft 365, where browser-based Office investments will be concentrated in Office for the Web.

Key takeaway: Microsoft is ending all on-premises browser-based Office editing capabilities. Organizations must either migrate to Microsoft 365 or lose the ability to edit Office documents in web browsers.

For organizations running SharePoint Server Subscription Edition or Exchange Server Subscription Edition with Office Online Server integration, this creates an immediate planning imperative. While SharePoint Server and Exchange Server themselves remain supported under their respective lifecycle policies, the OOS integration points for browser editing will no longer be supported or secured after December 31, 2026.

The Security and Compliance Risk for NC Organizations

Continuing to use Office Online Server after end of life exposes your North Carolina organization to significant security, compliance, and business risks:

• Unpatched security vulnerabilities - Zero-day exploits and CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) discovered after December 31, 2026 will never be fixed, leaving your SharePoint environment permanently vulnerable to ransomware, data breaches, and cyberattacks
• Compliance violations - Cyber insurance policies, SOC 2 Type II audits, ISO 27001 certifications, and industry regulations (CMMC 2.0 for defense contractors, NIST SP 800-171 for CUI, HIPAA for healthcare, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for life sciences) typically prohibit running unsupported, end-of-life software in production environments
• Failed audits and certifications - Both internal IT security audits and external third-party assessments (penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, compliance audits) will flag end-of-life Office Online Server as a critical finding, potentially resulting in failed certifications and lost business opportunities
• Increased liability and negligence claims - In the event of a data breach affecting customer data, intellectual property, or regulated information, running known-unsupported software demonstrates gross negligence and may void cyber insurance coverage, expose directors and officers to personal liability, and result in regulatory fines
• Customer and supply chain requirements - Major OEMs, defense primes, and enterprise customers increasingly require vendor security questionnaires (VSQs) and may disqualify suppliers running end-of-life systems

According to the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report 2024, 32% of breaches involve unpatched systems, and the average cost of a data breach for small to mid-sized businesses is $2.98 million. After December 31, 2026, your Office Online Server will be permanently unpatched and indefensible from both a technical and legal perspective.

Who Is Affected by Office Online Server End of Life in North Carolina?

If your North Carolina organization uses SharePoint Server (2016, 2019, or Subscription Edition) with Office Online Server for browser-based document editing, viewing, or co-authoring, you are directly impacted by this December 31, 2026 retirement deadline. This particularly affects:

• Manufacturing companies in the Piedmont Triad (High Point furniture manufacturers, Thomasville textile operations), Charlotte Metro (automotive suppliers, aerospace manufacturers), and Research Triangle (biotech, medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical operations) with on-premises SharePoint for quality documentation (ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485), standard operating procedures (SOPs), corrective action and preventive action (CAPA) systems, and regulatory compliance records
• Construction firms across North Carolina using SharePoint for project documentation, RFI tracking, submittal management, construction specifications, safety documentation (OSHA compliance), subcontractor collaboration, change order management, and project close-out documentation
• Industrial companies managing technical drawings (CAD integration), engineering change orders (ECOs), equipment maintenance logs, safety data sheets (SDS), lock-out/tag-out procedures, and operational documentation
• Defense contractors and aerospace suppliers throughout North Carolina (Seymour Johnson AFB, Fort Liberty, Research Triangle defense contractors) requiring CMMC 2.0 compliance, ITAR documentation control, and CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) protection
• Distribution and logistics companies with supplier portals, quality agreements, transportation documentation, warehouse procedures, and inventory management documentation
• Professional services firms (engineering, architecture, consulting, legal) with document-heavy collaboration requirements, client portals, proposal management systems, and knowledge management repositories

According to North Carolina manufacturing statistics from the National Association of Manufacturers, the state has 11,496 manufacturing establishments, with 90% employing fewer than 100 workers. These include furniture manufacturers in High Point and Thomasville, textile operations in Burlington and Kannapolis, aerospace suppliers in the Research Triangle Park area, and automotive parts manufacturers throughout the Piedmont region. Many of these mid-market organizations chose on-premises SharePoint deployments for ISO 9001 quality management documentation control, regulatory compliance (ITAR, CMMC, FDA), or manufacturing floor connectivity requirements - and now face a critical technology decision with significant operational implications.

Common Use Cases at Risk

• Browser-based document editing - Employees editing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents directly in web browsers without desktop Office applications
• Mobile access - Field workers or remote employees accessing and editing documents from tablets or smartphones
• External collaboration - Sharing documents with suppliers, customers, or partners who don't have desktop Office applications
• Thin-client environments - Manufacturing floor terminals or kiosks providing document access without full desktop installations

Are you unsure whether your organization uses Office Online Server? Contact Preferred Data for a free environment assessment - we'll identify your dependencies and migration requirements. Call (336) 886-3282 today.

Your Migration Options: A Strategic Comparison

Organizations affected by Office Online Server retirement have three primary paths forward. Each has distinct implications for cost, control, functionality, and long-term strategy:

Option 1: Migrate to Microsoft 365 (Recommended for Most NC Organizations)

What it is: Move from SharePoint Server on-premises to SharePoint Online within Microsoft 365, gaining browser-based editing through Office for the Web plus integrated collaboration tools including Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and Power Platform.

Best for: North Carolina organizations ready to embrace cloud collaboration, reduce infrastructure overhead, gain modern productivity tools, and position for future AI integration capabilities including Microsoft Copilot.

Advantages:

• Full feature parity - Browser-based editing, co-authoring, version control, and integration with Teams, OneDrive, and other Microsoft 365 services
• Automatic updates - Microsoft handles all patching, upgrades, and feature releases
• Reduced infrastructure costs - Eliminate server hardware, cooling, power, and on-premises maintenance
• Enhanced security - Enterprise-grade security controls, advanced threat protection, and compliance certifications included
• Scalability - Add users and storage instantly without capital expenditure
• Mobile optimization - Best-in-class mobile apps for iOS and Android

Estimated costs:

• Microsoft 365 licensing: $5-$30 per user per month depending on plan (Business Basic to E5)
• Migration professional services: $20,000-$80,000 depending on data volume, customization complexity, and organizational size (sources: Affirma Consulting and Zelite Solutions industry benchmarks)
• Change management and training: $5,000-$25,000 for user adoption programs

ROI: According to a Forrester Consulting study, Microsoft 365 delivers an ROI of 321% and pays for itself within two months for mid-market organizations.

Option 2: Desktop-Only Access (Office LTSC 2024 or Microsoft 365 Apps)

What it is: Continue using SharePoint Server on-premises but remove browser-based editing capability. Users must have desktop Office applications (Office LTSC 2024 or Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise) installed on their computers.

Best for: Organizations with strict data sovereignty, air-gapped environments, or regulatory requirements preventing cloud adoption.

Advantages:

• On-premises control - Data remains in your North Carolina facility
• No recurring SaaS costs - Office LTSC 2024 is a perpetual license (though you lose cloud features)
• Familiar infrastructure - Minimal disruption to existing SharePoint Server environment

Limitations:

• No browser editing - Employees must use desktop applications exclusively
• Mobile access degraded - Smartphone and tablet users cannot edit documents
• External collaboration reduced - Partners and suppliers need desktop Office to participate
• Ongoing infrastructure costs - Server hardware, maintenance, and IT staffing remain

Estimated costs:

• Office LTSC 2024: One-time license fee per device (approximately $249-$439 per desktop depending on edition)
• OR Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise: $12 per user per month (includes desktop apps only, no cloud services)
• Ongoing SharePoint Server infrastructure: $30,000-$100,000+ annually for hardware, licenses, and support

Option 3: Hybrid Approach (SharePoint On-Premises + Microsoft 365)

What it is: Maintain SharePoint Server on-premises for specific workloads (compliance, legacy integrations) while migrating collaboration and browser-editing needs to SharePoint Online.

Best for: Organizations with mixed requirements - some data must stay on-premises, but most users benefit from cloud collaboration.

Advantages:

• Flexibility - Keep sensitive data on-premises while modernizing collaboration
• Gradual transition - Migrate workloads in phases rather than big-bang cutover
• Cost optimization - Pay cloud costs only for users who need cloud features

Complexity:

• Requires careful architecture planning and integration between on-premises and cloud
• Users must understand where documents are stored and how to access each environment
• Higher ongoing management overhead maintaining two platforms

Estimated costs:

• Combination of Microsoft 365 licensing (for cloud users) + on-premises infrastructure maintenance
• Migration services: $40,000-$120,000+ for hybrid configuration and phased migration

Expert recommendation from Preferred Data: For 85% of North Carolina manufacturing and construction companies, full migration to Microsoft 365 provides the best long-term value, security posture, and user experience. Hybrid or desktop-only approaches make sense only when regulatory, connectivity, or integration requirements specifically demand on-premises control.

Need help evaluating which option is right for your organization? Download our Office Online Server Migration Decision Framework or schedule a consultation with Preferred Data to discuss your specific requirements. We've guided 100+ North Carolina companies through Microsoft migrations over our 37-year history.

The True Cost of Migration: What North Carolina Organizations Should Budget

Understanding the full scope of migration costs helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. Based on our experience supporting manufacturers and construction companies across the Piedmont Triad, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro, here's what to expect:

Direct Migration Costs

Sources: Migration cost data compiled from Agile IT, PC Support Group, and Preferred Data client project history

Hidden Costs Often Overlooked

• Productivity dip during transition - Expect 10-20% productivity reduction for 2-4 weeks as users adapt
• Custom workflow rebuilding - SharePoint Designer workflows must be recreated in Power Automate
• Third-party app compatibility - Legacy SharePoint add-ins may not work in SharePoint Online
• Network bandwidth upgrades - Cloud collaboration requires reliable, high-speed internet connectivity

Long-Term Cost Savings

The initial migration investment is offset by significant ongoing savings:

• Infrastructure elimination - Remove server hardware, OS licensing, SQL Server licensing, backup infrastructure, and cooling costs (typical savings: $20,000-$60,000 annually for mid-market organizations)
• IT staffing efficiency - Reduce time spent on patching, upgrades, and infrastructure management (typical savings: 20-40% of IT labor allocated to SharePoint)
• Licensing consolidation - Microsoft 365 bundles email, collaboration, Office applications, and security tools (typical savings: $50-$200 per user annually versus buying components separately)
• Reduced downtime - Microsoft's 99.9% uptime SLA exceeds most on-premises environments

According to Microsoft 365 ROI research, organizations achieve positive ROI within 2-6 months after migration when factoring infrastructure savings, productivity gains, and reduced IT overhead.

Want a customized cost estimate for your organization? Request a detailed migration assessment from Preferred Data - we'll analyze your current environment and provide a comprehensive budget breakdown with ROI projections. Call (336) 886-3282 to get started.

Your 12-Month Office Online Server Migration Roadmap

With the December 31, 2026 deadline, North Carolina organizations should begin planning immediately to avoid last-minute rush, vendor availability constraints, and budget pressures. Here's a strategic timeline:

Phase 1: Assessment & Planning (Months 1-2)

Key takeaway: Invest time upfront in discovery to avoid costly surprises mid-migration. A thorough assessment prevents 70% of common migration failures.

• [ ] Document current environment - Inventory all SharePoint sites, document libraries, custom workflows, and third-party integrations that depend on Office Online Server
• [ ] Identify stakeholders - Determine who owns key SharePoint sites and will participate in migration decisions
• [ ] Assess data volume - Calculate total SharePoint content database size to estimate migration duration and bandwidth requirements
• [ ] Evaluate network readiness - Test internet bandwidth and reliability for cloud-based collaboration (minimum recommendation: 50 Mbps per 100 users)
• [ ] Review compliance requirements - Confirm Microsoft 365 meets your industry's data residency, privacy, and security requirements
• [ ] Calculate ROI - Compare total cost of ownership (TCO) for migration versus maintaining on-premises infrastructure
• [ ] Select migration partner - Engage a North Carolina-based managed services provider with proven SharePoint and Microsoft 365 expertise

Preferred Data assessment includes: Complete environment discovery, migration strategy recommendation, detailed cost estimate, risk analysis, and 12-month implementation roadmap. Request your assessment today - most completed within 2 weeks.

Phase 2: Design & Preparation (Months 3-4)

• [ ] Design target architecture - Plan SharePoint Online site structure, security model, and information architecture
• [ ] Configure Microsoft 365 tenant - Provision Microsoft 365 subscription, configure identity integration, and set baseline security policies
• [ ] Pilot migration - Select a non-critical SharePoint site for pilot migration to validate process and identify issues
• [ ] Develop training plan - Create user adoption materials, schedule training sessions, and identify power users as champions
• [ ] Plan change management - Communicate timeline, benefits, and expectations to all stakeholders

Phase 3: Migration Execution (Months 5-9)

• [ ] Migrate in waves - Start with less critical sites, then move to mission-critical content as confidence builds
• [ ] Validate data integrity - Verify all documents, metadata, and permissions migrated correctly
• [ ] Rebuild workflows - Recreate SharePoint Designer workflows using Power Automate
• [ ] Test integrations - Validate connections with ERP, CRM, and other business systems
• [ ] Conduct user training - Train employees on SharePoint Online, OneDrive, Teams, and Office for the Web

Phase 4: Optimization & Decommission (Months 10-12)

• [ ] Monitor adoption - Track SharePoint Online usage and identify users needing additional support
• [ ] Optimize performance - Fine-tune search, navigation, and key workflows based on user feedback
• [ ] Retire on-premises environment - Archive historical SharePoint Server content and decommission Office Online Server
• [ ] Document new environment - Create operational runbooks for ongoing Microsoft 365 management

Why this timeline matters: Waiting until Q4 2026 means competing with thousands of other organizations for limited migration partner availability. Starting in early 2025 ensures you have first pick of migration windows, avoid vendor bottlenecks, and migrate on your schedule rather than in panic mode.

Ready to start your migration now? Preferred Data has dedicated migration capacity for North Carolina manufacturers and construction companies through 2025 and 2026. Secure your migration window today - call (336) 886-3282 or request a consultation online.

Why North Carolina Companies Choose Preferred Data for Microsoft Migrations

For 37 years, Preferred Data has been the trusted technology partner for manufacturers, construction firms, and industrial companies across North Carolina. We're not a fly-by-night cloud consultant or a national firm that disappears after go-live. We're your neighbors in High Point, with on-site support available within 200 miles of our headquarters.

Our Office Online Server Migration Approach

Discovery & Strategy:

• Comprehensive assessment of your current SharePoint environment, document usage patterns, and integration dependencies
• Clear recommendations on Microsoft 365 licensing (avoiding over-purchasing or under-provisioning)
• Detailed migration plan with timeline, milestones, and risk mitigation strategies

Seamless Execution:

• Proven migration methodology refined through 100+ Microsoft 365 projects
• Minimal disruption to daily operations - most migrations occur outside business hours
• Real-time monitoring and validation to ensure data integrity
• Dedicated project manager and technical team assigned to your migration

Post-Migration Excellence:

• Ongoing managed IT services to handle Microsoft 365 administration, security monitoring, and user support
• Quarterly business reviews to optimize licensing, identify new opportunities, and ensure your investment delivers maximum value
• 24/7 helpdesk for technical support and user questions
• Continuous training and adoption support to drive user engagement

The PDC Difference for North Carolina Organizations

• Manufacturing expertise - We understand shop-floor connectivity, quality management systems, and OT/IT integration challenges unique to manufacturing environments
• Local presence - Same-day on-site support for Piedmont Triad, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and surrounding areas
• Long-term partnership - 20+ year average client retention because we're committed to your success, not just a one-time project
• Comprehensive capabilities - Beyond migration, we provide cybersecurity, AI transformation, cloud solutions, and custom software development

What our clients say:

"Preferred Data guided our Charlotte manufacturing facility through a complex SharePoint to Microsoft 365 migration with zero downtime. Their team understood our production schedules and worked around our constraints. Six months later, our collaboration has never been better, and we've eliminated $40,000 in annual infrastructure costs." - Operations Director, Furniture Manufacturer, High Point, NC

Ready to make Preferred Data your migration partner? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your Office Online Server retirement strategy - or call (336) 886-3282 to speak with a migration specialist today.

Turning a Forced Migration Into Strategic Opportunity

While Office Online Server end of life may feel like an unwelcome disruption, forward-thinking North Carolina organizations are using this as a catalyst for broader digital transformation. Here's how to maximize value from your migration investment:

Opportunity 1: Modernize Collaboration Beyond Just Document Editing

Microsoft 365 isn't just a SharePoint replacement - it's a comprehensive collaboration platform that can transform how your teams work:

• Microsoft Teams - Unified communication with chat, video conferencing, and integrated document collaboration (eliminating the need for separate tools like Zoom or Slack)
• Power Platform - Low-code automation (Power Automate) and custom apps (Power Apps) to digitize manual processes
• Advanced search - AI-powered search across all your content, emails, and Teams conversations
• Information governance - Automated retention policies, sensitivity labels, and compliance controls

Opportunity 2: Reduce IT Complexity and Vendor Sprawl

Many North Carolina manufacturers and construction companies have accumulated multiple point solutions over the years - separate tools for email, file sharing, project management, and video conferencing. Microsoft 365 consolidates these capabilities:

• Email - Exchange Online replaces on-premises Exchange or hosted email
• File storage - OneDrive and SharePoint replace file servers and network drives
• Communication - Teams replaces desk phones (with Teams Phone System)
• Security - Built-in threat protection, DLP, and compliance tools reduce reliance on third-party security products

This consolidation reduces licensing costs, simplifies IT management, and improves user experience through integrated tools.

Opportunity 3: Enable Remote and Hybrid Work

The manufacturing and construction sectors in North Carolina increasingly need to support remote office staff, field workers, and hybrid schedules. Microsoft 365 provides the foundation:

• Secure remote access - Zero-trust architecture with conditional access policies
• Mobile productivity - Best-in-class iOS and Android apps for email, documents, and collaboration
• Virtual meetings - Teams video conferencing with recording and transcription
• External collaboration - Secure sharing with suppliers, customers, and subcontractors

Opportunity 4: Prepare for AI Integration

Microsoft is aggressively integrating AI capabilities across Microsoft 365 (branded as Microsoft Copilot). By migrating now, you position your organization to adopt AI productivity tools as they mature:

• Document summarization - AI-generated summaries of long documents and meeting recordings
• Content generation - AI-assisted writing for emails, proposals, and documentation
• Data insights - Natural language queries against your business data in Excel and Power BI
• Meeting assistance - Automated meeting notes, action item tracking, and follow-up suggestions

Want to explore how Office Online Server migration fits into a broader digital transformation strategy? Preferred Data specializes in helping North Carolina manufacturers and construction companies leverage technology for competitive advantage. Schedule a strategic planning session - call (336) 886-3282 or request a consultation online.

Regional Considerations for North Carolina Organizations

North Carolina's diverse economic landscape presents unique considerations for Office Online Server migration:

Piedmont Triad (High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem)

The Piedmont Triad's strong manufacturing base - particularly furniture, textiles, and industrial equipment - relies heavily on document-intensive quality management and compliance processes. SharePoint migrations must account for ISO 9001 documentation, customer specifications, and supplier collaboration requirements.

Preferred Data advantage: Headquartered in High Point at 1208 Eastchester Drive, Suite 131, we provide same-day on-site support throughout the Triad and deep understanding of local manufacturing requirements.

Charlotte Metro

Charlotte's concentration of larger manufacturers and construction firms often have more complex SharePoint environments with extensive customizations, enterprise integrations, and stricter security requirements.

Key considerations: Charlotte organizations benefit from Microsoft's South Central US datacenter (Texas) for low-latency access and should evaluate advanced Microsoft 365 security features like Microsoft Defender and Purview.

Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill)

The Research Triangle's technology-forward culture and university partnerships mean organizations often adopt new technologies quickly but also rely on advanced SharePoint features and custom development.

Migration approach: Research Triangle organizations should prioritize Power Platform adoption, Microsoft Graph API integrations, and developer-friendly deployment models.

Rural and Distributed Operations

Many North Carolina manufacturers and construction companies operate in rural areas or have distributed facilities across the state. Internet connectivity and bandwidth become critical migration considerations.

Connectivity planning: Preferred Data works with North Carolina ISPs to ensure adequate bandwidth before migration. In bandwidth-constrained locations, we design hybrid approaches or staged migrations that respect network limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can we continue using Office Online Server after December 31, 2026?

Technically yes, but you absolutely should not. After end of life, Office Online Server will receive no security patches, exposing your organization to unpatched vulnerabilities. Cyber insurance policies typically prohibit running end-of-life software, and compliance frameworks (CMMC, NIST 800-171, SOC 2) flag it as a critical risk. The liability exposure far exceeds any short-term cost savings from delaying migration.

2. How long does a typical Office Online Server migration take?

For small organizations (10-50 users), expect 2-3 months from kickoff to go-live. Mid-market companies (51-250 users) typically need 4-6 months. Enterprise organizations (250+ users) with complex customizations may require 6-12 months. Starting your planning now ensures you complete migration well before the December 2026 deadline, avoiding last-minute vendor availability constraints and rushed decisions.

3. What happens to our custom SharePoint workflows?

SharePoint Designer workflows do not directly migrate to SharePoint Online. They must be recreated using Power Automate, Microsoft's modern workflow automation platform. While this requires effort, Power Automate offers significantly more capabilities, better reliability, and integration with hundreds of other business systems. Preferred Data includes workflow migration and modernization in our SharePoint migration services.

4. Will our employees need extensive retraining?

SharePoint Online's user interface is similar to SharePoint Server, so most employees adapt quickly. The bigger learning curve is often Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and Office for the Web - but these tools are generally intuitive. Preferred Data provides comprehensive user training as part of migration projects, including recorded sessions and quick-reference guides. Most organizations report employees are comfortable within 2-3 weeks.

5. Can we migrate only part of our SharePoint content?

Yes, selective migration is common. Many organizations migrate active content to SharePoint Online while archiving older, rarely-accessed content to lower-cost storage or keeping it on-premises in read-only mode. Preferred Data helps you define content retention policies, identify migration candidates, and design cost-effective archival strategies.

6. What if we have strict data sovereignty requirements?

Microsoft 365 supports data residency commitments, allowing you to specify that your data must remain in US datacenters (including the Southeast region). For organizations with absolute data sovereignty requirements that prohibit cloud storage, the desktop-only approach (Option 2) may be necessary - but this applies to a very small percentage of North Carolina manufacturers and construction companies.

7. How much will Microsoft 365 cost per user?

Microsoft 365 pricing ranges from $5 per user per month (Business Basic - cloud services only) to $30 per user per month (E5 - includes advanced security, compliance, and analytics). Most North Carolina manufacturers select Business Standard ($12.50/month) or Business Premium ($22/month) plans. Preferred Data performs a needs assessment to recommend the right licensing mix, avoiding over-purchasing while ensuring you have required capabilities.

8. What happens if we don't migrate by December 31, 2026?

Your Office Online Server will continue functioning but will be unpatched and unsupported. The first unpatched vulnerability discovered after that date creates immediate risk. Practically, you'll face:

• Failed security audits and compliance certifications
• Cyber insurance policy violations (potentially voiding coverage)
• Inability to onboard customers requiring vendor security questionnaires
• Increased liability in the event of a breach
• Emergency migration at premium costs when a critical vulnerability is exploited

The risk far exceeds any perceived benefit of waiting.

Take Action Now: Secure Your Migration Strategy

The December 31, 2026 deadline may seem distant, but migration partner availability, project timelines, and budget planning make immediate action essential. Organizations that wait until 2026 will face:

• Limited vendor availability - Migration partners will be overbooked with last-minute projects
• Rush fees and premium costs - Urgent projects command higher rates
• Reduced quality - Rushed migrations skip best practices and proper testing
• Business disruption - Compressed timelines force migrations during business hours

Start your Office Online Server migration planning today with Preferred Data:

Get Your Free Office Online Server Migration Assessment {#get-assessment}

Preferred Data is offering North Carolina manufacturers and construction companies a complimentary Office Online Server migration assessment (valued at $2,500) through Q2 2025. Our assessment includes:

• Environment discovery - Comprehensive inventory of SharePoint sites, content volume, customizations, and Office Online Server dependencies
• Migration strategy - Recommendation on Microsoft 365 migration, hybrid approach, or desktop-only based on your specific requirements
• Detailed cost estimate - Itemized budget for licensing, migration services, training, and ongoing support
• Risk analysis - Identification of potential migration challenges and mitigation strategies
• 12-month roadmap - Timeline with phases, milestones, and resource requirements

To request your free assessment:

• Call us directly: (336) 886-3282 - speak with a migration specialist now
• Schedule online: Request a meeting at a time convenient for you
• Email us: Send your questions to our migration team

Preferred Data - High Point's Trusted Technology Partner Since 1987

1208 Eastchester Drive, Suite 131, High Point, NC 27265

Serving North Carolina manufacturers and construction companies across the Piedmont Triad, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and throughout the state with on-site support within 200 miles of High Point.

Related Resources

• IT Due Diligence Checklist for SMB Acquisitions
• Navigating Global Trade Complexities in 2025
• Managed IT Services for North Carolina Manufacturers
• Cloud Migration Solutions
• Cybersecurity & CMMC Compliance Services

Works Cited & Authoritative Sources

This comprehensive migration guide cites 35 authoritative sources:

Microsoft Official: OOS Retirement • SharePoint Server • M365 Pricing • Migration Tool • Office LTSC

Industry Research: Forrester TEI (321% ROI) • Gartner 2025 • IDC White Paper • Deloitte Tech Trends

Cybersecurity: Verizon DBIR (32% unpatched) • CISA Best Practices • NIST Framework • CMMC 2.0

Migration Cost: Agile IT • PC Support Group • Affirma Consulting • BitTitan

NC Economic Data: NAM (11,496 mfg) • NC Commerce • NCMEP • Federal Reserve

Standards: ISO 9001 • ISA-95 • TOGAF v10

Cloud Migration: AWS 7 Rs • Azure CAF • Quest Software

Industry News: The Register • 4sysops • AdminDroid

Change Management: Prosci 2024 • McKinsey 2024 • FEMA • NC Emergency Mgmt

Proprietary Research: Preferred Data Corporation internal benchmarking from 100+ NC SharePoint/M365 migrations (1987-2025)

All sources verified as of November 16, 2025. External links provided for reference only and do not constitute endorsement.

Document published: November 16, 2025 Last updated: November 16, 2025 Author: Preferred Data Corporation Primary Contact: (336) 886-3282 | Contact Form | Schedule Consultation

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes to help North Carolina organizations understand Office Online Server end of life and plan migration strategies. For specific technical recommendations tailored to your environment, contact Preferred Data for a detailed assessment. All cited sources were accessed and verified as of publication date. External links are provided for reference and do not constitute endorsement of third-party content.

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