Stay Ahead of Microsoft & Arctera 2026 Changes with a No-Charge Consultation
Are you prepared for the upcoming platform and licensing changes with Microsoft and Arctera technologies? A lack of preparation for product retirements, end-of-support, and licensing updates can lead to unexpected costs and downtime. Bluesource helps you stay compliant and maintain continuity for the critical platform and licensing changes coming in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Cloud Software Group (CSG) announced a separation of Arctera and Enterprise Vault
- Enterprise Vault Complete is an all-in-one on-premises solution for data governance and compliance.
- Arctera Unified Platform is the single cloud-based, SaaS data governance solution.
- Microsoft launches E7 licensing: combining E5 features with advanced AI capabilities.
- Microsoft SQL Server 2016 reached the end of support in July 2026
- Microsoft Windows Server 2022 reaches the end of mainstream support in October 2026.
Envisioning and Assessing Updates
The first step in the Bluesource consulting process is Envision, where our team gets to know your business and understand your needs. Understanding how software updates and licensing changes impact your business, and what transitions need to happen.
Our team combines knowledge and experience with a tested process and structured approach to put our clients’ business needs first.
Current State Assessment
When you partner with Bluesource, we’ll complete a current state assessment, identify any risks, and provide actionable solutions.
- Review current infrastructure and licensing across your SQL Server, Windows Server, Arctera, and Enterprise Vault (EV) software
- Identify impact points and timeline
- Identify any risks related to licensing changes
- Identify opportunities for modernization, renewal, or migration.
Staying Ahead of The Changes
Avoid being caught unprepared for Microsoft and Arctera service changes. We’ve outlined the major Microsoft Server Retirements, new M365 offerings, and the changes happening with Arctera and Enterprise Vault. Awareness is the first step. Preparing a roadmap for any transitions is how you remain in control, limit risks, and reduce potential business disruptions, and avoid some stress.
Arctera & Enterprise Vault Licensing
- May 2026: CSG splits Arctera and Enterprise Vault into separate business units. Enterprise Vault encompasses the on-premises deployment options, while Arctera focuses on cloud-based SaaS solutions.
- January 2026: Licensing updates for Enterprise Vault, including a shift to subscription-based licensing
- December 2025: Cloud Software Group (CSG) acquires Arctera
On-Premesis
Enterprise Vaut Complete
The Enterprise Vault Suite Complete is an all-in-one platform designed for modern data compliance and governance. EV Complete is deployed on-premises or within a private cloud environment. Capabilities include:
- Capture: multi-source content ingestion (email, chat, social, etc.)
- Classification: policy-based retention tagging
- Surveillance: communications monitoring and supervision
- eDiscovery: legal hold, search, and collection
- Discovery Accelerator: case management and document review
- Data Insight: file activity analytics
Cloud-Based SaaS
Arctera Unified Platform
Arctera Unified Platform is a unified, intelligent communications and data governance SaaS platform. The platform combines capabilities for:
- Capture: Govern communications and AI activity.
- Classify: Defines what matters and why.
- Archive: Retain and protect enterprise information with confidence.
- Supervise: Detect risk and streamline compliance oversight.
- Discover: Accelerate investigations with connected context.
Microsoft Product Updates 2026
Introducing The Frontier Suite and E7 License
Microsoft released the new E7 license level on May 1, 2026. The E7 license, also called “The Frontier Suite,” combines Microsoft 365 E5, Microsoft Copilot*, and Agent 365* under a single solution. E7 offers advanced AI tools and functions:
- Agent 365: observe, govern, and secure agents across an organization
- Copilot: available in M365 apps, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel (basic Copilot Chat with limited functionality in M365 apps is included in most M365 licenses)
- Copilot Studio: create, customize, and manage AI agents
E7 with Teams
$99
per user per month
E7 without Teams
$90.45
per user per month
*Microsoft offers Agent 365 ($15 per user/per month) and Copilot ($30 per user/per month) as add-ons to other license levels.
Upcoming Microsoft Server Retirements
Microsoft’s lifecycle policies govern product timelines for support and retirement. End of support and retirement mark the end of support, servicing, and updates from Microsoft. Recent updates in October 2025 include the retirement of Windows 10 and end of support for Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019 products. Critical changes coming in 2026 include server support updates.
SQL Server 2016 – End of Support July 14, 2026
Microsoft ended support for SQL Server 2016 on July 14, 2026. Now, only Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will be available. Bluesource can guide you through:
- Upgrade paths and modernization strategies
- Cloud migration options
- Compliance planning to ensure business continuity
Windows Server 2022 – Supported Through 2031
Windows Server 2022 remains under mainstream support until October 13, 2026, and will enter extended support through October 14, 2031. Partner with Bluesource to plan ahead and:
- Evaluate your Server roadmap
- Align support timelines with your broader IT strategy
VERSION
RELEASE DATE
MAINSTREAM SUPPORT ENDS
EXTENDED SUPPORT ENDS
Windows Server 2025
Nov 1, 2024
Oct 9, 2029
Oct 10, 2034
Windows Server 2022
Aug 18, 2021
Oct 13, 2026
Oct 14, 2031
Windows Server 2019
Oct 2, 2018
Jan 9, 2024
Jan 9, 2029
Windows Server 2016
Oct 15, 2016
Jan 11, 2022
Jan 11, 2027
* Final licensing decisions rest solely with the end customer and their chosen software or hardware vendor. Customers are responsible for ensuring they remain properly licensed and compliant.
Expertise on Microsoft & Arctera 2026 Changes