On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. For many organizations, this isn’t just another upgrade cycle, it’s a defining moment to take a closer look at how applications are managed across the enterprise.
And the challenge doesn’t stop at the operating system. Several widely used Microsoft products are also reaching their end-of-support date on the very same day:
- Office 2016 – October 14, 2025
- Office 2019 – October 14, 2025
- Exchange Server 2019 – October 14, 2025
This alignment of deadlines represents a turning point. Companies that prepare now will be able to navigate the change smoothly, while those without a clear strategy risk disruption, added costs, and increased security exposure.
Understanding Application Lifecycle Management (ALM)
At its core, Application Lifecycle Management is about having complete visibility and control over every application from the day it enters your environment until the day it’s retired. Done well, ALM ensures software is:
- Acquired for a justified business purpose
- Correctly licensed and supported
- Patched and secured throughout its use
- Retired and replaced at the right time
Instead of viewing software as a one-time purchase, ALM treats it as a living asset that needs continuous oversight.
Why End-of-Life Makes ALM Essential
As Windows 10 and these Microsoft applications age out, organizations that lack strong lifecycle management will face:
- Heightened security risks: Unsupported software no longer receives critical fixes, leaving systems vulnerable.
- Compliance headaches: Outdated applications create exposure during regulatory or vendor audits.
- Wasted spend: Duplicate, underused, or forgotten licenses inflate budgets without delivering value.
With Windows 11 now the standard platform, aligning software lifecycles to new environments is more urgent than ever.
How ALM Strengthens Broader ITAM Efforts
ALM is a cornerstone of IT Asset Management (ITAM). It complements and enhances related practices, including:
- Controlled Software Requests
Prevents shadow IT by ensuring all software acquisitions are approved and necessary. - Centralized Application Catalog
Standardizes software usage across the organization, reduces compatibility issues, and simplifies support. - License Optimization
Tracks entitlements, prevents over- or under-licensing, and avoids costly surprises during audits. - Security and Patch Oversight
Identifies and phases out end-of-life applications before they become liabilities. - Audit Preparedness
Provides a clear, documented record of the full software lifecycle, ensuring transparency and control.
The Payoff of Getting ALM Right
Organizations with a mature ALM framework see significant benefits, such as:
- Lower licensing costs and less waste
- Reduced audit risk and improved compliance confidence
- Stronger security by proactively removing outdated applications
- Streamlined operations through standardized platforms
- IT strategies that stay aligned with business objectives
The Bigger Picture
The simultaneous retirement of Windows 10, Office 2016, Office 2019, and Exchange 2019 is more than a technical deadline, it’s a strategic inflection point. Organizations that use this moment to mature their ALM practices will not only be ready for Windows 11, but will also be better equipped to handle future technology shifts.
Taking action today means less disruption, lower costs, and greater security tomorrow.
