InfoPath Discontinued…Now What?

For years, Microsoft InfoPath served as a go-to solution for organizations looking to create and manage electronic forms. However, Microsoft officially announced the discontinuation of InfoPath in 2014, signaling a shift away from the legacy software. The final version, InfoPath 2013, received mainstream support until July 2021, with extended support set to end in July 2026. As this deadline approaches, businesses still relying on InfoPath must take action to avoid workflow disruptions and security risks.

Why Did Microsoft Discontinue InfoPath?

Microsoft’s decision to phase out InfoPath was driven by several factors, including:

  • Aging Technology: InfoPath was built on older frameworks that do not align with Microsoft’s modern cloud-first strategy.
  • Shift to Power Platform: Microsoft has promoted alternatives such as Power Apps, Power Automate, and SharePoint Forms as the future of form-based business process automation.
  • Limited Functionality: Compared to newer solutions, InfoPath lacks the flexibility, mobile support, and integration capabilities needed for today’s digital business landscape.

What Happens After InfoPath’s End of Support?

With extended support for InfoPath 2013 ending in July 2026, organizations still using it face significant risks, including:

  • Security Vulnerabilities: No more security updates or patches will be released, making systems susceptible to cyber threats.
  • Compatibility Issues: As Microsoft continues updating Office 365 and SharePoint, InfoPath forms may become unstable or stop working altogether.
  • Lack of Technical Support: Microsoft will no longer provide troubleshooting or assistance, leaving businesses to handle issues on their own.

What to Do About InfoPath Being Discontinued

Organizations need to develop a migration strategy to transition away from InfoPath before the final support deadline. Here’s how to prepare:

  1. Assess Current Usage: Identify where InfoPath forms are used in your organization and evaluate their complexity.
  2. Choose a Modern Alternative: Look for a replacement that offers strong integration with SharePoint and Microsoft 365 while providing enhanced functionality.
  3. Migrate Data and Workflows: Ensure a smooth transition by mapping out data migration and recreating workflows in a new system.
  4. Train Users: Provide training and resources to help employees adapt to the new system efficiently.

Why NITRO Studio is the Best InfoPath Replacement

As businesses seek a seamless transition away from InfoPath, NITRO Studio emerges as the ideal solution. Built on SharePoint and Microsoft 365, NITRO Studio offers:

  • No-Code Form Creation: Easily build and customize forms without the need for programming skills.
  • Workflow Automation: Enhance business processes with powerful automation tools that integrate smoothly with SharePoint.
  • Modern UI and Mobile Support: Unlike InfoPath, NITRO Studio provides a responsive, user-friendly interface accessible from any device.
  • Seamless Migration: NITRO Studio simplifies the migration process, helping organizations transition their InfoPath forms with minimal disruption.

Final Thoughts

The discontinuation of InfoPath marks the end of an era, but it also presents an opportunity to upgrade to a more advanced, flexible solution. Organizations that act now can avoid the risks associated with InfoPath’s end of support and improve their business process automation. Are you ready to make the switch? Consider NITRO Studio for a seamless and future-proof transition away from InfoPath.

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