Hosted business software · Pegasus Opera 3
Pegasus Opera 3 on a Windows Server release Pegasus tests and supports.
Yes, Pegasus Opera 3 can be hosted: it runs on a Windows server that your team reaches over Remote Desktop, and Pegasus's own requirements guide covers Terminal Services set-ups. We run that server in London on Windows Server 2025, the release that keeps you inside Pegasus's tested and supported range, and your Pegasus partner looks after Opera itself.
- spec sheet
- updated 21 October 2026
- Server location
- London, United Kingdom
- Windows Server
- 2025, in Microsoft mainstream support
- Editions
- Opera 3 and Opera 3 SQL SE
- Remote access
- Dedicated Remote Desktop server
- Price
- From £119/month (list £149/month)
- Human support
- Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 18:00 UK time
Why the Windows version matters for Opera 3
Pegasus's Software Requirements Guide for Opera 3 (version 3.03.00, June 2026) sets out three rules that matter for anyone running Opera on an older server:
- Opera is tested and supported on Microsoft products that are in Microsoft mainstream support.
- Pegasus also supports, but does not test, Microsoft products in extended support.
- Pegasus support ends when Microsoft extended support ends.
| Windows Server | Microsoft mainstream support | Microsoft extended support | Position for Opera 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Until 13 November 2029 | Until 14 November 2034 | Tested and supported |
| 2022 | Ended 13 October 2026 | Until 14 October 2031 | Supported, not tested |
| 2019 | Ended 9 January 2024 | Until 9 January 2029 | Supported, not tested |
| 2016 | Ended 11 January 2022 | Ends 12 January 2027 | Pegasus support ends with Microsoft's |
So an Opera 3 server still on Windows Server 2016 loses Microsoft security updates and, under Pegasus's own rule, Pegasus support on 12 January 2027. Moving now to Windows Server 2025 puts you back on the tested list for years.
How hosted Opera 3 works
- 01
A dedicated Remote Desktop server
Pegasus's guide says Terminal Services implementations should be installed on an independent server, and that servers should have at least 16 GB of RAM. We follow both, and size up from there for your user count.
- 02
Opera 3 SQL SE and SQL Server
Opera 3 SQL SE supports SQL Server 2016 SP2 to SQL Server 2025. Pegasus allows SQL Server Express with Opera 3 SQL SE under conditions: if performance suffers, it expects a move to a full SQL Server edition. We help you decide which fits before the move.
- 03
Your team connects with Remote Desktop
Each user signs in with their own account, a password and a code from an authenticator app. No one can start a Remote Desktop session with a password alone, and we can also limit access to your office IP addresses.
- 04
We patch, monitor and back up
Critical and high-risk Windows and SQL Server updates within 14 days of release, in an agreed window outside your working hours, monitoring of the server, and scheduled backups, with help from us when you need a restore.
Who does what
| Task | WharfCloud | You and your Pegasus partner |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Server build, licence and hardening | Yes | |
| SQL Server installation and patching | Yes | Choose the edition with us |
| Opera 3 installation, upgrades and configuration | We give access and help | Your Pegasus partner |
| Opera licences and support | Yes, with Pegasus or your partner | |
| Monitoring, backups, restores | Yes | Tell us what matters most |
| Moving your data from the old server | Yes, free, with your partner | Agree a date away from month end |
What it costs
The managed Windows server starts at £119/month (list £149/month), with no VAT added. Pegasus asks for at least 16 GB of RAM and a dedicated Remote Desktop server, so we size the server for your users and quote a fixed monthly price in writing, including any SQL Server and Remote Desktop user licences, before you pay anything. Licensing details are on our hosted business software page.
Price
Managed Windows Server
Standard
Windows Server with licence, managed by us.
£119/monthList price
£149/month- Free migration from your current host
- Critical and high-risk security updates within 14 days
- Remote Desktop with multi-factor sign-in
- Automated monitoring and recovery
- Backups with restore help
- Support in UK business hours
Prices in pounds. No VAT is added: we are not VAT registered. The lower price is our intro price for the first 50 customers; the struck-through figure is the list price. Licensing is confirmed with you before setup.
FAQ
Questions we get asked
Can Pegasus Opera 3 run on a hosted server?
Yes. Opera 3 is a Windows application, and Pegasus's requirements guide covers Terminal Services (Remote Desktop) set-ups on an independent server. Your team connects over Remote Desktop.
Which Windows Server version should Opera 3 run on?
Windows Server 2025. It is the only release in Pegasus's list that is still in Microsoft mainstream support, which is what Pegasus tests against.
What happens to Opera 3 on Windows Server 2016 after January 2027?
Microsoft ends extended support for Windows Server 2016 on 12 January 2027, and Pegasus's guide says Pegasus support ends when Microsoft extended support ends.
Can Opera 3 SQL SE use SQL Server Express?
Pegasus allows it, with conditions: the set-up must meet your needs, and if performance degrades Pegasus expects a move to a full SQL Server edition.
Do you replace our Pegasus partner?
No. Your Pegasus partner keeps installing, upgrading and supporting Opera. We host and manage the server it runs on.
Sources
- Pegasus: Opera 3 Software Requirements Guide (3.03.00, June 2026), PDF (opens in a new tab)
- Microsoft Lifecycle: Windows Server 2025 (opens in a new tab)
- Microsoft Lifecycle: Windows Server 2022 (opens in a new tab)
- Microsoft Lifecycle: Windows Server 2019 (opens in a new tab)
- Microsoft Lifecycle: Windows Server 2016 (opens in a new tab)
Vendor facts were checked against these sources on 21 October 2026. Requirements change with each release; check the source for your exact version.
Sage, Pegasus, Opera, Microsoft and Access are trademarks of their owners. WharfCloud is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
Read next
- ProductsHosted accounting software servers for UK firmsSage 50, Sage 200, Pegasus Opera 3 and other Windows business software on a managed London server, used over Remote Desktop. From £119/month, no VAT added.
- GuidesUpgrade Windows Server 2016 to 2025 in placeYes, Windows Server 2016 can upgrade in place straight to 2025. Supported paths, blockers, the licence you need, and when a clean rebuild is safer.
- Migrations and reviewsWindows Server 2016 end of support migration planWindows Server 2016 extended support ends on 12 January 2027. Get a costed migration plan for up to five servers for £525 (list £750). No VAT added.
Start with a short conversation.
Tell us which software you run, which version and how many people use it. An engineer replies in UK business hours, confirms licensing and gives you a fixed monthly price before anything is set up.