Only 14 days until Windows Server 2003 Support Ends
Only 14 Days until MICROSOFT WINDOWS SERVER 2003 SUPPORT IS ENDING.
Following on from the end of support for Windows XP in April last year, we are now rapidly approaching Windows Server 2003 end of life. After 14th July, Microsoft will no longer issue security updates for any version of windows Server 2003.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I DON’T UPGRADE?
Running Windows Server 2003 after the end-of-support date may expose your company to security risks and technology limitations, including:
Maintenance costs: Running legacy servers is expensive, with maintenance costs of running the aging hardware.
No updates: End- of- support means that will no longer be any updates issued by Microsoft to fix bugs, performance issues and security vulnerabilities. To put this into perspective, 2013 saw the release of 37 critical updates for Windows Server 2003.
Software and Hardware compatibility issues: New software and hardware devices will not be built to integrate with Windows Server 2003, this means you may well run into compatibility issues and may not be able to run new instances of software or communicate with the latest devices.
Lack of support: When problems arise, AME’s remote and phone-based technical support will still be available to assist you with issues but not to the current level. In addition to this you will no longer have the ability to contact Microsoft for Technical support services in the event of a server problem.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
Computers running the Windows Server 2003 operating system will continue to work after support ends.
However, using unsupported software may increase the risks of viruses and other security threats. Negative consequences could include loss of confidentiality, integrity, and or availability of data, system resources and business assets.
There are several options available to customers looking to migrate from Windows Server 2003, businesses can upgrade to a currently supported operating system or can look at other cloud-based services.
Contact AME Solutions Microsoft Licensing Team today to find out how to upgrade your systems to ensure your network is fully secure. We will look at the best options available to you and put together a project plan to ensure that the migration runs smoothly.
Phone: 01392 824022
Email: info@amesolutions.co.uk
UPGRADING TO WINDOWS SERVER 2012!
One of the best options moving forward is to migrate to Windows Server 2012 as it offers relatively good application compatibility with Windows Server 2003. It offers a lengthy list of improvements compared with Windows Server 2003, including integrated Virtualisation, better security and much more.
Customers that go beyond the termination of extended support place themselves at potential security risks and potentially in a regulatory noncompliance situation. Even if regulatory compliance is not a concern, the security improvements that Windows Server 2012 R2 offers are worth adopting if just to help defend against industrial espionage.
CONCLUSION
While many customers may feel like they are being sent on a force march to update Windows Server 2003, the reality is that the product is now in it’s 11th year of use.
This could be a good opportunity to not only move forward to a newer version of Windows but also modernize and prepare for the next generation of computer where hybrid and public clouds are important components of next-generation IT.
AME SOLUTIONS – MICROSOFT PARTNER
Microsoft Partners represent a high level of competence and expertise with Microsoft technologies and have a close working relationship with Microsoft.
As an accredited Microsoft Partner with specialist competencies we have the knowledge, skills and commitment to help you implement technology solutions that match your exact business needs.
Phone: 01392 824 022
Email: sales@amesolutions.co.uk
Fax: 08443 107 677
Web Enquiry: https://www.amesolutions.co.uk/contact-us