Remember the build-up last year for the death of Windows XP? A similar scenario will play out in 2015, as Microsoft announced in November that it would end support for Windows Server 2003 and Server 2003 R2 on July 14.
The most immediate impact of this announcement is that any system using Windows Server 2003 will no longer receive updates or patches from Microsoft, which the computing giant said in a white paper “can result in a less stable and less secure infrastructure for your organization.”
If you’re like most small to medium-sized business owners, a stable and secure computing environment is essential for day-to-day operations.
CMIT Solutions has identified the top five reasons why you should prepare for the end of Windows Server 2003:
1) Security risks. We said it once, but it’s critical to say it again: choosing to stick with Windows Server 2003 beyond the end-of-support date means no security updates or software patches, which can make you susceptible to data breaches, cyberattacks, and other forms of security breakdowns. In 2013, Microsoft issued 37 critical security updates for Server 2003—don’t be left wishing you still received them.
2) Lack of compliance. HIPAA and PCI are just two industry compliance requirements that could be affected if you stick with Windows Server 2003. Falling into the non-compliance category could result in lost business—or dramatically increase the cost of doing business thanks to high transaction fees and civil penalties.
3) Your support costs may increase. One of the biggest pushbacks, when software goes out of support, is that upgrading costs money. But the cost of maintaining legacy servers can also add up quickly, since enhanced support, extra intrusion detection systems, and more advanced firewalls might be required. In the long run, the cost-benefit of upgrading is much higher than sticking with and attempting to prop up outdated software.
4) Successful migrations take time. The deadline for Windows Server 2003’s end of support is less than six months away—seems like a long time, right? But consider how essential a solid, well-functioning server is to your business before delaying action. The last thing you want to do is wait until just before the deadline and hope a rushed migration to Windows Server 2008 or 2012 doesn’t cause workplace interruptions or even system crashes.
5) Moving on (with support from a trusted IT professional) can deliver major improvements to your business. In addition to productivity and efficiency enhancements, Microsoft commissioned Forrester Consulting to quantify the cost benefits of upgrading, particularly to Windows Server 2012. The final report found that upgrading delivered a risk-adjusted ROI of 270% with a payback period of just six months—and a decrease in Windows Server management costs of 35%.
Don’t let the July 14 end-of-support date for Windows Server 2003 sneak up on you. No matter what move you want to make next, ensure that you have a trusted partner like CMIT Solutions at your side to navigate such changes.
We worry about IT so that you don’t have to, and we can help you decide on the migration path away from Server 2003 that works for you.
Contact us today to learn more about how CMIT Solutions can help you effortlessly migrate to a new stable and secure office server solution.