This July, Microsoft will no longer issue security updates for any version of Windows Server 2003.
Mainstream support ended back in July 2010 and we are now approaching the discontinuation of extended support.
Now is the time for organisations still reliant on Windows Server 2003 to actively consider their strategy before its end of life.
How will this affect my organisation?
Left unchecked, this could cause problems within your business infrastructure and poses a significant risk to your internal IT systems.
No further service packs, security updates or patches – This will leave your systems exposed to new viruses and malware. The key concern here is the loss, or theft of sensitive business data and the inoperability of existing systems
Withdrawal of vendor support – No more troubleshooting, advice or guidance
Security, compliance and corporate risk – Without regular updates and maintenance, your systems may not be secure and cannot adapt to remain in line with latest policies and corporate standards
Escalating support costs –Support will become more specialised and more frequently needed
Application compatibility – Over time, more and more applications will not be supported by this operating system, limiting you to what software you can use.
Performance and functionality – Performance issues will go unchecked and unresolved.
Aging underlying hardware – Gradually, the hardware will be replaced by more efficient counterparts, incompatible with this operating system.
Where would I be running Windows Server 2003?
Windows Server 2003 is commonly used in:
- Domain controllers;
- File and print servers (including clustering);
- Infrastructure services (DHCP, DNS, IIS, NPS, WSUS);
- Running ancillary services (SCCM DP, backups, ISA, anti-virus etc.);
- Running application services (Exchange, COTS);
- Running database services (SQL);
- Running remote desktops including Citrix.
What is the solution?
It’s one thing to recognise a need for change, but in any organisation, big or small, change is a difficult process. SCC understands the complex technical and operational challenges you face when enterprise applications and operating systems reach end of life.
That’s why SCC has developed a Windows Server 2003 solution specifically with those challenges in mind. Challenges such as:
- Asset inventory;
- Moving from a 32 to 64 bit architecture;
- Identifying and resolving server dependencies;
- Active Directory and application upgrades;
- Legacy application compatibility;
- Application testing;
- Retraining of technical staff.
Click here to read the full story and to get in touch with SCC