Over a decade ago, Windows Server 2003 first hit the market and in that time frame, technology has changed drastically. In those 10 short years we’ve seen the introduction of iTunes; which today generates enough revenue to make it one of Apple’s crown jewels. The camera phone also came into play in 2003, an invention that was seen as profound as the Internet. As with all pieces of technology however, they come to a close and can leave detrimental effects to those users left behind.
As of 14th July 2015, Microsoft has announced the end of life for Windows Server 2003. From this date onwards, Extended Support will no longer be provided. Server 2003 won’t immediately stop working as soon as support expires however, but it can cause issues for the user. As a customer, this means your business could be at risk from threats that previous security would have protected.
Security:
Unsupported environments are much more vulnerable to security risks than those that are supported and regularly maintained, meaning new threats to your devices won’t be addressed. Along with no new security updates, there will also be no non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates.
Cost:
With no support, continuing to run Windows Server 2003 can cost more in terms of operating. By keeping these systems online, operational expenses can increase as well as the purchase of advanced firewalls etc. that could be prevented by migrating.
Continuing to run WS2003 may seem like the easiest option, but it’s also extremely important to think about future usage. Consider this:
- The last Service Pack was more than six years ago
- Regular support ended over three years ago
- Performance, security and server management issues on this platform will continue to escalate, costing you time and money that is of great value to your business.
As one of the regions leading IT Support companies, we understand how failing to switch to a more current server can affect your business performance and are offering a completely free Pre-Migration Assessment. We’ll take a look at your current systems and advise you on how best to migrate and what processes will be involved.
For further information or queries regarding the End of Support for Windows Server 2003, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re also available on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn too.
