Windows Server 2003 Migration: What You Need to Know

If your business currently runs on a Windows 2003 Server, we have bad news for you: Windows will stop supporting their Windows 2003 Server promptly on July 14, 2015. Fortunately, you do not have to deal with this major change alone.

What is Windows Server 2003?

Windows Server is the more powerful big brother to the everyday Windows Operating System. It was designed to link the technology assets of businesses and enterprises into a single point of orchestration and allowed printer and file sharing, network security, data center capabilities, and the ability to support multiple physical processors.

Microsoft is ending its support of Windows Server 2003 for the same reason they discontinued support for Windows XP earlier in April 2014. There have been several newer versions of Windows Server released into the market, including Server 2008, 2012, the recent release of Windows Server 2012 R2. With so many (better) versions available, Microsoft has decided to cut ties with 2003, and so should you.

Reason #1: Windows Server 2012 R2 is Offers Innovation-Ready Improvements

The modern business is now in the age of virtualization, mobile-first ideologies, and operation centralization. Windows Server 2003, though the leader of its time, cannot support the new capabilities and responsibilities that servers must now provide. Windows Server 2012 R2 provides:

• Heightened Security Options
• Scalability and Manageability
• Hybrid Cloud and Virtualization
• New Operational Roles
• Load Balancing
• Support for New Applications

The world of IT solutions is changing rapidly, and Server 2003 will no longer be able to handle your business’s demands.

Reason #2: Long Term Cost Effectiveness

You will lose more money in the long run if you attempt to continue working on your Windows 2003 Server after July 14, 2015. Although Microsoft offers some extended support after the deadline, the support does not come cheaply and is only offered to companies that promise to transition to a newer version.

The investment in Windows Server 2012 R2 also promises long-term savings by helping your business stay compliant with regulations. Any company that deals with HIPAA sensitive information or other sensitive customer information will fail compliance tests if they stay in a Windows Server 2003 environment. They also face potential fines as a result of the impending security risk. Even without the threat of non-compliance, businesses put themselves at risk for security breaches if they continue to use the 2003 server after the support termination date.

Reason #3: No More Update Patches

Microsoft is constantly updating their server and OS software, and they are always releasing patches to improve the way their software works. If you still have Windows Server 2003, you will no longer receive patches. This sets the stage for a company to begin experiencing problems with their current software. If you have non-security related problems with your 2003 Server, you will not be able to seek technical support from Microsoft. When your business no longer has the right tools to succeed, you risk losing your competitive advantage.

Reason #4: Security in an Insecure World

Windows Server 2003 already stands in a careful balance against network invaders. Once Microsoft terminates its support, your business may find itself the target of network attacks from malware and hackers. Windows Server 2012 R2 has faster processing capabilities and can support higher level security software from the most current best-of-breed security partners.

Reason #5: Enterprise Scalability

Your business can only grow once your server has the capability to handle it. Windows Server 2012 R2 gives your business the opportunity to leverage hybrid, public, and private cloud. This is the next great movement in IT solutions, and if you stay with Windows Server 2003, you will miss out on the ability to use highly efficient virtualization, hypervisor-based software, and virtual environments. You will miss out on the opportunity to move your business into a mobile future that allows secure BYOD practices and other mobile-first movements.

Do You Need Help with Your Windows 2003 Server Migration?

You have less than a year left to make the migration: let the certified consultants at Centre Technologies take the reins of your migration. Contact us today to upgrade your server before the July 2015 deadline.