If you are currently running Windows Server 2003 and/or Windows Server 2003 R2 then you need to read on.
You may already be aware that support for Windows Server 2003 family of products will be coming to its End of Support (EOS) on July 14, 2015. Although EOS brings complexities, it also brings wonderful opportunities to transform your datacenter and make it more current.
New advancements since Windows Server 2003 allows your IT department to upgrade and take advantage of so many advancements, not only with the operating system, but in the way they can support the business. Don’t think of this as a mere lift and shift, but a truly amazing time to reconsider the way you position your business for the future.
With a little over 1 month before this products End of Support, you need to make sure that you have already began the planning to migrate your applications off of Windows Server 2003.
Your migration destination does not only include Windows Server 2012 R2, but also SharePoint and Exchange.
So what happens when Windows Server 2003 support comes to and end?
- Requests for changes to product design or features will no longer be accepted nor accommodated.
- Security updates will no longer be provided, exposing your Windows Server 2003 installation to security threats.
- Payment Card Industry (PCI) policies will not be met with an operating system that is EOS.
- Hotfixes and bug fixes will no longer be provided.
- Complimentary support (phone and online) included with the licenses will no longer be provided.
- Paid support (e.g. from Microsoft Premier Support) will no longer cover Windows Server 2003 Family of Products.
Why should you move on from Windows Server 2003?
- Microsoft’s latest server operating system, Windows Server 2012 R2 has over 300 new features that will help keep your business bang up to date and competitive.
- Windows Server 2003 was built for a world of PC’s in offices. This world no longer exists and the latest server allows users to be more mobile on different devices.
- Modern servers are a lot more powerful and more efficient than those available in 2003 or even 2010.
Start planning your migration today, is the only way to ensure that come July 14th, 2015, that your critical applications and workloads are safely and securely running.
