January 16, 2015 - by Synoptek
By now most of us have heard the end of Windows Server 2003 is upon us, as Microsoft has officially scheduled termination for support in July, 2015. If you’re currently running WS 2003, what does this mean for your organization? What are the risks if you don’t migrate? What are the opportunities? What are your next steps? We have your answers below.
End of support, Means end of protection for your business
As with the termination of Windows XP support, which we saw last April 2014, once support ends there will be no protection for your systems, or your business. All servers running on Windows 2003/R2 will cease to be supported, and that means your applications will also be unprotected. In 2013 there were 37 critical updates released for Windows Server 2003/R2, without extended support updates your infrastructure will be critically impacted.
Here are some key risks your business will experience if you stay with Windows 2003/R2 :
- Lack of compliance with regulatory and industry standards
- Increased costs for aging hardware maintenance, and advanced security measures
- Support challenges for applications, middleware, and management tools
- Elimination of security fixes and patch updates
- Inability to use more modern cloud options
Opportunity to leverage Public and Hybrid clouds
The reality is, most organizations that are still using Windows 2003/RS are most likely still using out dated hardware and software products. Along with these outdated tools, the pressure on IT departments is growing with the explosion of mobile devices and tablets being used on a daily basis. IT departments are finding themselves overwhelmed and undergunned when trying to protect and maintain support for all corporate devices. For many organizations the end of Windows 2003 will be the perfect time to consider a transition to the cloud. By migrating to the cloud your business can avoid all the risks that come with staying on unsupported servers, and you will be able to enjoy the many benefits of utilizing the new levels of efficiency in a cloud environment.
Read More on the Benefits of Cloud Services
Migrating to the cloud requires assessment and a strategic IT roadmap. This is not a project you can afford to put off till a month before the termination of WS 2003. Determine which cloud option is the best fit for your business by contacting the experts at Synoptek.
The Benefits of using Synoptek Cloud Hosting Services:
- Proven cloud expertise – you benefit by leveraging our expert IT advisors that can create a scalable cloud solution for your environment and needs.
- Increased uptime with 24×7 live monitoring and support – with data centers around the world Synoptek can accommodate businesses of all sizes, anywhere, anytime.
- Financial savings – predictable monthly billing allows you to budget your IT expenses, and eliminate costly capital expenditures.
- Advanced security and protection – our cloud solutions are industry compliant and provide customizable backup and disaster recovery solutions, along with 24×7 security monitoring.
Modernize and prepare your organization for the next generation of IT. Speak with our experts about hybrid and public cloud options, and start planning your migration before its too late.
