It’s Windows Server 2003’s Turn to Upgrade

It's coming down to the wire with the expiration of Windows XP on April 8 when Microsoft stops supporting it. Hopefully, you've upgraded from XP by now, or you have serious plans to, but just because you've upgraded from XP doesn't mean that you're in the clear. Windows Server 2003 is the next OS from Microsoft scheduled to expire.

Concerning the end-of-support date for Windows Server 2003, you don't have to hit the panic button just yet (as you would if you're still running Windows XP) because the date is over a year away, July 14, 2015. However, this doesn't mean that you should put off upgrading until July 2015, because the longer you put off the process of upgrading, security risks and performance issues that come with using outdated software will increase. If you're running Windows Server 2003 and you need to upgrade, then you're actually in good company.

Windows Server 2003 and the Price of Popularity
One similarity between Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 is that they are both incredibly popular operating systems. For Microsoft, this is a double-edged sword because, while they got to profit from a decade of stellar sales, now they have the difficult task of alerting millions of users currently enjoying their system about the importance of upgrading.

It's estimated that 12-to-13 million units are currently running Windows Server 2003, which adds up to 55% of Windows Servers in production. Looking again at the need to upgrade from Windows XP, it is estimated that 90% of large businesses have already upgraded or they are making plans to upgrade. With the end-of-support date for Windows Server 2003 being more than a year away, the same sense of urgency is not yet felt when it comes to upgrading from WS 2003. In fact, it's estimated by Fortune 5000 IT that only 25% of businesses currently have plans in place to upgrade from WS 2003. 2015 may seem like light years away, but in light of how important it is to upgrade, there's no time like the present to speed up your upgrading timeline.

An Old OS Puts Your System at Risk
In regards to why you should upgrade your server's OS, it's for the same security reasons why you should upgrade your workstation's OS. Whenever a software manufacturer stops supporting software, it then becomes susceptible to a barrage of hacker attacks that focus on your outdated system's vulnerabilities. This is why you can think of a software's end-of-support date like an expiration date because it will be rotting on your system and its odor will stink up (put at risk) all of your sensitive information.

You can Upgrade or Migrate
Microsoft has given you two server operating systems to choose from when upgrading from Windows Server 2003. You can choose between Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2012. Both of these systems are a solid option for your business and will propel your IT infrastructure forward, but each OS has its own set of strengths. In order to equip your organization with the right server OS, you will want to consult with an IT professional that can decipher the computing needs of your company. Computerware can help your business pick out the perfect server OS to fit your company's unique needs. Give us a call at (703) 821-8200, we'll be happy to analyze your computing needs and pick out the best technology for you. For further assistance, we'll even do the task of installing your new software.

If you're seriously thinking about spending money on an older server unit running Windows Server 2003, then you may also want to consider the possibility of upgrading your server entirely by migrating your server's applications and data over to the cloud. Given the fact that a server's average lifespan is generally five years, it's a good bet that a server unit running WS 2003 is older than this. In which case, it may be best to either get a new server unit entirely with the latest OS, or to take advantage of the cloud so that you're not dumping money into a machine that's on its last leg.

If you need to upgrade your server's hardware and software, then you'll want to take the time to consider all of your options before making such a major decision. Computerware can help you when it comes time to upgrade your server, along with upgrading all of your technology. To learn more about how using the latest solutions can make your business more profitable, give us a call at (703) 821-8200.