Windows Server 2003 Retirement; Are You Prepared?

Are You Prepared for the Retirement of Windows Server 2003/R2?

 

 

Windows Server 2003 retirement is almost here. As of July 14, 2015 Windows Server 2003/R2 will no longer be supported by Microsoft. Here is a short list of what that means

  • Requests for changes to product design or features will no longer be accepted or 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 no longer being supported.
  • Hotfixes and bug fixes will no longer be provided. 
  • Complimentary support (phone and online) included with licenses will no longer be provided.
  • Paid support (for example, from Microsoft Premier Support) will no longer cover the Windows Server 2003 Family of Products.
Like  Windows XP before it, support for Windows Server 2003/R2 is being retired. And, like Windows XP before it, many will stubbornly try to continue to get by with antiquated equipment that is under ceaseless attack by hackers. But this is like trying to run a shipping business with antique trucks. 

It is important to start planning your Windows Server 2003 migration now! The planning of such a migration is just the beginning of the beginning for most businesses. A new server should be purchased and an organized system of data transfer should be in place BEFORE July 14th.

2003r2

 

Just like XP, Server 2003 will not totally disappear. There are still a very large number of unsupported XP’s running out there and Windows Server 2003/R2 will probably suffer the same fate. If it crashes, freezes, gets corrupted or is attacked by your friendly neighborhood CryptoLocker virus, don’t say you were not warned. HAVE A PLAN! EXECUTE THE PLAN! Test your backup to make sure you are saving everything you need. The hard truth is that every unsupported, unbacked up PC and Server out there is an accident waiting to happen.  The statistics tell us that 60% of businesses that suffer a catastrophic data failure will be OUT OF BUSINESS within 6 months of the problem. 

If you are interested in help and support for the design of a new server and data transfer to that server, please contact us at peter.heinicke@pcmethods.com or at the number above

                                                  Need more info?

 

 

 

Peter Heinicke

Peter Heinicke

Chicago area ERP consultant with over 40 years of experience in Sage 300, Sage Pro, Quickbooks ERP and other systems

Related posts

Prepare for Windows Server 2008 end of support

With the Windows Server 2008 end of support coming up in just under one year, it's time to start...
Continue reading

Simplified SMB Hybrid Cloud - Simplified Hybrid IT for SMBs 

This video explains that HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers with Windows Server 2019 are cloud-ready to...
Continue reading

eBook: The ultimate guide to Windows Server 2019

Take full advantage of your on-premises investments with Windows Server 2019. Learn how to extend...
Continue reading