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Running local servers is expensive and it’s about to get even more expensive as Windows Server 2003 will no longer be supported after July 14, 2015. According to Microsoft this means they will no longer issue security updates for Windows Server 2003 after that date. Failure to migrate your data and applications will leave your business vulnerable to several security risks.

Recently, CRN published a very helpful article highlighting 5 specific threats to sticking with Windows Server 2003. This info should help you put out some fires before they happen. The five points they mention are:
 

1. Unpatched vulnerabilities will only get worse as Windows 2003 servers are targeted after July 14, 2015. If you are responsible for your Windows 2003 server you know that security patches are frequent. As annoying as the updates can be it will be even more annoying once they stop.

 

2. Old malware, like a piece of good software, doesn’t just go away. It gets updated. Not only will you need to be aware of new threats but also the old updated ones.

 

3. Compliance violations, due to preventable security threats, can bring with it large fines for companies that have certain requirements.

 

4. Opening the floodgates through an insecure version of Windows Server 2003 could make an otherwise secure environment useless.

 

5. Compatibility issues will arise between Windows 2003, hardware, and applications. Eventually your company could be put into an IT competitive disadvantage.

 
For the past several months, many IT professionals have been working on how to mitigate the above risks as they plan their data and applications migration. This can be a large, expensive, and complex project leaving many in charge of it with questions and uncertainties on how to move forward. Having updated a ton of Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2012 R2 ourselves, we thought we could help by sharing what we did.

What we did and 2 options we recommend

When we weighed the pros and cons we opted to update all our Windows 2003 servers. Since this is a service we provide at scale (oneServer) it only made sense that the headaches of not updating would also be at scale. Here are two options that we recommend when considering Windows Server 2003’s imminent end of life.

Option 1: Update Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2012 R2

This option is a good one if you have the capital for the update and the IT professionals that you can spare for the project. But, what if you don’t? Or maybe your do but you’d rather spend your capital and expertise on growing your business? Freeing up capital and your IT professionals can be tricky at best.

Option 2: Take a serious look at cloud alternatives

Most of our customers were like you. They had local servers and all the expenses and headaches that came with them. What got many of them seriously considering the cloud was when their business was going through a transition like moving locations, expanding offices or adding a large number of employees. In each of these transitions a key challenge they faced was how to handle the data and application migration.

Did they have the expertise they needed? Did their IT staff have the time? What would it mean if the migration was delayed or failed?

These are important questions that not only our customers had, but are also the same ones facing Windows Server 2003 admins today. Our customers found that cloud services alleviated the upfront capital costs and reduced the impact to IT resources that a server upgrade causes. Also knowing that NIRIX has been leading other businesses through complex data migrations, reassured them that their data would survive.

NIRIX can help

NIRIX is ready and able to help you migrate your data and applications today. There are two services that can help as Windows Server 2013 is phased out.

oneDesktop

It is a quick and reliable virtual desktop that will provide your data and applications to any internet connected device, anywhere. It’s like having your work computer with you everywhere you go.

We also take care of all the data and application migration, application licensing, and hardware support.

In addition, each of our services include access to our expert CustomerCare team from 8am to 5pm every weekday for your support issues.

Watch this short oneDesktop video to see how the service works.

oneServer

We realize that some IT professionals prefer sticking with the Windows Server platform. That is why we have oneServer. Get a cloud Windows Server 2012 R2 without the headache of dealing with software licensing, patching and hardware support.

What are you going to do?

Regardless of where you are in your migration plan, contact NIRIX to see how our cloud solutions can cut down on expensive server costs, alleviate your busy IT team, and start trying out the service with a free demo.

Get a Demo

Learn more about how oneDesktop and oneServer can fit your IT needs.