End of Support for Windows Server 2003 is Here. Goodbye Old Friend.

Today is July 14, 2015. While it may be just another Tuesday to most people, those in the IT industry know it as the day Microsoft officially ends its support for Windows Server 2003.

With the long awaited Windows 2003 EOL date finally here, what should data center managers be doing next? To start, if you haven’t yet developed a migration strategy, then you should get on that immediately in order to protect your IT infrastructure. Here are some options for you to think about.

Upgrading to Windows Server 2012 R2

Of course, the best all-in-one solution for mitigating any risks associated with the end of support for Windows Server 2003 is to upgrade to Windows Server 2012 R2. Doing so will not only provide you with a noticeable improvement in performance and a reduction in maintenance needs; it will also allow for integrated virtualization, stronger security, better scalability, new operational roles, script execution capabilities, and more. It is important to note that Microsoft does not recommend 2003 users migrating to Windows Server 2008 as that product’s mainstream end of support occurred in January 2015 and its extended support will be ending in 2020.

But, understandably, not every business is going to be able to make the migration to the new server by Server 2003’s EOL date. Whether due to a lack of budget, the use of legacy components, or simply the technical inexperience to upgrade, many companies will continue using Windows Server 2003 well beyond today’s date. So, what can these companies do to help solidify their data security?

Protecting Your Data in a Post-Windows Server 2003 World

If you’re not going to be upgrading to Windows Server 2012 by July 14, then your data is going to be more exposed to attackers. Therefore, to help prevent intrusions, you should assess the risk level of the data stored on your servers. Is the data secured by itself? You may want to ensure that advanced security controls are in place. Ideally, your controls should include an intrusion prevention system, integrity monitoring, and up-to-date anti-malware solutions.

Regulatory Compliance Concerns

Something else data center managers need to keep in mind is whether or not they will face any potential regulatory compliance issues should they not upgrade to a server that is supported. Some industries require the use of supported systems in order for a business to be in compliance with their regulations and certifications.

Need Help Migrating to Windows Server 2012? Call Liquid Technology

Migrating to Windows Server 2012 R2 will be a major undertaking, even for smaller businesses. After all, what will you do with all of your legacy equipment? At Liquid Technology, we can liquidate your old IT and help you manage your migration more efficiently and effectively. Just call us today at 800-797-5478 and speak with one of our assessment specialists. With our help, your migration will go smoother and your data will be protected every step of the way.