Windows Server 2003 Sunset

“The only thing that’s constant in life is change.” Heraclitus, Greek Philosopher

We’ve all heard this saying before. Some of us embrace change. Others try to resist.  But the reality is that all good things must come to an end, and as we know, Windows Server 2003 now makes that list.

When software like Windows Server 2003 becomes obsolete beginning July 13th, not only does your company need to update to new software like Windows Server 2008 or 2012, but it must also think about upgrading the server’s horsepower like processing capabilities and memory or upgrading the entire server altogether.

Since the migration away from Windows Server 2003 requires newer hardware and more of it, the question looming for many is whether that technology investment is in virtual or physical infrastructure.

At Site2, we believe this sunset provides companies like yours the opportunity to proactively think about migration to the cloud or a hybrid cloud solution. A recent study be Deloitte suggests that very often, IT budget is one of the largest expenses a company incurs. Site2’s cloud services are designed to help reduce your growing IT costs, while increasing mobility capabilities and improving information security and privacy at the same time. If you are considering cloud computing, consider the following advantages Site2 has to offer:

Security. With the Site2 cloud, data isn’t floating around somewhere in space, nor is it housed overseas in some faraway land. Unlike public clouds where anyone with a credit card can gain access, the Site2 cloud is private allowing only fully vetted businesses access to our services – keeping the malware and bad actors out. All of our data centers and support staff are in the U.S. which further helps to reduce risk and improve reliability.   Data on the Site2 cloud  is housed in local and/ or regional facilities that are monitored, staffed and secured.

Cost. While some cloud computing white papers promise staggering cost savings, we prefer to take a more conservative approach by recommending a hybrid approach. We understand that hardware already owned needs to be fully depreciated and the cost amortized before a new expenditure like cloud- based computing can be justified. Perhaps the sunsetting of Windows Server 2003 presents a perfect opportunity for aged computers.  For other technology, the time may not be right.  That’s why Site2 provides hybrid cloud solutions, allowing your infrastructure to extend to the cloud providing a migration path into the future.

Loss of control. Site2 provides well trained technology experts to support your hosted solutions.  You can count on them 24/7.  Yet, we know that IT professionals want control of their systems.  That’s why all of our infrastructure solutions come with an administrator console, meaning that you can retain the ability to access provisioned desktops, servers, applications and resources at a moment’s notice. The key advantage with our cloud platform is that you have virtually unlimited, on-demand resources to choose from instead of buying, building and maintaining them on your own. Maintain complete control of everything while reaping the benefit of management with Site2.

A study conducted by Gartner notes that on average, nearly 70% of IT staff’s time is spent fighting fires, not where it should be – on strategy. Cloud computing is a secure, efficient way for small to mid size companies to store and manage their data and systems without the capital expenses of hardware, software and technical training.

There are a number of variables your company needs  to consider when making the migration. Each of those considerations brings with it not only expenses, but options for technology, staffing considerations and more. Ask yourself:

  • Do you have any native Windows Server 2003 applications that will need to be repurchased?
  • Do you have any software or applications that you would define as legacy and no longer will have Server 2008+ support?
  • Are you in need of a scheduled downtime for business critical systems while you migrate to the new Server Edition?

If you’ve answered “Yes” to any of the above, consider contacting the specialists at Site2 for a no obligation review and inventory of your current servers so you can be sure to know what exactly the final impact of this migration will mean to your organization.