End is nigh for Windows Server 2003 support

Microsoft recommends that organisations quickly take action to modernise their servers in order to ward off security threats and meet today’s information-technology standards, especially in online financial transactions. 

In addition to these key benefits, the upgrade to a modern server operating system would reduce maintenance costs and improve support for future software and hardware.

In light of significant changes in the technological landscape over the past 11 years, Microsoft is ceasing support for Windows Server 2003. Operating costs incurred by support for older operating systems continue to increase and have outpaced the expenses required to maintain a modern OS, while Windows Server 2003 itself lacks the performance and adaptability required to fulfil the needs of today’s customers, the tech giant says.

More important, an upgrade to modern operating systems will enable organisations to ensure full compliance with international regulations and boost customer confidence in system security through superior defence against cyber-crimes, it says. 

The use of outdated, unsupported software leaves entire systems vulnerable to business and financial losses. Many global IT standards and regulations including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard require organisations to take action to keep their data and systems safe through the latest security updates. Failure to do so could leave systems vulnerable to damaging attacks and thus prevent organisations from meeting these globally recognised standards. 

Suchaluck Sarananusorn, cloud and enterprise business group leader at Microsoft (Thailand), said the company was concerned that without adequate preparation, organisations could suffer negative impact on their businesses and reputations after the end of service for Windows Server 2003 next July.

“Organisations relying on Windows Server 2003 for e-mail and communication functions can turn to Office 365, a cloud-based productivity and collaboration solution that includes familiar Office applications and a wide range of services.” 

These services include Lync and Skype for online conversations, Exchange Online for e-mail, and OneDrive for cloud data storage.

Upgrading to a modern server operating system is not the only solution. One of the available alternatives is the transition of all servers and applications to a cloud platform that offers full management capabilities, such as Microsoft Azure. Another alternative is the adoption of SaaS (software-as-a-service) solutions such as Office 365, the US-based company says.