Windows 2003 End of Support by Microsoft
Many businesses and people don’t realise or have failed to prepare for the fact that Windows 2003 will no longer be supported by Microsoft from 14th July 2015. After that, you will no longer receive automatic security updates, potentially leaving your business vulnerable to viruses and other malware. Is your business ready?
From that date, Microsoft will no longer release updates or hot-fixes for the ageing server OS. That means no more security updates which renders the operating system unsafe for use. Systems running public facing services such as Exchange, IIS (including SBS versions) will be particularly vulnerable and should be migrated as a matter of urgency. In many cases this will involve replacing or upgrading hardware as the modern equivalents require more system resources. Small Business Server 2003 (SBS) users should consider moving their email to a service like Microsoft 365 and file sharing in the cloud is also possible for SME businesses with good internet connections.
Computers running the Windows Server 2003 operating system will continue to work after support ends in July. However, using unsupported software may increase the risks of viruses, spyware and other cyber security threats. Potential consequences could include loss of confidentiality, integrity, and or availability of data, system resources and business assets.
After July, your business will no longer receive:
- Security patches to protect PCs from viruses, spyware or other malicious software
- Technical support from Microsoft
- Updates for software and content
If you’re on Windows 2003 and need help and advice getting your system migrated efficiently and cost effectively by experienced systems integrators, then give us a call. No matter which choice you make, Cubit Technology is here to help guide and support you. If you would like to discuss which solution is best for you, please get in touch today.