End of support for Windows Server 2003 is fast approaching

Despite years of lead-time, many businesses had to scramble this year when Microsoft ended support for its incredibly popular Windows XP desktop operating system. The disruption caused by the end of support for Windows XP may be nothing compared with the disruption caused by the end of support for Windows Server 2003, slated for July 14, 2015. “When Microsoft ended support for Windows XP in April, about one quarter of U.S. businesses were still using the operating system, which caused a series of operational issues and potential security challenges,” says David Mayer, practice director, Microsoft Solutions, at IT services firm Insight Enterprises. “While XP was primarily a desktop issue, we’re advising our clients that Server 2003 end of service affects entire servers, with the potential to have widespread impact on many more business operations,” Mayer says. “With less than a year to begin addressing the issue, we’re outlining for clients we work with a series of timely steps and options to start exploring now so they can implement their own outcome.”