We get pop-ups and reminders on what seems to be a daily basis- “Your System Update is Ready for Download”. Although these actions can be an annoyance they are critical for the security, speed and reliability of your system. Missing an upgrade deadline can put your company at risk and reduce your overall productivity and efficiency. In addition, you could be passing over critical improvements and advancements that your current system does not hold.
Extended support for Windows Server 2003 will end on July 14, 2015, and for many companies it is a deadline that they will miss. You do not want to be one of the masses and procrastinate on this action and this is why:
End of support refers to the date when the manufacturer no longer provides automatic fixes, updates, or online technical assistance. This is the time to make sure you have the latest available update or service pack installed. End of extended support means that there is no manufacturer support whatsoever. Without manufacturer support, you will no longer receive security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that can steal your personal and company information.
In addition to the security vulnerability mentioned, your company could run into compliance and compatibility issues. That means that once extended support ends you could fall into non-compliance for failing to meet general industry compliance standards. Non-compliance could result in fines, penalties, audit or survey findings and loss of business. You will also want to consider that if your operating system is aging, or aged-out, that your software may be on the same path. That means that you will also need to consider the life of your current applications, tools and ancillary software to properly mitigate any additional risks. All of which have a negative impact to your bottom line and cost more with each passing day.
Keep this from happening to your company and don’t get caught off guard. Salient Networks is here to help you take action now and to plan for your future needs. Contact us today at www.salientworks.wpengine.com , so we can help your system migration to be as seamless, efficient and cost effective as possible!
Here is a copy of the current Microsoft Support Lifecycle:
Client operating systems Latest update or service pack End of mainstream support End of extended support
Windows XP Service Pack 3 April 14, 2009 April 8, 2014
Windows 2003 Server Service Pack 1 April 14, 2009 July 14, 2015
Windows Vista Service Pack 2 April 10, 2012 April 11, 2017
Windows 7 Service Pack 1 January 13, 2015 January 14, 2020
Windows 2008 Server Service Pack 1 January 13, 2015 January 14, 2020
Windows 8 Windows 8.1 January 9, 2018 January 10, 2023