Windows Server 2003 - No longer an option
Microsoft discontinued support for the popular operating system on July 14, 2015. Though technological change is inevitable, it does not have to cause your business anxiety. With proper planning and partnership with a certified and experienced IT partner such as Platinum Systems, Inc., migration from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2012 R2 as an on-premise or cloud platform is easily managed.
Server Migration – Where to Start?
It may seem to be a daunting task to move away from an operating system that provided so many businesses with the ability to share files and printers, act as an application server, provide email service, and other necessary business functionality. However, as with all devices, Windows Server 2003 reached the end of its road. You may be wondering where to start in the migration process. In conjunction with your IT provider, the following are a few of the steps needed to begin the planning process:
Assess
- Determine the applications running on Windows Server 2003 and categorize by type, importance, and complexity.
- Reimagine / rethink how your Active Directory will be designed and deployed for more efficiency.
- Review your core infrastructure networking devices (switches, routers, wireless access points) for any end-of-life / security issues.
- Review your current internet provider options (fiber, DSL, high-speed internet access.)
- Begin assessment of the bigger total cost of ownership (on-premise vs. cloud), additionally considering the electricity costs associated with a 24/7 on-premise server, as well as the five to seven year on-premise replacement costs compared to cloud-recurring expenses.
Target
- Plan your budget for monthly recurring cloud fees, the upfront costs of upgrading network devices, and labor to migrate.
- Plan and target the bandwidth needed from your internet provider to accommodate faster speeds needed to for cloud and cloud-hybrid environments – you may end up utilizing a little of both in some circumstances .
- Upgrade your core infrastructure to match the needs of a cloud or cloud-hybrid server environment (switches, routers, wireless access points.)
Migrate
- A pre-deployment meeting, with Platinum Systems, Inc. server specialists, will map out the migration plan - considering costs, down-time and scheduling.
- Prepare your internal organization with migration time frame and expectations.
Let Platinum Systems give you the boost you need to get moving in the right direction. A simple call to 888.910.4407 is all it takes to get a free consultation started!