How are Your Windows Server 2003 Migrations Coming?

With the deadline for Windows Server 2003 support looming, we're interested to hear how things are going for you.

Released on April 24, 2003, the popular server version will experience its full end of life on July 14, 2015. I've talked with many customers that have been scrambling for much of this year to figure out the best ways to migrate to a newer server operating systems. Many of those are choosing Windows Server 2012 R2 as the destination.

Application compatibility tends to be the biggest road block for many companies. Around the time Windows Server 2003 was released, many companies invested in custom applications to run their businesses. Most of these custom applications were developed using code that is no longer in use. The applications should have been mothballed long ago, but due to various reasons, specific industries like health care and manufacturing were not able to find newer applications that made for cost-effective migrations.

Virtualization definitely helps in a lot of cases. But that, too, can sometimes create its own problems. But here we are, right on the precipice of the end of Windows Server 2003 support, and companies are struggling.

Some have things well in hand, though. I've talked with customers recently that have the situation completely under control and have assurances they will meet, and possibly beat, the deadline. That has to feel pretty good, considering a migration can be such a large project and there are so many new projects that crop up constantly.

So, how about you? Will your company make the deadline? 

We'd like to know.

Drop out to the following poll link and let us know how you are progressing:

http://windowsitpro.com/poll/10282014