Resources for your Windows Server 2003 Migrations

I would be remiss if I didn't mention this every once in a while, so here goes…

Windows Server 2003 reaches end of life on July 14, 2015.

Working with Microsoft customers and listening to the community, it seems like migrations are well underway and most IT orgs have the situation well in hand. But, of course, there are always those segments of businesses where people really haven't heard or just don't care. But, this migration is significant and folks should care.

As much as an unpatched Windows XP computer is a security problem, an unpatched server could be even more dangerous since it stores company data and provides connections to that data to most everyone in the office. And, that's exactly what will happen after July 14, 2015. End of life means end of support, and that means no more security updates will be available from Microsoft. It's something that needs to be taken seriously.

I've worked with a lot of different vendors recently, mostly for webinars, and they all provide some sort of Windows Server 2003 migration angle. So, there's enough help that can be obtained if you just take a brief look. You don't have to do this alone.

Microsoft has recently unveiled a new Windows Server 2003 Migration Planning Assistant. It's an online resource center that helps you visualize your plan and consume the proper resources to make sure you have a good migration plan. The tool walks through understanding what's installed on your current server, assessing what needs to be moved and what can, developing a migration destination, and then helping you flip the switch.

You should check it out: Windows Server 2003 Migration Planning Assistant

If you're one of those IT orgs that have the whole thing under control, I'm sure you still know others who are dragging their feet or might be unaware. If you don't need the resource, make sure to pass it along to someone who does.