The Beginning of the End

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or LinkedIn here uk.linkedin.com/pub/tony-smith-bsc-hons-acih/a/979/351/

Well, not that long to go now until 14th July 2015, when Windows Server 2003 follows XP in going end of life, security updates will be no more. No one can really claim its crept up on us, we did get six years warning. Most clients I work with migrated off 2003 last year, but a few still have the odd server kicking about in their technology stack. Organisations still with some Server 2003 will be a prime target for hackers and potentially would not be making best use of their hardware anyway.

I have read some articles suggesting that Windows Server 2003 end-of-life is the biggest security threat of 2015. Back in November 2014 it was estimated that in the UK, possibly as many as 1/4 of a million businesses had some reliance on 2003. So many social housing organisations will be certainly in that mix.

The obvious choice is a move to Windows Server 2012 R2. Twelve years ago it was a way different place. It's likely now that many of these servers will make the step to the cloud and visualised environments, which are already commonplace with clients recent servers.

There is still the chance that Microsoft will offer some premium support service at elevated cost. I wouldn't put it past them. This is the ideal time to refresh hardware & infrastructure to drive long term business efficiency. Grab it with both hands if you have to and don't look back. Cloud computing is a great way to pay as you go and use what you need. if you need more space, more MIPs, more CALs etc, just add them when you need them, or reduce them if you don't. Bear in mind a hybrid approach can also work for many organisations very well.

Lanarkshire based Castle & Southampton based Keylogic are popular players in UK social housing for managing hosting, but many alternatives are available out there. So there's no excuse to not getting a keen deal if you are 'looking to host'.

Related Post: How much of your infrastructure is in the fluffy white clouds

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You can link with me on LinkedIn here - http://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy It would be great to connect !

Nine Inch Nails - The Beginning of the End.
(c) Tony Smith, Acutance Consulting www.acutanceconsulting.co.uk 07854-655009

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