Member Article

Time fast running out for Windows Server 2003

On the 14th of July 2015, Microsoft officially retires Windows Server 2003. With many businesses unaware of the state of the software or leaving upgrades to the last moment, UK companies are running out of time to upgrade.

“It’s like a ticking time bomb,” explains Carl Enser of Delta Comtech, one of the UK’s leading IT specialists. “Once support has ended, hackers have a free reign to plunder the code without any fear of retaliation. And once they’ve found a hole in one server, it’ll open up all the rest.”

Security firms are urging all businesses currently running the operating system to upgrade as soon as possible to avoid leaving themselves open to future risks.

“All it takes is one hacker to find a flaw and share it,” continues Carl. “It needn’t even be a server in this country: once the news is out there, there’s no going back. It’s like Pandora’s Box for hackers.”

Microsoft has already extended its support for the operating system, with Windows Server 2003 now in what they call an “Extended Support Phase”. The company is offering tailored support for individual firms beyond the deadline but steep fees are expected for the service. Such fees are likely to be out of the reach of many smaller firms.

Carl continues, “It’s simply not economical for Microsoft to play nursemaid for all of their old software indefinitely, especially as the 2003 edition is fairly antiquated by today’s standards. We would advise anyone still using this software to upgrade as soon as they able. We offer help and advice for UK firms, if they need to talk the options through.”

As upgrades can take time, it’s advised that companies start work on their upgrades very soon, if they want to meet the deadline.

“If your company is worried about the expense, give Delta Comtech a call and chat to us about Cloud Computing – using someone else’s servers. It could save you a small fortune and keep you secure.”

For help with protecting your business before this deadline go to www.dc-it.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by David Lomas .