Is your business still using the Windows Server 2003 server operating system? You’re probably aware of the recent announcement from Microsoft that, as of July 14, 2015, it will no longer be supporting servers and applications using Win2K3. Users who fail to upgrade to a newer version will have to go without MS support and could be at risk of violating industry compliance standards. This means the costs of maintaining Win2K3 and purchasing legacy equipment are also likely to increase. If you’re looking at ways to bring your business server’s hardware, operations, and maintenance into the modern age then you may well want to check out these dedicated servers for your business which include ongoing support, free backup storage, and real-time monitoring so that you’ll know when something goes wrong and get help with the situation from an expert if it does.

Think of Win Server 2003 End of Life as an Opportunity Instead of a Challenge

Depending on your IT Department’s perspective (be they one that operates remotely that you can learn more about, or in-house), the need to migrate to newer servers could be viewed as a challenge at best, or a major headache at worst. After all, a server upgrade can be a complicated process. On the other hand, you could choose to look at the Window Server 2003 end of life as a golden opportunity to replace aging equipment with newer products that can improve your organization’s operating efficiency, as well as bringing in new security measures from SeedboxCo.net or any other package.

Specific benefits of a server upgrade include enhanced network security, greater potential for scalability and improved capability for virtualization, to name a few.

Preparing for the Server 2003 End of Life Date

While you still have a few months until the official end of Win Server 2003, start planning the migration process right now to ensure a smooth, relatively painless transition. Here are a few tips to guide you along the way:

• Review your current equipment – Take stock of your existing servers and related equipment, and assess your current wattage consumption. Determine how many servers you’ll need to replace. Also take an inventory of the number of UPS units that are currently backing up your servers and assess your needs moving forward. If it has been a few years since you replaced your UPS units, now is a good time to consider upgrading this vital equipment as well.

• Keep scalability in mind – Your new server system should be able to meet your needs now and well into the future. Now is the time to establish a standard that is compatible with your plans for future growth, and that includes your power infrastructure. If you’re experiencing issues such as unexpected power interruptions or system alarms right now, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to rely on your current UPS units after your server upgrade is complete.

• Consider on-premises vs. cloud migration – A server migration is also a good time to consider whether you want to stay with on-site server equipment or migrate to the cloud. If you choose the former, you’ll need to determine how many servers you’ll actually need. If you choose the latter, you’ll need to determine the right number of network switches and you might even want to find suitable cloud management services. This is vital for developing the appropriate power protection strategy and the right number of UPS units.

• Determine the best power solution – When determining the best power protection solution, keep the following factors in mind:

• Available electrical options
• Required backup runtimes
• Network-readiness requirements
• Potential for future expansion

Reduce Your UPS Replacement Costs With Reconditioned APC UPS Units

If you’re replacing your UPS units as part of your Win Server 2003 end of life migration, CoastTec offers expertly reconditioned APC UPS models that will help you minimize your costs without sacrificing performance and reliability. All of our refurbished APC UPC units include a full one-year warranty for your protection and peace of mind. CoastTec is also the only APC-certified out-of-warranty service center in the United States.

Don’t wait until the last minute – start planning your server migration right now! Call us at 410-521-1000.