Migrating from Microsoft Windows Server 2003 to Microsoft Windows Server 2012 is your chance to take your relationship with virtualization to the next level. It’s also an opportunity to upgrade to high-performance, power-efficient servers that provide a fast ROI.
Windows Server 2003 has been a reliable workhorse for over a decade – a bastion of corporate computing available in multiple editions targeted toward particular sizes and types of business. But on July 14, Microsoft will stop releasing critical patches for it.
Windows Server 2012 makes it simpler to consolidate workloads onto fewer, more powerful servers. Virtualization allows you to simplify IT administration and manage server loads easily and efficiently. You can also implement cluster maintenance during the day with no downtime to end users, and streamline backup and recovery.
More Flexibility
You say you want more operational flexibility? Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V capabilities include network virtualization, multi-tenancy, storage resource pools, cross-premise connectivity, and cloud backup. Combine these capabilities to spin up in minutes, which would have taken weeks to implement in a Windows 2003 environment.
In addition, the Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V Replica feature makes replication of servers across a WAN or a secure VPN a reality – even for small businesses. Take note, because this was once something only larger companies could afford.
Maximum Efficiency
In my view, server consolidation is the most compelling virtue of virtualization. A typical non-virtualized application server may reach just 10 or 20% utilization. But a virtual server can easily reach 80% utilization. The net result is obvious – efficient hosting with more virtual machines on fewer physical servers.
This translates directly into reduced costs for hardware acquisition, maintenance, energy, and cooling system usage. According to Gartner, at least 70% of enterprise x86 server workloads are now virtualized. There’s a reason why so many of these server workloads are already virtualized – the economic arguments for virtualizing are overwhelming. So are the arguments for reaping the IT productivity and flexibility advantages that come with virtualizing workloads.
Cost-Effective
Virtualization typically requires fewer, more powerful servers. It’s crucial to select energy-efficient server platforms, so you can control operational costs moving forward. Look for server platforms like the high-performance, Energy-Star certified Lenovo ThinkServer RD440 when you’re looking to benefit from the many virtues of virtualization.
By selecting powerful, scalable, and energy efficient servers, you can achieve an accelerated ROI for your server investments. This is accomplished through the productivity gained, by both enterprise users and IT operational staff, as well as the reduced energy costs you’ll realize as you consolidate workloads onto more efficient platforms.
With the end-of-support date for Windows Server 2003 fast approaching, there’s never been a better time-or an easier time-to plan your data center transformation. Our experts have designed this helpful tool to get you started on the right upgrade path for your unique environment, applications, and workloads.
