Moving from Microsoft Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2012 not only ensures your data center is running on a supported platform, it can save you money in a number of ways – and that’s always a good thing.
Microsoft will end support for all versions of Windows Server 2003 on July 14, 2015. As you probably already know, that means no more software or security updates. The potential costs of maintaining these legacy servers and protecting them against cyber-attacks can cripple an IT budget – especially if protect them with firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
But all is not lost. Migrating to Windows Server 2012 R2 reduces costs and increase productivity. Sound too good to be true? It’s not, and it’s all because of the advancements in virtualization, management, storage, and networking.
Windows Server 2012 offers the perfect opportunity to transition to a modern Cisco and Microsoft data center solution deployed on Cisco server infrastructure. This allows you to reduce IT costs, improve service delivery, and avoid the challenges associated with maintaining a legacy platform.
IT continuously faces pressure to simplify operations, and server migration allows you to not only streamline services to enterprise users but also reduce operational costs and increase user productivity. Cisco’s Unified Computing System (UCS) enables enterprises to implement a single Microsoft-Cisco platform that will increase reliability and security. And let’s face it, if you need to maintain PCI compliance you’re going to have to migrate sooner or later.
By deploying Cisco UCS servers running Microsoft Windows Server 2012, you’ll be able to efficiently migrate legacy applications from Windows Server 2003 environments while connecting users, information, and teams in real-time. This will help IT enable comprehensive and effective collaborative experiences across your business.
With Cisco UCS, you can tune your environment to support the unique needs of each application while consolidating and simplifying operations and powering all your server workloads on a centrally managed, highly scalable system. And the reasons to migrate don’t stop there.
Your business will also be able to consolidate servers to reduce power consumption, cabling costs, and rack space. You’ll be able to eliminate the need for expensive third-party virtualization licenses. You can configure servers in minutes – and rely on a single tool to manage physical and virtual servers.
Migrating to Windows Server 2012 will allow you to deliver modern application services while virtualizing on your own terms, and you can automate IT operations to drive quality and efficiency. That’s huge.
Deploying Cisco UCS servers will enable the enterprise to reduce the total cost of ownership at the platform, site, and organizational level. This lets you lower IT operations staff costs through improved management operations.
Windows Server 2003 was a great product, but the clock is ticking as it approaches end of life. When you’re ready to cut the cord and say goodbye to 2003, give us a call. We’re here to help – so much so we’ve created a tool to give you a head start. Check it out by visiting www.pcconnection.com/WindowsServerEOS. After all, this is one deadline you don’t want to miss!
With the end of support date for Windows Server 2003 fast approaching, there’s never been a better 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.
