Although it's not making as large a news splash as the ending of Windows XP, most tax and accounting professionals may know that Microsoft is ending its extended support of Windows Server 2003 on July 14. While many have already upgraded their servers or elected to let their software vendors manage their infrastructure in the cloud, we know from recent professional surveys that many firms are still using Windows Server 2003.From a practical standpoint, what does the end of Windows Server 2003 extended support mean?
The end of Windows Server 2003 extended support goes beyond ending of enhancements or added functionality. Microsoft stopped developing enhancements and providing mainstream support for Windows 2003 in 2010. The discontinuation of extended support means that there will be no more security updates, compliance or safe havens at all.
Just as when Windows XP extended support expired, security will be a primary concern with this change. For example, if a security flaw is identified, Microsoft will be under no obligation to release an update; nor will it be responsible for repairing the defect. Additionally, performance can decline as software vendors take advantage of technology in newer, supported environments to enhance performance.
What about your professional software?
Due to the concerns noted above, most vendors will, at the least, stop supporting software in an expired operating system environment, while some may prevent installation or usage on the expired environment. As professionals responsible for handling sensitive data, such as a client's financial information, both tax and accounting firms and the software and services vendors who support them have a responsibility to maintain security levels that are just not possible in an environment with no vendor security support.
Now is the time for any firm still using Windows Server 2003 to evaluate its environment, and decide if it wishes to upgrade to a current operating system, or consider allowing its vendor or third-party cloud provider to manage its server concerns by migrating to the cloud.
Many software vendors provide migration guidance to either new server hardware or to their online environment. Take the time today to talk with your vendors and IT professionals to determine the best course of action for your firm. Don't wait until you run into trouble with an unsupported environment!
