Last April I wrote about the risks of using the Windows XP desktop operating system after Microsoft
support for that system expired. On July 15, another important
Microsoft operating system is reaching the end of its supported life:
Windows Server 2003. This presents a far more severe risk for your
business.
One reason is
simply the potential scope of impact. Unlike a desktop computer, a
server hosts an application or database across an entire department,
line of business or even the whole company. The scope is compounded for
small businesses because many extend their hardware investment by
running multiple applications and databases across one server.
The second
factor, a potentially larger risk, is increased exposure to a data
breach. After July 15, security updates will no longer be available for
Server 2003. This means any new exploits could provide a doorway into
your company’s most sensitive data.
