The end of Windows Server 2003 didn’t get nearly as much attention as that of XP – either from the media or IT pros.
Recent data from Netcraft finds that hundreds of thousands of web-facing computers running Windows Server 2003 are still online. The overall trend is a decline in the number of these devices, but with approximately 600,000 still in use, even after support ended July 14 of this year.
Overall, that makes up 10% of all web-facing computers.
And although these surveys often reflect international machines that are slow to adopt to latest versions, in this case many of the Windows Server 2003 devices (55%) were right here in the U.S.
And unlike Windows XP, which Microsoft offered continued support for at a hefty price, Server 2003 is done. Done, done, done.
Where it stands
It’s entirely possible that many of these sites are shelling out big bucks to third-parties for protection rather than Microsoft itself. But if you’re running Server 2003 without such an arrangement, it’s flat-out dangerous.
Best advice:
- isolate the devices still running Server 2003 from the rest of your network
- put an upgrade plan in place, and
- test thoroughly to make sure the upgrade will go as smoothly as possible under less-than-ideal circumstances.
