When Microsoft ends support for Windows Server 2003/R2 in July, more than nine million servers running on this operating system will become vulnerable, and according to Forrester Research, more than half of Windows Server 2003 customers are currently unprepared.
Transitioning to Windows Server 2012 R2 removes the risks of a legacy infrastructure that uses unsupported, unsecure, and non-compliant software. But the migration process can be complicated—with many issues to address: Active Directory and system configuration as well as security and application validation just to name a few. As CIOs evaluate their infrastructure, it makes sense to consider moving to a converged infrastructure as part of the process.
Not many organizations are ready to perform the forklift transformation from a component-based data center—with independently-managed servers, storage and networking—to a totally new converged infrastructure. For those that cannot do it all, the tendency has been to simply continue with the status quo.
However, the underlying data center technologies and the way IT is set up today do not align to the way applications are built, managed and consumed. Taking months to set up a new application is no longer acceptable. Many businesses are thus turning to IT pros to take on the ever-escalating demand for IT services that are secure, high-performing, scalable, never go down, and are agile enough to enable rapid application development.
Deploying a converged infrastructure just might be the answer—here are five reasons why:
- Accelerates the speed to deploy applications, which means faster time to revenue.
- Simplifies and standardizes IT infrastructures—resulting in reduced operating expenses, simplified procurement and consolidated IT run books.
- Reduces risk and time-to-resolution by providing an IT platform fully supported by a single provider.
- Provides a platform that supports consistent scalability to meet business growth.
- Creates a consistent foundation for IT governance, risk mitigation and compliance.
To learn more about converged infrastructures, check our white paper at http://ow.ly/Iz6dT. And as your Windows Server 2003 environment approaches end-of-life, find out how we can help you migrate by visiting http://ow.ly/Iza7x.