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upgrading to Windows Server 2008
Security and Other Issues
How many server operating systems have required security warning from the Department of Homeland Security? Well, OK, the rest of Microsoft's server family, but Server 2003 was supposed to be the most secure Windows operating system ever. It simply isn't living up to its hype.
If security is your major concern, you're better off with Linux or one of the BSD operating systems. No, they're not perfect either, but practically speaking, you're much less likely to have your servers compromised with them than you are with Server 2003.
Another problem with Server 2003 is that almost none of your older server applications will run on Server. For example, if you want to run Exchange Server, you must first wait for a version that will run on it to come out, namely Exchange Server 2003, and then pay for the upgrade.
Do you begin to see a common theme here? To get the most from AD, all your machines must be upgraded to Server 2003. To run your normal, work-a-day server applications you must upgrade your applications.
Frankly, upgrading to Server 2003 isn't just a matter of upgrading one machine here, a department there and so on. To really get the goods, Microsoft wants you to shift your entire enterprise to Server 2003.
Windows Server 2008The strength of Windows Server 2008 in the market today indicates that the demand for related IT expertise ..... That's not news. All software companies want you to do that. But, Microsoft seems to be forcing the issue with their failure to support, not just their older server programs, but their current generation as well. Honestly, given the costs of such upgrades, it's hard to see any company making such a move anytime soon.
Yes, there's a lot to like about Server 2003, but the bad news is that with its high price tag, when you look at the costs of a complete deployment, and ongoing security concerns, a wise CIO or server administrator is going to keep running her existing server operating systems for a long time still to come.
upgrading to Windows Server 2008
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