Newsflash 01.15
n SMB News n •
Time to get serious about Windows Server 2003 end of support
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ith only six months and counting to go until the end of support on Windows Server 2003, it’s time for businesses to get serious about upgrades – and
time for all resellers to compel customers who are dragging their heels to take decisive action.
It has recently been revealed that there are some significant risks to businesses that choose to ignore the 14th July 2015 deadline. One example can be seen with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), which states that companies must ‘ensure that all system components and software are protected from known vulnerabilities by having the latest vendor-supplied security patches installed within one month of release’.
Te penalty for not doing this could result in fines, banks terminating relationships on credit card handling, or an increase in transaction fees. For businesses that take a lot of major credit card payments, that would be very serious indeed.
In regulated areas of the commercial and public sector industries, there will be a similar degree of expectation on companies to ensure that their software is fully supported, up-to-date and secure, so no-one can afford to be complacent, says Gemma Horsell, Microsoft Business Manager at Tech Data. ‘Now that we are into the New Year,
it is time to get deadly serious about Server 2003 upgrades. Customers need to know that they may be more vulnerable after this date and that the best policy is to upgrade now. We’d urge resellers and their customers not to leave it until the last minute.’
Many may also be persuaded to upgrade other parts of their set-up, she notes. ‘From 14th July 2015, Microsoft will no longer offer security updates, support or technical content updates for Windows Server 2003. As a result, systems will become more expensive to run and will be vulnerable to security threats and downtime. Tis then is a great time to persuade customers that it is high time they upgraded to Windows Server 2012 or to Microsoft Azure as a platform and to Office 365 on client devices.’
Te Tech Data team is ready to provide information on the upgrade options and the latest Microsoft products. If you need helpor guidance on any aspect of Windows 2003 end-of- support or on upgrades to the latest platforms, please get in contact with our specialist Microsoft team – call 01256 864114 or email
software@techdata.co.uk
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Interest in CMC gathers pace IBM Lenovo Transition Completes
e are seeing a good level of interest in the Chrome Management Console (CMC), which is exclusively available
from Tech Data, and as more organisations start to adopt multiple Chrome-based devices for everyday use, we expect the number of opportunities to rise quickly this year.
Any establishment that deploys more than a handful of Chromebooks or boxes will really need to make use of CMC to control access and enforce policy. Clearly that’s essential in schools and it will also be vital in local government and commercial sectors.
CMC allows administrators to assign devices to users and get configuration and usage reports, pre-install and block specific apps, create user groups and control access. Tey can also set network and proxy settings and ensure users are protected by web filters and firewalls, and modify user settings like bookmark and app sync across devices and even create customised themes.
We have a great range of Chrome devices available from top names such as Acer, Asus, HP, LG and Toshiba – check on InTouch for all the details. If you are interested in finding out more about Google Chrome or CMC, contact Tom Baker by calling 01256 864471 or by emailing
google@techdata.co.uk
01256 788 000 O
n 1st January the IBM x86 server transition to Lenovo completed. Tis significant acquisition presents a groundbreaking opportunity to the channel with the
integration of IBM’s System x leading innovation, expertise and technology and Lenovo’s scalability, operational efficiency and broad channel presence.
‘2015 promises to be an exciting year for Lenovo, as January sees the newly formed Lenovo Enterprise Group, comprising the brand new x86 team under one roof. As long term and valued partners, Lenovo and Azlan have aggressive plans for growth. You’ll soon start hearing more about the benefits of this newly combined team, but with a leading Enterprise portfolio, deep technical skills, global services of x86, operational and supply chain excellence Lenovo has built strong foundations for unrivalled future success.
‘Together with Azlan, Lenovo’s resellers we have created a best in class team, which is aiming for double digit growth in 2015’ said Richard Bailey, Lenovo Channel Leader. For the latest news on Lenovo x86 speak to your account manager or email
lenovoservers@azlan.com
www.techdata.co.uk
Gemma Horsell: Time to get serious about Windows Server 2003 upgrades
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