Gathering Accurate Inventory Data However, there’s a crucial first step.


Before designing and implementing a migration strategy from Server 2003 to Server 2012, it’s important that enterprises have an accurate inventory of servers running Server 2003, and which applications are running on those servers. Sounds simple, but if your


enterprise owns hundreds or thousands of servers in multiple locations, this task of discovery can become exceedingly difficult and frustrating—especially if you haven’t conducted a careful inventory in some time. (Think about how hard it can be to find anything in your home that you haven’t used in a couple of years.) Throw in a looming deadline, and you have a recipe for potential disaster.


Bring In the Experts Here’s where you need to ask


yourself, “Do we have the resources, know-how, or time to conduct an accurate server inventory?” If the answer is “no” or even “maybe,” calling in the experts might not be a bad idea. Remember, this is the detailed server


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data upon which the entire migration rests, and you only have one chance to get it right. Missing just one server could leave your enterprise vulnerable to security flaws in Server 2003 that aren’t ever going to get fixed.


Breaking IT Down Once your server inventory is


nailed down cold, it’s time to do the same thing with the applications running on all those servers. Which apps are running on which servers? And who (within your enterprise) “owns” the app? If you’re migrating the enterprise’s accounts payable software, for example, it’s best if you include the Chief Financial Officer in the migration planning. Again, if the job


seems overwhelming, consider hiring someone to do it for you.


It Pays to Plan Ahead This initial process of precisely


determining server locations and server apps, as well as identifying the chief stakeholders for each business app, should give enterprises the raw ingredients they need to begin mapping out a comprehensive migration path.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Jonathan Clark is a Product Line Manager for Microsoft at PC Connection with over 12 years experience in software, product management and marketing. He holds multiple sales specialist certifications across the Microsoft stack of products, including Small Business, Cloud, Digital Marketing and Devices.


Still Running Windows Server 2003?


Consider This: • The last service pack was almost 7 years ago • Mainstream support ended 3 years ago • Final support ends in less than 6 months!


The migration window is closing fast. We can help you get started. Visit www.pcconnection.com/WindowsServerEOS


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