TEMPE, Ariz., Nov. 13, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Insight Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:NSIT), a leading worldwide technology provider of hardware, software and service solutions, today joined the U.S. Department of Homeland Security effort to alert businesses that the pending end of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 potentially opens up millions of computers to cyber attacks and data loss.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) has alerted businesses that, "Computer systems running unsupported software are exposed to an elevated risk to cybersecurity dangers, such as malicious attacks or electronic data loss. Users may also encounter problems with software and hardware compatibility since new software applications and hardware devices may not be built for Windows Server 2003."
"Operating outdated server software systems could create a serious security risk and as the deadline looms, threats to data centers will increase," said David Mayer, practice director, Microsoft Solutions for Insight. "Every industry, and companies of all sizes are potentially exposed. We are working with businesses to rapidly understand the critical decisions that need to be made. With a little more than six months until the service ends, a majority of businesses are still reviewing solutions, which could take as many as 18 months to implement."
Computers running the Windows Server 2003 operating system will continue to work after support ends. But according to the US-CERT alert, "...using unsupported software may increase the risks of viruses and other security threats. Negative consequences could include loss of confidentiality, integrity, and or availability of data, system resources and business assets."
The end of service for Windows Server 2003 is set for July 14, 2015 and has the potential to affect 24 million servers that run large and small businesses. An estimated 39% of all installed Microsoft Server operating systems are the 2003 edition, according to Microsoft statistics. Underscoring the type of ongoing support the software needs, there were 37 critical updates released for Windows 2003 in 2013.
Microsoft will no longer provide automatic fixes, updates, or online technical assistance past the deadline. Businesses running the operating system have the option to upgrade to a currently supported operating system, replace servers or transition their IT operations to a cloud-based service.
For more information on how to address the end of service, visit Insight or call 800-INSIGHT.
About Insight
Insight Enterprises, Inc. is a leading technology provider of hardware, software and service solutions to business and government clients in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific. Insight is focused on helping organizations move technology goals forward in the areas of Office Productivity, Unified Communications and Collaboration, Mobility, Network and Security, Data Center and Virtualization, Data Protection and Cloud. Insight has sold over seven million business and public sector client cloud seats across the globe. With approximately 5,200 teammates worldwide, Insight is ranked No. 483 on the 2014 Fortune 500 and generated sales of $5.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013. For more information, please call 1.800.INSIGHT (1.800.467.4448) in the United States or visit www.insight.com. NSIT-M