TEMPE, Ariz., June 26, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Insight Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:NSIT) Public Sector team will speak to the risks of failing to address the pending end of service for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 next week at the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference, the nation's largest gathering of education technology leaders.
On July 14, 2015, Microsoft will cease support for this widely-used operating system, and Insight is warning education leaders to not ignore critical steps to protect their sensitive data. At ISTE 2015 (June 28-July 1 in Philadelphia) Insight will provide education decision-makers with detailed information on how to protect information stored on millions of computer servers from cyber-attacks and data loss – even if they are not prepared within the next 30 days.
Data breaches and attack incidents have increased annually, and if education leaders don't prepare for the end of service for Microsoft Windows Server 2003, the risk of a material breach increases significantly. A U.S. Department of Homeland Security alert said computer systems running the unsupported Microsoft Server 2003 operating system are exposed to elevated cyber security risks such as malicious attacks or electronic data loss.
"The end of service for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 presents one of the most far-reaching risks to education data centers we have seen, but it also presents an opportunity to upgrade systems and introduce intelligent technology to help schools run smarter," said Insight's David Cristal, Vice President of Sales, Public Sector and Healthcare. "As the deadline looms, we're working with those who haven't yet addressed the end of service issue so we can help mitigate the risks of exposing sensitive data."
Microsoft research in 2014 reported that 23.8 million instances of Windows Server 2003 were running on 11.9 million physical servers worldwide. That's an estimated 39% of all installed Microsoft Server operating systems.
On July 14, 2015, Microsoft will phase out support and no longer provide critical automatic fixes, updates, or provide technical assistance for the operating system. Educational institutions have options including an upgrade to a newer, supported operating system, replacement of servers or transitioning IT operations to a cloud-based service.
Insight will be at ISTE 2015, Booth #2600, Expo Hall within the Pennsylvania Convention Center. For more information on how to address the end of service, visit Insight or call 800-INSIGHT.
About Insight
From business and government organizations to healthcare and educational institutions, Insight empowers clients with intelligent technology solutions to realize their goals. As a Fortune 500-ranked global provider of hardware, software, cloud and service solutions, our 5,400 teammates provide clients the guidance and expertise needed to select, implement and manage complex technology solutions to drive business outcomes. Through our world-class people, partnerships, services and delivery solutions, we help businesses run smarter. Discover more at insight.com. NSIT-M