Windows Server 2003 migration a $100bn opportunity - report

61 per cent of companies still running Windows Server 2003 in some form

The impending end of support for Windows Server 2003 presents a $100bn (£68bn) opportunity for firms selling migration solutions, according to a new report.

A survey for Spiceworks – which questioned more than 1,300 global respondents in January – found that 61 per cent of companies it asked were still running Windows Server 2003, which it said equates to millions of installations globally.

Microsoft will end support for Windows Server 2003 on 14 July this year.

Spiceworks claims that firms selling migration-related solutions have a huge opportunity to cash in.

"Companies are allocating an average of £40,000 for use in migration-related projects," it said. "In total, Windows Server 2003 end of life represents a $100bn opportunity for migration-related solutions including the purchase of new technology hardware, software, cloud-based solutions and associated services."

Of those it surveyed, 15 per cent said they have have fully migrated their environment, 48 per cent said they have partially migrated and 28 per cent said they remain in the planning stages. Eight per cent of IT professionals have no plans to migrate at all, but the majority of those admitted they are worried about security.

Spiceworks said channel firms are poised to cash in.

"This migration will impact millions of IT professionals and nearly every technology segment including hardware, software, cloud, mobile and services," said Sanjay Castelino, vice president of marketing at Spiceworks.

"IT professionals are taking steps to migrate prior to the end-of-life deadline and technology companies that can offer a clear, elegant migration path have a multibillion-dollar opportunity to help IT departments transition effectively."