Partner Article

NFPs urged to switch from Windows Server 2003

NFP organisations could compromise the security of their donor, volunteer and membership data and in turn their reputation unless they migrate from Windows Server 2003 to an alternative platform. This is a warning from leading software provider to NFP organisations, Advanced NFP.

Windows Server 2003 is nearing end-of-life and Microsoft will officially withdraw support for the server operating system in July 2015.

Organisations which handle large volumes of data, hold personal information or are involved in receiving funds, could be increasingly susceptible to malicious cyber-attacks if they continue to use unsupported hardware and software that is hosted on platforms such as Windows Server 2003.

Simon Fowler, Managing Director, Advanced NFP comments, “Windows Server 2003 is still widely used by fundraising and membership organisations and many have yet to formulate alternative migration plans. Failure to upgrade to a modern server infrastructure could place confidential data at greater risk from hackers and malware attacks, potentially with major implications.

From 14th July 2015, Microsoft will no longer be issuing security patches or updates for Windows Server 2003. This could impact applications such as fundraising and membership management, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, back office applications (Financial Management, HR & Payroll)and Mail Server, which are vital to ensuring the smooth running of an NFP organisations day-to-day operations.

Fowler continues, “Now is a good opportunity to evaluate existing IT platforms and take advantage of cost savings through better value support options. Upgrading your infrastructure, taking advantage of virtualisation technology or even migrating solutions to the cloud, can all offer flexible and scalable ways to improve operational efficiencies and reduce data security risks to ensure business continuity.

“There are numerous choices available but it is essential that NFP organisations ensure their business and IT strategies are aligned. Partnering with experienced managed service providers such as Advanced NFP can help them choose secure, resilient and high-performance solutions that are tailored to their needs to support future growth and safeguard vital client information.”

Advanced provides a comprehensive range of IT managed services, from desktop support through to a complete infrastructure as a service (IaaS) solution. The company also provides security and data management and business intelligence consultancy services.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor

About Advanced NFP

Advanced NFP provides CRM, membership management, fundraising and donor management, and web integration solutions to more than 1,000 organisations within the UK not-for-profit sector, including charities, membership organisations, education, NGOs and sports governing bodies. Customers include WWF, Amnesty International, RSPB, Marie Curie, the Woodland Trust, Victim Support and Friends of the Earth.

Advanced NFP forms part of Advanced Computer Software Group Limited, a leading supplier of software and IT services to the health, care and business services sectors. In 2014, the Group won Tech Company of the Year in PwC’s UK Tech Awards.

Advanced was also ranked in the Deloitte UK Fast 50, which recognises the 50 fastest growing technology companies in the UK and ranked in the top 300 technology companies in Deloitte’s EMEA rankings.

http://www.advancednfp.com/default.aspx

Press contact

Angela Mycock, Advanced Computer Software Group

pr@advancedcomputersoftware.com

01625 856 513

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Advanced .