Move your Windows Server 2003 Applications to the AWS Cloud

With the end of support for Windows Server 2003 fast approaching, moving your legacy

applications to AWS for Windows can provide you with the time you need for migration

planning and execution.

AWS for Windows is a cloud computing platform optimized for Windows-based

workloads*. Windows IT professionals looking for a cloud solution that feels familiar while

providing security and high-performance should consider AWS for Windows.

The end of support for Windows Server 2003 means that Microsoft will no longer release security updates or bug fixes,

increasing possible risks. In addition to increased security risks, running your applications on old hardware that may be

out of warranty, can be costly to maintain. Amazon Web Services provides you with options, whether you are

maintaining 32-bit applications in the AWS Cloud, moving to a modern operating system, or rewriting legacy

applications.

A Secure, New Home for Your Legacy Apps

With Amazon Web Services for Microsoft Windows Server, you can launch new instances of Windows Server 2003 and

import existing virtual machines, giving you the flexibility to plan and implement your migration. AWS offers tools and

resources to plan and manage your infrastructure, whether that includes running 32‐bit applications, 64‐bit, or a

combination of both.

Windows Server 2003 32-bit

If you need more time to upgrade, you can migrate your 32-bit applications to preconfigured Windows Server 2003

Amazon Machine Images (AMIs) or create your own AMIs using the VM Import/Export tools. You can fully isolate your

AWS environment by creating private subnets with Amazon Virtual Private Cloud with the option to select dedicated

hardware. You can use a traditional VPN, or a private, dedicated connection between your datacenter and the AWS

Cloud using AWS Direct Connect for an even faster, lower-latency connection and additional isolation.

Windows Server 2008 32-bit

If you are ready to migrate to a newer operating system but still need to run 32-bit applications, Amazon Machine

Images preconfigured with Windows Server 2008 32-bit are ready for you providing a more secure environment.

Migrating to a supported 32-bit platform can be a good stepping stone on your path to moving to a modern operating

system.

When Hess Corporation announced divestiture plans for its downstream businesses in March

2013, the IT department decided to migrate the associated infrastructure in a way that would

completely uncouple dependence from its on-premises datacenter. Hess leveraged AWS to

prepare its Energy Marketing business for acquisition in only 6 months.

“We didn’t have time to re-design applications. AWS could support our legacy 32-bit applications on Windows Server

2003,

a variety of SQL Server and Oracle databases, and a robust Citrix environment.”

-Jim McDonald, Lead Architect, Hess Corporation

Leading enterprises choose AWS for their Windows workloads

© 2015, Amazon Web Services, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

Migrate to a Modern OS

If you are ready to migrate to a newer operating system, Amazon Machine Images (AMIs) preconfigured with Windows

Server 2008 and 2012 are available to you in minutes providing a more secure and supported environment. If you need

help with the migration of your Windows Server 2003 applications, AWS offers various levels of support including

technical documentation, the AWS Support Center, and access to qualified AWS partners.

Rewrite Legacy Apps

When you are ready to start the process of modernizing legacy Windows Server 2003 applications, you can find the

tools and resources you need to modify your legacy applications with just a few clicks. The AWS Marketplace can help

you find, buy, and immediately start using the software and services. The AWS Windows and .NET Developer Center

provides tools, documentation, and sample code and you can build your applications on Windows and .NET using the

AWS SDK for .NET, including a library, code samples, and Visual Studio templates.

Leverage other AWS Services

With AWS you have access to alternate solutions. AWS has been continually expanding its services to support virtually

any cloud workload, and it now has more than 40 services that range from compute, storage, networking, database,

analytics, application services, deployment, management and mobile, such as Amazon WorkDocs, a fully managed,

secure enterprise storage and sharing service, or AWS Elastic Beanstalk for deploying and scaling .NET applications.

*Amazon Web Services recommends Microsoft Windows Server.

Additional resources & info:

http://aws.amazon.com/windows/server2003/

http://aws.amazon.com/microsoft/