This planning guide provides small businesses with insight into how they can upgrade to Windows Server* 2012 R2 software and Intel® Xeon® processor E3 v3 family-based servers in response to end of support for the Windows Server 2003 operating system. This guide covers: • The importance of migrating from Windows Server 2003 software and the risks and ...costs associated with maintaining the status quo • How addressing this legacy technology today allows you to capitalize on new opportunities while keeping your business agile and ready for the future • How upgrading to both Windows Server 2012 R2 software and Intel Xeon processor E3 v3 family-based servers provides a higher-performing solution optimized to take advantage of the strengths of each product • Microsoft Azure* software as an option for migrating applications to the cloud • A four-step checklist for upgrading to Windows Server 2012 R2 software running on the Intel Xeon processor E3 v3 family