Dear ECi DDMS Customer:

On July 13, 2010, Microsoft will no longer offer extended support for Windows 2000, as part of its Support Lifecycle Policy. Microsoft ended mainstream support for that operating system in 2005.  Now they will end paid support, security patches, and knowledge base updates for Windows 2000.

If your DDMS server is still running Windows 2000, DDMS will still operate as usual. However, we wanted to advise you of the risks.

Risks of an Unsupported Operating System

Vulnerability — Your system may become more vulnerable to threats after Microsoft no longer issues security updates.

Failure and Downtime — As your server's hardware outlives its life expectancy of 3-5 years, it may risk failure, which exposes your business to unnecessary downtime.

Limited Support — The constraints imposed by Microsoft will limit the extent that your ECi technical support team can support DDMS software still installed on this older operating system.

Restricted Features — Your server won't be able to take advantage of features using newer technology. Upcoming enhancements in DDMS will leverage technology that only exists in Windows Server 2003 and 2008. Eventually, we will be forced to set our own “Windows 2000 sunset” deadline. More details will be announced soon.

Evaluating Your Equipment Needs

Many DDMS customers have upgraded to Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server 2008 to leverage the added benefits provided for dealers. They have experienced significant improvement in performance and efficiencies from newer server hardware and operating systems.

These efficiencies can help both your DDMS users — and your ECinteractive shopping site, if you have one — keep up with growing demand.

We can help you evaluate your equipment needs:

Is your DDMS server showing its age? For example, do your backups take a long time? Do you experience file failure messages or file issues of any kind? Do you find yourself running out of room for your journals?

What DDMS features have you wanted to implement, but hesitate for fear of overloading your current server?

Where in your business have you heard complaints of processes still taking too long? How much time, effort, and cost could you save if it didn't take so long?

If you are considering a new server, special pricing and financing options are available to you.

You may even qualify for U.S. tax incentives on business investments in 2010, including bonus depreciation and equipment deductions.

Click here to save 10 percent on your server upgrade — ends July 30.

If you are in Miami for the S. P. Richards Advantage Business Conference, we'll be happy to answer any of your questions there. Please stop by Booth #653.

For more details, see our updated System Requirements.

Need Help? (800) 366-4778 • https://support.ecisolutions.com • ddmssupport@ecisolutions.com

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