Microsoft will end its support for Windows Server 2003 today, and the company is advising users to begin a migration plan soon if they have not done so already. This article shares advice and best practices from some institutions of higher education that already have made the transition.

An educational divide is emerging, "one separating students who have access to 21st century learning opportunities, and those who do not," according to a recent report compiled by the Evergreen Education Group. The report found that a number of states have adopted blended-learning programs, with 24 states and Washington, D.C., offering blended schools while others have not yet embraced the model.

Verizon and Microsoft officials met with President Barack Obama this week to discuss how the two companies could invest millions in education technology. Among other things, the Verizon Foundation is taking steps to support developments in science, technology, engineering and math courses, while Microsoft announced plans to help schools obtain lower-cost Windows-based devices.

D&H co-President Dan Schwab predicts demand for mobility and interconnectivity will help the company and its resellers in 2014. He also cites the need for continued communication and education among VARs and their customers, including as Microsoft ends support for Windows XP.

States are struggling to determine how to fund virtual schools, and supporters say online education often is funded at a lesser level than traditional schools. The average spending per pupil at a virtual school is $6,500, according to the International Association for K-12 Online Learning, while the average at traditional schools is between $7,200 and $8,300.