Question : Dell PowerEdge server life cycle -- predictions from real life experience

Opinions sought:  I inherited five Dell PowerEdge 2900/2950 servers running Windows 2003 Std 32-bit SP2.  Two of these are running out of their 3-year support agreement.  What is your real-life experience on the useful life of these servers? One is Exchange 2003 server for 25 users; one is data/SQL application server with same light loads.

1-year $1148 or $1148/yearly for 4-hour on-site
2-year $1724 or $862/yearly for 4-hour on-site   <-- I'm partial to this one
3-year $2068 or $689/year for 4-hour on-site

This gives me time to budget for replacements given the glacial pace of big-ticket approval around here; and if Dell will offer 4-hours parts/service that seems hopeful.

What about their potential to run Windows 2008... I'm already lagging with Win2K3 mainstream support ending.

I had no problem running "boutique" servers at my previous job up to five years [smart boutique] but I'm not familiar with Dell Power Edge server longevity overall, and never started out with already-aging OS.

Short, direct and specific answers desired; anecdotal evidence accepted.  Points split among quick convincing responders.

Answer : Dell PowerEdge server life cycle -- predictions from real life experience

Go to Control Panel -> User Accounts -> your user and look at User Account Control. It is more variable than Vista (on/off only) and can be lowered. If you are very careful, you can turn it off. That is an option that some persons here do not support, but in the end it is your decision. ... Thinkpads_User