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Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Microsoft's Windows Server 2003 operating system provides a robust, enterprise-ready computing environment that delivers important improvements over the earlier Windows 2000. These added features build on the foundation of availability, scalability and security offered by Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, making Windows 2003 faster, more dependable, and more secure than previous releases of Windows server platform.

The Microsoft Windows Server 2003 product line comprises four versions:

• Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, is a reliable server OS for the everyday requirements of businesses of all sizes, offering an efficient answer for file and printer sharing, protected Internet connectivity, centralized desktop software deployment, and a rich integrated environment for employees, associates, and customers.
• Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the operating system best suited for large organizations as well as small and medium-size businesses to develop, deliver, and protect reliable applications, web-based services, and network architecture.
• Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, is best suited for business-critical applications that demand excellent scalability and fault tolerance.
• Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is designed for serving web pages, while retaining the core features that support enhanced reliability, manageability, and security.

• Active Directory performance and versatility is quicker and more dependable over marginal WAN links thanks to more efficient synchronization and replication plus caching of credentials in remote office domain controllers.
• Enhancements to the Distributed File System (DFS) and Encrypting File System (EFS) enable highly functional, versatile file sharing and storage.
• Enhanced Windows Management Instrumentation providers and command-line tools for system jobs offers administrators exceptional granular control.
• To make storage and archiving easier, Windows Server 2003 includes the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), which offers point-in-time backups of networked shares. Users can easily access previous versions of their work through the Windows Explorer utility by simply right-clicking on a file or folder.
• Windows Server 2003 is optimized for supporting XML-based Web services as a result of integrated compatibility with Microsoft .NET and XML with the inclusion of the .NET Framework.
• Important networking improvements in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 include Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet, and Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) over Network Address Translation.
• Common Language Runtime protects systems from ill-intended or poorly written code.
• Credential Management provides a secure store of user credentials, including passwords and X.509 certificates. This allows a common sign-on experience for users, including roaming users.
• The Encrypting File System (EFS) is the technology used to hold encrypted files on NTFS volumes. Encrypted files and folders are easy to work with as they look just like any other file or folder: transparent to authorized users but unavailable to anyone else. The Encrypting File System is particularly beneficial for traveling clients who may face a greater risk of PC loss or theft.
• Advanced compatibility with virtual private network (VPN) environments, such as a remote access server that supports both dial-up and virtual private network connections, offering flexibility and protection for remote access.
• 802.1x wireless support offers security and performance enhancements for wireless LANs. These include programmed key management and user authentication and authorization prior to LAN access. Fast recovery practically does away with packet corruption and interruption over slow wireless network connections.
• Headless server provides the capability to install and administer a computer without a monitor, VGA adaptor, keyboard, or mouse. Support for management controllers and management ports enables servers to be managed even if a system has crashed.
• Auto-configuration for multiple networks offers the mobile computer user transparent operations on both office and remote networks without being required to manually redo TCP/IP configurations.
• Voice over IP (VoIP) improves Remote Assistance by supporting a voice session when the Remote Help Connection is established.

If you wish to ask Progent concerning technical assistance for Microsoft Windows Server networking, call 1-800-993-9400 or email windows-server-help@progent.com.

Progent's Consulting Services for Microsoft .NET Servers
For small companies anywhere in the United States, Progent's Microsoft-certified experts can provide network help and professional consulting services for the whole array of Microsoft .NET servers, Windows 2008 Server, and Windows Server 2003. Progent's migration, installation, optimization, and consulting services include system architecture, configuration, and administration help for project analysis and documentation, local and remote IT help and network repair, Help Desk Outsourcing Services, certified security consulting, IT outsourcing, and application server hosting services.

If you requires immediate remote help from a Microsoft certified engineer, visit Progent's Emergency Remote Computer Help.

Find out more details about Progent's Support Services for Microsoft Server Technology.