Microsoft Gold Certified Consulting

MS Windows Server 2003
The Windows Server 2003 platform offers a robust, enterprise-class networking environment that delivers important improvements over the earlier Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. These powerful features strengthen the core of availability, expandability and security offered by Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, making Windows 2003 more efficient, more dependable, and more protected than earlier versions of Windows server operating system.

The Microsoft Windows Server 2003 family is available in four editions:

• Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, is a reliable server platform for the everyday requirements of businesses of any size, offering an efficient solution for file and printer sharing, protected Internet access, centralized PC software management, and a rich integrated network for employees, partners, and clients.
• Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the OS best suited for large enterprises as well as small and mid-size companies to develop, deploy, and protect reliable applications, Web commerce, and network architecture.
• Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, is engineered for mission-critical applications that require high levels of expandability and availability.
• Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is optimized for serving web sites, while maintaining the basic functions that support enhanced reliability, manageability, and protection.

• Active Directory performance and versatility is quicker and more dependable over unreliable WAN connections thanks to faster synchronization and replication plus storing of credentials in remote office domain controllers.
• Improvements to the Distributed File System and Encrypting File System allow for highly functional, flexible file sharing and storage.
• Enhanced Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) providers and command-line utilities for system tasks give administrators great granular control.
• To make file storage and archiving simpler, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 includes the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), which offers time-specific copies of networked shares. Users can easily recover older versions of their work through the Windows Explorer utility by right-clicking on a name or icon.
• Windows Server 2003 is ideal for supporting XML-based Web services as a result of native support of Microsoft .NET and EXtensible Markup Language with the inclusion of the .NET Framework.
• Important networking enhancements in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 include Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPoE), and Internet Protocol Security over Network Address Translation.
• Common Language Runtime (CLR) safeguards networks from malicious or poorly designed software.
• Credential Management offers a safe depository of user credentials, including passwords and X.509 certificates. This allows a common sign-on experience for users, even roaming users.
• The Encrypting File System (EFS) is the technique utilized to hold encrypted files on NTFS volumes. Encrypted files and folders are simple to use because they appear exactly the same as any other file: transparent to legitimate users but inaccessible to others. The Encrypting File System (EFS) is especially advantageous for traveling clients who usually work under a greater danger of PC theft.
• Enhanced support for virtual private network (VPN) technologies, including a remote access server that provides both dial-up and virtual private network connections, providing versatility and protection for remote connectivity.
• 802.1x wireless network support provides protection and performance enhancements for wireless LANs. These include programmed key management and user authentication and authorization prior to network access. Fast recovery practically eliminates packet corruption and interruption over slow wireless links.
• Headless server provides the capability to integrate and administer a computer without a monitor, VGA display adaptor, keyboard, or mouse. Compatibility with management controllers and ports allows servers to be controlled even when a computer has crashed.
• Auto-configuration for a variety of networks provides the mobile PC user seamless operations on both office and home networks without having to manually redo TCP/IP settings.
• VoIP enhances Remote Assistance by supporting a voice session at the time the Remote Help Connection is established.

In order to get in touch with Progent about engineering assistance for Microsoft Windows Server networking, call 1-800-993-9400 or send email to windows-server-help@progent.com.

Progent's Consulting Services for Microsoft .NET Servers
For small and mid-sized businesses in the San Francisco region, Northern California, or anywhere in the U.S., Progent's Microsoft-certified consultants can provide network help and professional consulting services for the entire family of Microsoft .NET Enterprise Servers, Microsoft Windows 2008 Server, and Windows 2003 Server. Progent's planning, installation, optimization, and support capabilities cover system architecture, deployment, and management help for project management and documentation, on-site and remote IT help and network troubleshooting, Help Desk Support, comprehensive security consulting, full-service outsourcing, and application server hosting options.

If you needs immediate online help from a certified network expert, refer to Progent's Urgent Remote Network Help.

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