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Windows Server 2003
The Windows Server 2003 platform provides a robust, enterprise-ready networking environment that brings significant enhancements over the earlier Microsoft Windows 2K Server. These added features build on the foundation of availability, scalability and protection offered by Windows 2000, making Windows 2003 faster, more dependable, and more protected than earlier versions of Windows server platform.

The Microsoft Windows Server 2003 family comprises four versions:

• Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, is a dependable server platform for the everyday requirements of companies of all sizes, offering an effective solution for file and peripheral sharing, secure Internet access, centralized PC software management, and a rich connected network among workers, partners, and customers.
• Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the OS of choice for large enterprises and for small and mid-size companies to create, deliver, and protect reliable applications, Web commerce, and infrastructure.
• Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, is engineered for mission-critical applications that demand excellent scalability and fault tolerance.
• Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is designed for serving web sites, while maintaining the basic functions that support enhanced dependability, manageability, and protection.

• Active Directory performance and versatility is quicker and more dependable over marginal WAN connections thanks to faster synchronization and replication as well as caching of credentials in branch office domain controllers.
• Improvements to the Distributed File System and Encrypting File System (EFS) allow for highly functional, versatile file access and storage.
• Enhanced Windows Management Instrumentation providers and command-line utilities for server jobs give IT managers great fine-grain control.
• To make file storage and backup easier, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 incorporates the Volume Shadow Copy Service, which offers time-specific copies of networked shares. Clients can easily recover older versions of their work through the Windows Explorer by simply right-clicking on a file or folder.
• Windows Server 2003 is ideal for supporting XML-based Web services thanks to built-in support of .NET and EXtensible Markup Language with the inclusion of the .NET Framework.
• Significant networking improvements in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 include Internet Protocol version 6, Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPoE), and Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) over Network Address Translation.
• Common Language Runtime protects systems from ill-intended or poorly written software.
• Credential Management offers a secure store of client credentials, such as passwords and public key infrastructure (X.509) certificates. This provides a common sign-on experience for users, even roaming ones.
• EFS is the technique used to store encrypted files on NTFS volumes. Encrypted files are easy to use as they appear just the same as any other file or folder: transparent to authorized users but unavailable to anyone else. EFS is especially advantageous for traveling users who usually face a greater danger of computer theft.
• Advanced compatibility with virtual private network (VPN) environments, such as a remote access server that provides both dial-up and VPN links, offering versatility and security for remote access.
• 802.1x wireless support provides protection and speed enhancements for wireless local area networks (LANs). Among these are programmed key management and user authentication in advance of LAN access. Fast recovery practically eliminates packet corruption and interruption over slow wireless links.
• Headless server provides the ability to integrate and administer a computer without a monitor, display adapter, keyboard, or mouse. Compatibility with management controllers and management ports allows servers to be controlled even when a system has crashed.
• Auto-configuration for multiple networks offers the mobile PC user transparent functionality on both office and remote networks without being required to manually reconfigure TCP/IP settings.
• VoIP enhances Remote Assistance by supporting a voice session when the Remote Help Connection is established.

Microsoft has terminated support for Windows Server 2003. It is therefore advisable to think about migrating to an up-to-date version of Windows Server. If you are interested in moving up to Windows Server 2012 R2, Progent can provide expert Windows Server 2012 R2 planning and configuration consulting support to make sure your upgrade completes on time and within your budget. If you are considering building a hybrid architecture that combines on-premises systems with public cloud services like those available on Microsoft Azure, Progent can help you evaluate and deploy Windows Server 2016, which incorporates important elements of Microsoft Azure technology and is intended to support hybrid networks. Refer to Progent's Windows Server 2016 hybrid solutions.

To contact Progent concerning professional assistance for Microsoft Windows Server technology, call 1-800-993-9400 or see Contact Progent.

Progent's Support Services for Microsoft Server Products
For small and mid-sized companies throughout the United States, Progent's Microsoft-authorized consultants offer network help and professional consulting support for the entire family of Microsoft .NET servers and Microsoft Windows Servers. Progent's planning, integration, update, and consulting services cover network architecture, deployment, and administration help for project analysis and documentation, on-site and remote IT help and network troubleshooting, Standard Help Desk Support or Co-managed Help Desk Call Center Services, comprehensive security expertise, IT outsourcing, and ProSight Virtual Hosting services.

In case your organization is looking for immediate remote support from a certified network expert, visit Progent's Urgent Remote Network Support.

Find out additional information concerning Progent's Consulting and Support Services for Microsoft .NET Server Technology.