MS Windows Server 2003
The Windows Server 2003 operating system provides a robust, enterprise-class computing platform that delivers important enhancements over the earlier Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. These powerful features strengthen the foundation of availability, extensibility and security introduced in Windows Server 2000, making Windows 2003 Server more efficient, more dependable, and more protected than previous releases of Windows server operating system.

The Microsoft Windows Server 2003 product line comprises four versions:

  • Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, is a dependable server platform for the everyday needs of companies of any size, providing an efficient answer for data and peripheral sharing, secure Internet access, centralized desktop software deployment, and a powerful connected environment among workers, partners, and clients.
  • Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the OS of choice for large organizations as well as small and medium-size companies to develop, deliver, and protect robust applications, Web commerce, and infrastructure.
  • Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, is best suited for mission-critical applications that require high levels of scalability and availability.
  • Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is optimized for hosting web sites, while retaining the core features that support enhanced reliability, manageability, and security.
Benefits of Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003 offers a multitude of powerful features and enhanced functionality over Windows 2000 Server. Highlights include:
  • Active Directory performance and versatility is quicker and more dependable over marginal wide area network links because of faster synchronization and replication as well as storing of credentials in branch office domain controllers.
  • Enhancements to the Distributed File System (DFS) and Encrypting File System allow for highly functional, versatile file sharing and storage.
  • Advanced Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) providers and command-line utilities for system jobs give IT managers great fine-grain control.
  • To make file storage and archiving simpler, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 incorporates the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), which provides point-in-time copies of networked shares. Users can easily access previous versions of their work through the Windows Explorer utility by simply right-clicking on a name or icon.
  • MS Windows Server 2003 is optimized for hosting XML-based Web services as a result of integrated support of .NET and XML with the incorporation of the .NET Framework.
  • Important networking improvements in MS Windows Server 2003 include Internet Protocol version 6, Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet, and Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) over Network Address Translation (NAT).
  • Common Language Runtime (CLR) protects systems from ill-intended or badly written code.
  • Credential Management offers a safe depository of user credentials, such as passwords and public key infrastructure (X.509) certificates. This provides a single sign-on protocol for users, including roaming ones.
  • EFS is the technique used to hold encrypted files on NTFS volumes. Encrypted files are simple to work with as they appear just like any other file or folder: transparent to legitimate users but unavailable to anyone else. The Encrypting File System is particularly beneficial for mobile clients who may work under a higher risk of PC theft.
  • Advanced compatibility with virtual private network technologies, including a remote access server that provides both dial-up and VPN connections, offering versatility and security for remote access.
  • 802.1x wireless support provides security and speed improvements for wireless LANs. Among these are automatic key management and user authentication and authorization prior to network access. Fast recovery virtually does away with packet corruption and interruption over slow wireless network connections.
  • Headless server allows the ability to integrate and manage a computer without a monitor, display adapter, keyboard, or mouse. Support for management controllers and management ports enables servers to be managed even when a computer has died.
  • Auto-configuration for multiple networks provides the mobile computer user transparent operations on both office and remote networks without having to manually reconfigure TCP/IP settings.
  • VoIP improves Remote Assistance by enabling a voice session at the time the Remote Help Connection is established.
How Progent Can Provide Windows Server 2003 Expertise
The sophistication and integration requirements of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 requires an IT expert with hands-on expertise and wide knowledge in designing and building cohesive, comprehensive information network solutions. The experience of Progent's Microsoft-Certified consultants, with an average of more than a decade of background in Microsoft technology, assures you success in identifying the version and setup of Windows Server 2003 that best matches your company requirements. Progent can help you with designing, integrating, supporting and troubleshooting sophisticated network solutions powered by MS Windows Server 2003.

Microsoft has terminated support for Windows Server 2003. This makes it prudent to consider upgrading to a current release of Windows Server. If you are considering moving up to Windows Server 2012 R2, Progent can provide cost-effective Windows Server 2012 R2 planning and configuration consulting services to make sure your project completes on schedule and within your budget. If you are planning on creating a hybrid network model that combines on-premises systems with cloud-based services like those available on Microsoft Azure, Progent can assist you assess and deploy Windows Server 2016, which incorporates important components of Microsoft Azure technology and is intended to accommodate hybrid networks. See Progent's Windows Server 2016 hybrid cloud integration.

If you wish to contact Progent about consulting support for Windows Server networking, call 1-800-993-9400 or refer to Contact Progent.

Progent's Consulting and Support Services for Microsoft Server Products
For small companies across the U.S., Progent's Microsoft-authorized consultants can provide network assistance and professional consulting support for the whole array of Microsoft .NET servers, Microsoft Windows 2012 R2 Server, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, and Windows 2003 Server. Progent's planning, integration, optimization, and support capabilities cover network architecture, configuration, and administration help for project analysis and documentation, local and off-site technical support and system troubleshooting, Help Desk Call Center Support, comprehensive security consulting, turn-key outsourcing, and ProSight Virtual Hosting services.

In case your company requires fast online help from a Microsoft certified network expert, visit Progent's Urgent Online Network Help.

Read more information about Progent's Consulting Services for Microsoft .NET Server Technology.

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