Microsoft Gold-Certified Consulting

MS Windows Server 2003
The Windows Server 2003 platform offers a robust, enterprise-ready networking environment that brings significant improvements over its predecessor, Microsoft Windows 2000. These added features strengthen the foundation of reliability, expandability and protection introduced in Windows 2000, making Windows 2003 more efficient, more dependable, and more secure than earlier releases of Microsoft Windows server operating system.

The MS Windows Server 2003 family is available in four versions:

• Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, is a dependable server OS for the common requirements of companies of all sizes, offering an efficient answer for file and peripheral sharing, secure Internet access, centralized desktop software deployment, and a rich connected network among employees, partners, and customers.
• Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the platform of choice for big enterprises and for small and medium-size businesses to develop, deliver, and secure reliable applications, web-based services, and network architecture.
• Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, is best suited for mission-critical applications that require excellent scalability and availability.
• Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is intended for hosting web pages, while maintaining the core features that support enhanced reliability, manageability, and security.

• Active Directory performance and versatility is quicker and more robust over marginal wide area network links because of more efficient synchronization and replication as well as storing of credentials in remote office domain controllers.
• Enhancements to the Distributed File System and Encrypting File System enable powerful, flexible file sharing and storage.
• Advanced Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) providers and command-line utilities for server tasks offers administrators great fine-grain control.
• To make file storage and archiving simpler, Windows Server 2003 incorporates the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), which offers time-specific backups of networked shares. Users can easily recover previous versions of their work through the familiar Windows Explorer by simply right-clicking on a file or folder.
• MS Windows Server 2003 is ideal for supporting XML-based Web services as a result of built-in support of .NET and XML with the incorporation of the .NET Framework.
• Significant networking enhancements in MS 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 written software.
• Credential Management provides a secure depository of user credentials, including passwords and public key infrastructure certificates. This allows a common sign-on protocol for users, including roaming users.
• EFS is the technique used to store encrypted files on NTFS volumes. Encrypted files and folders are easy to use as they appear just the same as any other file or folder: transparent to authorized users but inaccessible to others. The Encrypting File System (EFS) is particularly advantageous for mobile users who usually face a greater danger of computer theft.
• Enhanced support for VPN technologies, including a remote access server that provides both dial-up and VPN links, offering flexibility and protection for remote connectivity.
• 802.1x wireless support provides protection and speed enhancements for wireless LANs. Among these are automatic key management and user authentication prior to network access. Fast recovery virtually does away with packet corruption and interruption over high-latency wireless network connections.
• Headless server provides the capability to integrate and manage a computer without a monitor, VGA display adaptor, keyboard, or mouse. Compatibility with management controllers and ports allows servers to be managed even when a system has died.
• Auto-configuration for a variety of networks offers the mobile PC user transparent functionality on both office and home networks without having to manually reconfigure TCP/IP configurations.
• Voice over IP (VoIP) enhances Remote Assistance by supporting a voice session when the Remote Help Connection is initiated.

Microsoft has terminated support for Windows Server 2003. This makes it advisable to consider upgrading to an up-to-date release of Windows Server. If your organization is considering moving up to Windows Server 2012 R2, Progent can provide expert Windows Server 2012 R2 migration consulting support to make sure your project completes on schedule and within budget. If you are considering creating a hybrid network model that combines on-premises systems with cloud-based services like those offered by Microsoft Azure, Progent can assist you assess and deploy Windows Server 2016, which is powered by important components of Azure technology and is designed to support hybrid environments. See Progent's Windows Server 2016 hybrid cloud integration.

To contact Progent concerning technical support for Windows Server networking, phone 1-800-993-9400 or visit Contact Progent.

Progent's Support Services for Microsoft .NET Servers
For small companies across the United States, Progent's Microsoft-certified experts can provide computer assistance and professional consulting support for the entire family of Microsoft .NET servers and Microsoft Windows Servers. Progent's migration, installation, update, and support capabilities include system design, deployment, and administration outsourcing for project management and documentation, on-site and off-site technical help and network troubleshooting, Standard Help Desk Call Center Support or Shared Help Desk Support, comprehensive security expertise, IT outsourcing, and ProSight Virtual Hosting services.

In case your company needs immediate online support from a certified network expert, go to Progent's Urgent Remote Computer Help.

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