Windows Server 2003
The Windows Server 2003 platform provides a reliable, enterprise-class computing environment that brings significant enhancements over the earlier Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. These powerful features build on the foundation of availability, extensibility and protection offered by Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, making Windows Server 2003 faster, more dependable, and more protected than earlier versions of Windows server operating system.
The Microsoft Windows Server 2003 product line comprises four editions:
- Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, is a reliable server platform for the typical requirements of businesses of all sizes, offering an efficient answer for file and peripheral sharing, protected Internet connectivity, centralized PC application management, and a rich integrated network for employees, associates, and clients.
- Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the operating system best suited for large enterprises as well as small and mid-size companies to develop, deliver, and protect reliable applications, web-based commerce, and infrastructure.
- Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, is best suited for business-critical applications that demand high levels of scalability and availability.
- Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is designed for serving web sites, while retaining the basic functions that support enhanced dependability, manageability, and protection.
Features of Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003 offers a wealth of powerful features and improved functionality over Windows Server 2K. Highlights include:
- Active Directory performance and versatility is quicker and more robust over marginal wide area network connections thanks to more efficient synchronization and replication as well as caching of credentials in remote office domain controllers.
- Improvements to the Distributed File System (DFS) and Encrypting File System allow for highly functional, versatile file access and storage.
- Enhanced Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) providers and command-line tools for server jobs give IT managers great fine-grain control.
- To make storage and archiving easier, Windows Server 2003 incorporates the Volume Shadow Copy Service, which offers point-in-time backups of networked shares. Clients can easily access previous versions of their files through the familiar Windows Explorer by right-clicking on a file or folder.
- Windows Server 2003 is optimized for supporting XML-based Web services as a result of integrated support of Microsoft .NET and EXtensible Markup Language with the inclusion of the .NET Framework.
- Significant networking enhancements in Windows Server 2003 include Internet Protocol version 6, Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet, and Internet Protocol Security over Network Address Translation.
- Common Language Runtime safeguards networks from ill-intended or poorly written code.
- Credential Management provides a safe depository of client credentials, including passwords and public key infrastructure certificates. This provides a single sign-on experience for users, including roaming ones.
- EFS is the technique utilized to store encrypted files on NTFS volumes. Encrypted files and folders are simple to use as they appear exactly the same as any other file or folder: transparent to authorized users but inaccessible to anyone else. EFS is particularly beneficial for traveling users who usually work under a greater danger of PC loss or theft.
- Advanced support for virtual private network (VPN) environments, including a remote access server that provides both dial-up and virtual private network connections, providing flexibility and security for remote connectivity.
- 802.1x wireless support provides security and speed enhancements for wireless local area networks. These include programmed key management and user authentication in advance of LAN access. Fast recovery virtually eliminates packet corruption and interruption over slow wireless network connections.
- Headless server provides the ability to integrate and manage a computer without a monitor, VGA display adaptor, keyboard, or mouse. Compatibility with management controllers and management ports enables servers to be controlled even if a system has crashed.
- Auto-configuration for multiple networks offers the mobile PC user transparent functionality on both office and home environments without being required to manually redo TCP/IP configurations.
- VoIP enhances Remote Assistance by supporting a voice session when the Remote Help Connection is initiated.
How Progent Can Provide MS Windows Server 2003 Expertise
The complexity and configuration requirements of Windows Server 2003 calls for an IT expert with real-world expertise and broad knowledge in planning and building viable, end-to-end business technology solutions. The skill of Progent's Microsoft-Premier consulting team, with an average of more than a decade of background in Microsoft integration, assures you results in identifying the edition and configuration of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 that best aligns with your company goals. Progent can help you with planning, deploying, supporting and troubleshooting sophisticated IT solutions powered by MS Windows Server 2003.
Microsoft has ended support for Windows Server 2003. This makes it prudent to consider migrating to a current version of Windows Server. If you are considering moving up to Windows Server 2012 R2, Progent can provide expert Windows Server 2012 R2 migration support services to make sure your project finishes on time and within budget. If you are considering creating a hybrid architecture that integrates local systems with public cloud services like those available on Microsoft Azure, Progent can assist you assess and integrate Windows Server 2016, which is powered by major components of Microsoft Azure technology and is intended to support hybrid networks. See Progent's Windows Server 2016 hybrid cloud integration.
If you wish to contact Progent about engineering support for Windows Server technology, call 1-800-993-9400 or visit Contact Progent.
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