Windows Server 2003
The Windows Server 2003 platform offers a reliable, enterprise-class computing platform that brings important improvements over the earlier Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. These added features strengthen the core of availability, expandability and security introduced in Windows 2000, making Microsoft Windows Server 2003 more efficient, more dependable, and more secure than previous releases of Microsoft Windows server operating system.

The Microsoft Windows Server 2003 product line comprises four versions:

  • Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, is a dependable server operating system for the everyday needs of companies of all sizes, providing an efficient solution for file and peripheral sharing, secure Internet access, centralized desktop application deployment, and a rich integrated environment for employees, partners, and clients.
  • Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the platform best suited for large enterprises as well as small and mid-size businesses to create, deliver, and secure robust applications, web-based commerce, and infrastructure.
  • Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, is engineered for mission-critical applications that require excellent expandability and fault tolerance.
  • Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is designed for serving web pages, while retaining the core functions that provide advanced dependability, manageability, and protection.
Benefits of Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 provides a wealth of powerful features and improved functionality over Windows 2000 Server. Highlights include:
  • Active Directory performance and versatility is faster and more robust over unreliable WAN links because of faster synchronization and replication as well as storing of credentials in remote office domain controllers.
  • Improvements to the Distributed File System and Encrypting File System (EFS) allow for powerful, versatile file sharing and storage.
  • Enhanced Windows Management Instrumentation providers and command-line utilities for server tasks offers IT managers exceptional granular control.
  • To make storage and backup simpler, Windows Server 2003 includes the Volume Shadow Copy Service, which provides point-in-time copies of networked shares. Users can easily access older versions of their work through the familiar Windows Explorer by right-clicking on a name or icon.
  • Windows Server 2003 is optimized for hosting XML-based Web services as a result of native support of Microsoft .NET and XML with the incorporation of the .NET Framework.
  • Important networking enhancements in MS Windows Server 2003 include Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), 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 software.
  • Credential Management offers a secure depository of client credentials, such as passwords and public key infrastructure certificates. This allows a single sign-on experience for users, even roaming users.
  • EFS is the technology used to store encrypted files on NTFS volumes. Encrypted files and folders are easy to use because they look exactly like any other file or folder: transparent to legitimate users but inaccessible to others. The Encrypting File System (EFS) is particularly advantageous for mobile clients who usually work under a greater risk of PC theft.
  • Enhanced compatibility with VPN technologies, including a remote access server that provides both dial-up and virtual private network links, offering flexibility and security for remote access.
  • 802.1x wireless support provides protection and speed improvements for wireless LANs. These include automatic key management and user authentication and authorization in advance of LAN access. Prompt recovery virtually eliminates packet corruption and interruption over high-latency wireless links.
  • Headless server provides the ability to install and manage a computer without a monitor, display adapter, keyboard, or mouse. Support for management controllers and management ports allows servers to be managed even if a computer has died.
  • Auto-configuration for multiple networks offers the mobile computer user seamless functionality on both office and remote networks without being required to manually reconfigure TCP/IP settings.
  • VoIP enhances Remote Assistance by enabling a voice session when the Remote Help Connection is initiated.
How Progent Can Deliver Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Help
The sophistication and configuration demands of Windows Server 2003 requires a network consultant with hands-on expertise and wide knowledge in planning and building cohesive, comprehensive information network solutions. The knowledge and experience of Progent's Microsoft-Certified consultants, with an average of more than a decade of consulting in Microsoft integration, ensures you results in selecting the edition and configuration of Windows Server 2003 that best aligns with your business requirements. Progent can assist you with planning, deploying, managing and maintaining advanced network solutions powered by MS Windows Server 2003.

Microsoft has ended support for Windows Server 2003. It is therefore advisable to think about migrating to a current version of Windows Server. If your organization is considering transitioning to Windows Server 2012 R2, Progent can provide cost-effective Windows Server 2012 R2 migration consulting support to ensure your project completes on time and within budget. If you are considering building a hybrid network model that combines local systems with public cloud services like those available on Microsoft Azure, Progent can help you evaluate and deploy Windows Server 2016, which is powered by important components of Microsoft Azure technology and is designed to support hybrid environments. See Progent's Windows Server 2016 hybrid cloud solutions.

If you wish to ask Progent concerning engineering assistance for 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 businesses throughout the United States, Progent's Microsoft-certified experts offer computer help and IT consulting services for the whole array of Microsoft .NET Enterprise Servers and Microsoft Windows Servers. Progent's planning, installation, update, and support services cover system design, configuration, and administration outsourcing for project management and documentation, local and off-site IT support and system diagnosis, Standard Call Center Support or Co-managed Call Center Support, certified security expertise, turn-key outsourcing, and ProSight Virtual Hosting services.

If your company requires immediate remote help from a Microsoft certified engineer, refer to Progent's Urgent Remote Network Help.

Read additional information about Progent's Consulting and Support Services for Microsoft .NET Servers.

More topics of interest: