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MS Windows Server 2003
The Windows Server 2003 platform offers a robust, enterprise-class computing platform that brings important enhancements over the earlier Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. These added features build on the core of reliability, expandability and protection introduced in Microsoft Windows 2000, making Microsoft Windows 2003 Server more efficient, more reliable, and more protected than earlier releases of Windows server platform.

The Microsoft Windows Server 2003 product line comprises four editions:

• Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, is a reliable server operating system for the typical needs of businesses of all sizes, offering an effective answer for file and peripheral sharing, secure Internet connectivity, centralized desktop application management, and a powerful connected environment for workers, partners, and customers.
• Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the operating system of choice for big enterprises and for small and mid-size businesses to create, deploy, and secure robust applications, Web commerce, and network architecture.
• Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, is engineered for mission-critical applications that require high levels of scalability and availability.
• Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is designed for serving web sites, while retaining the basic functions that provide enhanced dependability, manageability, and protection.

• Active Directory performance and versatility is quicker and more dependable over marginal wide area network links because of more efficient synchronization and replication plus storing of credentials in remote office domain controllers.
• Improvements to the Distributed File System and Encrypting File System (EFS) enable highly functional, flexible file access and storage.
• Enhanced Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) providers and command-line utilities for server jobs give administrators great fine-grain control.
• To make file storage and archiving simpler, MS Windows Server 2003 includes the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), which provides point-in-time copies of networked shares. Users can easily recover previous versions of their work through the Windows Explorer by simply right-clicking on a name or icon.
• MS Windows Server 2003 is ideal for supporting XML-based Web services as a result of native support of .NET and EXtensible Markup Language with the inclusion of the .NET Framework.
• Important networking enhancements in Windows Server 2003 include Internet Protocol version 6, Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPoE), and Internet Protocol Security over Network Address Translation (NAT).
• Common Language Runtime protects systems from ill-intended or poorly written software.
• Credential Management provides a safe store of user credentials, including passwords and X.509 certificates. This provides a single sign-on protocol for users, even roaming users.
• The Encrypting File System is the technology used to store encrypted files on NTFS volumes. Encrypted files are easy to use as they appear exactly like any other file or folder: transparent to legitimate users but inaccessible to others. The Encrypting File System (EFS) is particularly advantageous for traveling users who may work under a greater risk of computer loss or theft.
• Advanced compatibility with VPN technologies, including a remote access server that provides both dial-up and virtual private network connections, providing versatility and protection for remote connectivity.
• 802.1x wireless network support offers security and performance enhancements for wireless local area networks (LANs). These include programmed key management and user authentication/authorization prior to LAN access. Prompt recovery practically eliminates packet corruption and interruption over high-latency wireless network connections.
• Headless server provides the capability to install and administer a computer without a monitor, VGA adaptor, keyboard, or mouse. Compatibility with management controllers and ports allows servers to be controlled even when a computer has died.
• Auto-configuration for a variety of networks offers the mobile PC user transparent operations 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 at the time the Remote Help Connection is established.

Microsoft has stopped providing support for Windows Server 2003. This makes it prudent to consider migrating to a current version 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 upgrade finishes on schedule and within budget. If you are considering building a hybrid architecture that combines on-premises resources with public cloud services like those available on Microsoft Azure, Progent can assist you evaluate and integrate Windows Server 2016, which is powered by important components of Azure technology and is intended to accommodate hybrid networks. Refer to Progent's Windows Server 2016 hybrid cloud solutions.

To get in touch with Progent about professional support for Windows Server, call 1-800-993-9400 or visit Contact Progent.

Progent's Support Services for Microsoft .NET Server Technology
For small companies anywhere in the U.S., Progent's Microsoft-authorized consultants can provide network help and IT consulting services for the whole family of Microsoft .NET Enterprise Servers and Windows Servers. Progent's migration, installation, update, and support services cover network design, configuration, and management help for project analysis and documentation, on-site and remote IT support and system diagnosis, Standard Help Desk Call Center Services or Shared Help Desk Call Center Support, comprehensive security expertise, turn-key outsourcing, and ProSight Virtual Hosting services.

In case your organization is looking for fast remote support from a certified consultant, visit Progent's Emergency Remote Computer Help.

Learn additional details about Progent's Consulting Services for Microsoft Server Technology.