Windows Server 2003
Microsoft's Windows Server 2003 operating system offers a reliable, enterprise-class networking environment that brings important enhancements over its predecessor, Microsoft Windows Server 2000. These powerful features build on the core of reliability, extensibility and protection introduced in Microsoft Windows 2K Server, making Microsoft Windows Server 2003 more efficient, more dependable, and more protected than previous versions of Microsoft Windows server operating system.
The Microsoft Windows Server 2003 product line is available in four editions:
- Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, is a dependable server operating system for the common needs of companies of all sizes, providing an effective answer for file and peripheral sharing, protected Internet access, centralized desktop software management, and a powerful connected environment for workers, partners, and customers.
- Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the operating system of choice for large enterprises as well as small and medium-size businesses to create, deploy, and secure reliable applications, web-based commerce, and network architecture.
- Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, is engineered for business-critical applications that require excellent scalability and fault tolerance.
- Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is intended for hosting web sites, while maintaining the basic features that support enhanced dependability, manageability, and security.
Benefits of Windows Server 2003
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 provides a wealth of productive features and improved functionality over Windows Server 2K. Improvements include:
- Active Directory performance and flexibility is faster and more dependable over marginal WAN connections thanks to more efficient synchronization and replication plus storing of credentials in remote office domain controllers.
- Enhancements to the Distributed File System (DFS) and Encrypting File System allow for powerful, flexible file access and storage.
- Enhanced Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) providers and command-line tools for system jobs give administrators exceptional granular control.
- To make file storage and backup easier, Windows Server 2003 includes the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), which provides point-in-time copies of networked shares. Clients can easily recover older versions of their work through the Windows Explorer utility by simply right-clicking on a name or icon.
- Windows Server 2003 is optimized for hosting XML-based Web services thanks to native support of .NET and XML with the inclusion of the .NET Framework.
- Significant networking improvements in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 include Internet Protocol version 6, Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPoE), and Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) over Network Address Translation (NAT).
- Common Language Runtime (CLR) protects systems from malicious or badly designed software.
- Credential Management offers a safe store of client credentials, such as passwords and X.509 certificates. This provides a single sign-on experience for users, including roaming ones.
- The Encrypting File System is the technology used to store encrypted files on NTFS volumes. Encrypted files and folders are simple to work with as they appear just like any other file or folder: transparent to authorized users but unavailable to anyone else. The Encrypting File System (EFS) is particularly beneficial for traveling users who may face a greater danger of computer loss or theft.
- Enhanced compatibility with VPN technologies, including a remote access server that supports both dial-up and virtual private network connections, offering flexibility and security for remote connectivity.
- 802.1x wireless network support offers protection and performance enhancements for wireless local area networks. These include automatic key management and user authentication in advance of network access. Fast recovery practically does away with packet corruption and interruption over slow wireless network connections.
- Headless server provides the capability to integrate and administer a computer without a monitor, VGA display adaptor, keyboard, or mouse. Compatibility with management controllers and ports allows servers to be controlled even when a computer has crashed.
- Auto-configuration for a variety of networks provides the mobile computer user seamless operations on both office and home networks without being required to manually redo TCP/IP settings.
- VoIP improves Remote Assistance by enabling a voice session when the Remote Help Connection is established.
How Progent Can Provide MS Windows Server 2003 Expertise
The sophistication and integration demands of MS Windows Server 2003 requires an IT consultant with real-world expertise and broad knowledge in designing and deploying viable, end-to-end information technology solutions. The skill of Progent's Microsoft-Certified consultants, with an average of more than 10 years of background in Microsoft technology, ensures you results in selecting the version and setup of MS Windows Server 2003 that best matches your company requirements. Progent can help you with designing, deploying, supporting and maintaining advanced IT solutions based on Microsoft Windows Server 2003.
Microsoft has terminated support for Windows Server 2003. It is therefore prudent to consider migrating to an up-to-date release of Windows Server. If your organization is interested in moving up to Windows Server 2012 R2, Progent can provide cost-effective Windows Server 2012 R2 migration consulting services to ensure your project completes on schedule and within budget. If you are planning on creating a hybrid network model that combines on-premises systems with cloud-based services like those offered by Microsoft Azure, Progent can help you evaluate and deploy Windows Server 2016, which incorporates important elements of Azure technology and is designed to accommodate hybrid environments. See Progent's Windows Server 2016 hybrid integration.
If you wish to get in touch with Progent concerning technical help for Windows Server, call 1-800-993-9400 or see Contact Progent.
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