Windows Server 2003
Microsoft's Windows Server 2003 operating system offers a robust, enterprise-ready computing environment that delivers significant enhancements over its predecessor, Windows 2000 Server. These powerful features build on the foundation of reliability, scalability and security introduced in Windows 2000 Server, making Microsoft Windows Server 2003 more efficient, more reliable, and more protected than previous versions of Microsoft Windows server operating system.

The Windows Server 2003 family is available in four editions:

  • Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, is a dependable server OS for the common needs of businesses of any size, offering an effective answer for file and peripheral sharing, secure Internet access, centralized desktop application deployment, and a powerful connected environment among workers, associates, and clients.
  • Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the OS of choice for big organizations and for small and medium-size businesses to develop, deliver, and secure reliable applications, Web commerce, and network architecture.
  • Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, is best suited for mission-critical applications that require excellent scalability and fault tolerance.
  • Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is optimized for hosting web sites, while retaining the core features that support enhanced dependability, manageability, and security.
Benefits of Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003 offers a multitude of productive capabilities and improved functionality over Windows Server 2000. Improvements include:
  • Active Directory performance and versatility is faster and more robust over unreliable wide area network links thanks to faster synchronization and replication plus storing of credentials in branch office domain controllers.
  • Improvements to the Distributed File System (DFS) and Encrypting File System allow for highly functional, versatile file sharing and storage.
  • Advanced Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) providers and command-line tools for server tasks give administrators exceptional fine-grain control.
  • To make storage and backup easier, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 includes the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), which provides point-in-time backups of networked shares. Users can easily access previous versions of their work through the Windows Explorer by simply right-clicking on a name or icon.
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003 is ideal for supporting XML-based Web services as a result of integrated support of Microsoft .NET and EXtensible Markup Language with the incorporation of the .NET Framework.
  • Significant 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.
  • Common Language Runtime protects systems from malicious or badly designed code.
  • Credential Management offers a safe store of client credentials, such as passwords and X.509 certificates. This provides a common sign-on experience for users, even roaming ones.
  • The Encrypting File System is the technique utilized to hold encrypted files on NTFS volumes. Encrypted files and folders are simple to use because they look exactly the same as any other file: transparent to authorized users but unavailable to others. The Encrypting File System is particularly beneficial for traveling clients who usually face a greater risk of computer loss or theft.
  • Advanced compatibility with virtual private network environments, including a remote access server that provides both dial-up and virtual private network connections, offering versatility and security for remote connectivity.
  • 802.1x wireless network support provides protection and speed improvements for wireless LANs. These include programmed key management and user authentication and authorization in advance of network access. Fast recovery virtually eliminates packet corruption and interruption over high-latency wireless links.
  • 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 allows servers to be managed even if a system has crashed.
  • Auto-configuration for a variety of networks offers the mobile computer client seamless operations on both office and home networks without having to manually redo TCP/IP configurations.
  • Voice over IP (VoIP) improves Remote Assistance by supporting a voice session when the Remote Help Connection is initiated.
How Progent Can Deliver Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Assistance
The complexity and integration requirements of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 calls for an IT consultant with hands-on background and broad knowledge in planning and deploying viable, comprehensive business technology solutions. The skill of Progent's Microsoft-Premier consulting team, with an average of more than 10 years of consulting in Microsoft technology, assures you results in selecting the edition and setup of MS Windows Server 2003 that best aligns with your business requirements. Progent can help you with planning, integrating, supporting and maintaining advanced network solutions powered by Microsoft Windows Server 2003.

Microsoft has ended support for Windows Server 2003. It is therefore advisable to consider upgrading to a current version of Windows Server. If you are interested in moving up to Windows Server 2012 R2, Progent offers expert Windows Server 2012 R2 planning and configuration consulting support to ensure your project completes on schedule and within budget. If you are planning on creating a hybrid network model that combines local resources with public cloud services like those offered by Microsoft Azure, Progent can assist you evaluate and integrate Windows Server 2016, which incorporates major components of Azure technology and is intended to accommodate hybrid networks. Refer to Progent's Windows Server 2016 hybrid cloud integration.

In order to get in touch with Progent concerning professional expertise for Windows Server technology, phone 1-800-993-9400 or refer to Contact Progent.

Progent's Consulting and Support Services for Microsoft Server Products
For small and mid-sized companies across the United States, Progent's Microsoft-authorized consultants can provide computer help and professional consulting services for the whole family of Microsoft .NET Enterprise Servers and Microsoft Windows Servers. Progent's migration, installation, update, and support services include system design, configuration, and management help for project management and documentation, local and off-site IT help and system repair, Standard Call Center Services or Co-managed Help Desk Call Center Services, comprehensive security consulting, full-service outsourcing, and ProSight Virtual Hosting services.

In case your business requires immediate online support from a certified consultant, visit Progent's Urgent Remote Computer Help.

Find out additional information about Progent's Consulting and Support Services for Microsoft Server Products.