Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Microsoft's Windows Server 2003 platform provides a reliable, enterprise-ready computing platform that delivers significant enhancements over its predecessor, Windows 2000 Server. These powerful features strengthen the core of reliability, expandability and security offered by Microsoft Windows Server 2000, making Microsoft Windows 2003 faster, more dependable, and more protected than previous versions of Windows server platform.
The Microsoft Windows Server 2003 product line comprises four versions:
- Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, is a dependable server OS for the common requirements of companies of all sizes, offering an effective solution for file and peripheral sharing, secure Internet connectivity, centralized PC application management, and a powerful integrated environment for workers, associates, and customers.
- Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the OS best suited for big enterprises as well as small and mid-size businesses to develop, deliver, and secure robust applications, Web commerce, and infrastructure.
- Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, is best suited for business-critical applications that require high levels of expandability and fault tolerance.
- Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is optimized for serving web pages, while retaining the core features that provide enhanced dependability, manageability, and protection.
Features of Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 provides a multitude of productive capabilities and enhanced functionality over Windows Server 2000. Highlights include:
- Active Directory performance and versatility is quicker and more robust over marginal WAN connections because of faster synchronization and replication as well as storing of credentials in remote office domain controllers.
- Improvements to the Distributed File System (DFS) and Encrypting File System (EFS) allow for highly functional, flexible file access and storage.
- Advanced Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) providers and command-line utilities for system tasks give administrators great fine-grain control.
- To make file storage and archiving simpler, Windows Server 2003 incorporates the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), which offers time-specific copies of networked shares. Users can easily access previous versions of their files through the Windows Explorer utility by simply right-clicking on a file or folder.
- Windows Server 2003 is ideal for hosting XML-based Web services thanks to integrated compatibility with Microsoft .NET and EXtensible Markup Language with the inclusion of the .NET Framework.
- Important networking improvements 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 (CLR) protects networks from malicious or poorly written code.
- Credential Management provides a safe store of client credentials, such as passwords and X.509 certificates. This allows a common sign-on experience for users, even roaming users.
- The Encrypting File System (EFS) is the technique utilized to hold encrypted files on NTFS volumes. Encrypted files and folders are simple to use as they appear exactly the same as any other file: transparent to legitimate users but inaccessible to anyone else. The Encrypting File System (EFS) is especially beneficial for mobile users who usually work under a higher risk of PC loss or theft.
- Advanced compatibility with virtual private network (VPN) environments, including a remote access server that supports both dial-up and virtual private network connections, offering versatility and security for remote access.
- 802.1x wireless network support provides security and performance enhancements for wireless local area networks (LANs). These include programmed key management and user authentication and authorization in advance of LAN access. Prompt recovery virtually eliminates packet corruption and interruption over slow wireless network connections.
- Headless server provides the ability to integrate and administer a computer without a monitor, VGA display adaptor, keyboard, or mouse. Support for management controllers and management ports allows servers to be controlled even if a system has died.
- Auto-configuration for a variety of networks offers the mobile computer user transparent functionality on both office and home environments without having to manually redo TCP/IP configurations.
- Voice over IP improves Remote Assistance by enabling a voice session when the Remote Help Connection is established.
How Progent Can Deliver Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Expertise
The sophistication and configuration requirements of MS Windows Server 2003 calls for a network consultant with hands-on expertise and broad knowledge in designing and building cohesive, end-to-end business network solutions. The experience of Progent's Microsoft-Premier consultants, with an average of more than 10 years of background in Microsoft technology, ensures you success in selecting the version and configuration of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 that best matches your business goals. Progent can help you with planning, deploying, managing and troubleshooting sophisticated network solutions powered by Microsoft Windows Server 2003.
Microsoft has stopped providing 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 moving up to Windows Server 2012 R2, Progent can provide cost-effective Windows Server 2012 R2 planning and configuration support services to ensure your project finishes on time and within your budget. If you are considering building a hybrid architecture that combines on-premises systems with public cloud services like those available on Microsoft Azure, Progent can help you evaluate and deploy 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.
To contact Progent about technical support for Windows Server networking, call 1-800-993-9400 or visit Contact Progent.
Progent's Support Services for Microsoft Server Products
For small companies anywhere in the U.S., Progent's Microsoft-authorized experts can provide computer help and professional consulting services for the whole array of Microsoft .NET servers and Microsoft Windows Servers. Progent's planning, integration, optimization, and support capabilities include network architecture, configuration, and administration outsourcing for
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