Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Microsoft's Windows Server 2003 platform provides a reliable, enterprise-class computing platform that delivers significant improvements over the earlier Windows 2000. These added features build on the foundation of availability, scalability and protection offered by Microsoft Windows 2K Server, making Microsoft Windows Server 2003 faster, more reliable, and more protected than previous releases of Windows server platform.

The MS Windows Server 2003 family comprises four editions:

  • Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, is a reliable server platform for the typical needs of companies of all sizes, providing an efficient answer for data and printer sharing, secure Internet connectivity, centralized desktop software management, and a powerful integrated environment for employees, partners, and clients.
  • Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the platform of choice for big enterprises as well as small and medium-size companies to develop, deliver, and protect reliable applications, Web services, and network architecture.
  • Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, is best suited for mission-critical applications that demand high levels of expandability and fault tolerance.
  • Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is optimized for serving web sites, while retaining the core functions that provide advanced reliability, manageability, and protection.
Benefits of Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003 provides a wealth of powerful features and enhanced functionality over Windows 2000 Server. Improvements include:
  • Active Directory performance and versatility is faster and more robust over unreliable WAN links because of more efficient synchronization and replication plus storing of credentials in remote office domain controllers.
  • Improvements to the Distributed File System (DFS) and Encrypting File System allow for powerful, versatile file sharing and storage.
  • Advanced Windows Management Instrumentation providers and command-line tools for system jobs give administrators great granular control.
  • To make storage and backup easier, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 incorporates the Volume Shadow Copy Service, which offers point-in-time copies of networked shares. Clients can easily access previous versions of their files through the Windows Explorer utility by simply right-clicking on a file or folder.
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003 is optimized for supporting XML-based Web services thanks to native support of .NET and EXtensible Markup Language with the inclusion of the .NET Framework.
  • Significant networking improvements in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 include Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet, and Internet Protocol Security over Network Address Translation.
  • Common Language Runtime safeguards networks from malicious or badly written software.
  • Credential Management provides a safe store of client credentials, such as passwords and public key infrastructure (X.509) certificates. This provides a single sign-on protocol for users, even roaming users.
  • EFS is the technology used to store encrypted files on NTFS volumes. Encrypted files are simple to use as they appear just like any other file or folder: transparent to legitimate users but inaccessible to anyone else. The Encrypting File System is particularly advantageous for traveling users who usually work under a greater danger of PC loss or theft.
  • Enhanced support for virtual private network technologies, such as a remote access server that provides both dial-up and VPN connections, offering flexibility and protection for remote connectivity.
  • 802.1x wireless network support provides security and performance improvements for wireless LANs. These include automatic key management and user authentication/authorization in advance of network access. Prompt recovery virtually does away with packet corruption and interruption over slow wireless links.
  • Headless server allows the capability to install and administer a computer without a monitor, display adapter, keyboard, or mouse. Support for management controllers and management ports enables servers to be managed even when a computer has died.
  • Auto-configuration for multiple networks provides the mobile computer client seamless operations on both office and home environments without having to manually redo TCP/IP settings.
  • Voice over IP (VoIP) enhances Remote Assistance by supporting a voice session when the Remote Help Connection is established.
How Progent Can Deliver Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Assistance
The sophistication and integration demands of MS Windows Server 2003 calls for an IT professional with real-world expertise and broad knowledge in designing and deploying cohesive, comprehensive information technology solutions. The skill of Progent's Microsoft-Certified consultants, with an average of over a decade of background in Microsoft integration, ensures you results in selecting the edition and configuration of MS Windows Server 2003 that best aligns with your company goals. Progent can help you with planning, deploying, managing and maintaining advanced IT solutions based on Microsoft Windows Server 2003.

Microsoft has terminated support for Windows Server 2003. It is therefore advisable to think about upgrading to a current release of Windows Server. If you are interested in moving up to Windows Server 2012 R2, Progent can provide cost-effective Windows Server 2012 R2 migration consulting support to make sure your upgrade completes on schedule and within budget. If you are planning on creating a hybrid network model that combines on-premises resources with public cloud services like those offered by Microsoft Azure, Progent can help you assess and integrate Windows Server 2016, which incorporates major elements of Microsoft Azure technology and is designed to support hybrid networks. See Progent's Windows Server 2016 hybrid solutions.

If you wish to contact Progent about engineering expertise for Microsoft Windows Server technology, phone 1-800-993-9400 or see Contact Progent.

Progent's Consulting Services for Microsoft Server Products
For small and mid-sized companies across the United States, Progent's Microsoft-authorized consultants offer network assistance and professional consulting services for the entire family of Microsoft .NET servers, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2008, and Windows 2003 Server. Progent's planning, installation, update, and consulting capabilities include system design, deployment, and management help for project management and documentation, local and off-site technical support and system diagnosis, Help Desk Support, comprehensive security consulting, full-service outsourcing, and ProSight Virtual Hosting services.

If your organization is looking for fast online help from a Microsoft certified engineer, go to Progent's Emergency Remote Computer Help.

Learn more about Progent's Support Services for Microsoft .NET Server Technology.

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