Microsoft Certified Consultants

Windows Server 2003
The Windows Server 2003 operating system provides a reliable, enterprise-ready computing platform that delivers important improvements over the earlier Windows 2000 Server. These powerful features build on the foundation of reliability, scalability and security introduced in Windows Server 2000, making Windows Server 2003 more efficient, more reliable, and more secure than earlier releases of Windows server platform.

The Microsoft Windows Server 2003 family comprises four editions:

• Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, is a reliable server OS for the typical requirements of companies of all sizes, offering an efficient solution for file and printer sharing, protected Internet access, centralized desktop software deployment, and a rich connected environment among workers, associates, and customers.
• Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the platform best suited for large enterprises as well as small and mid-size companies to develop, deploy, and protect reliable applications, Web services, and infrastructure.
• Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, is engineered for business-critical applications that require high levels of expandability and availability.
• Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is designed for serving web pages, while maintaining the basic features that support enhanced dependability, manageability, and protection.

• Active Directory performance and versatility is quicker and more dependable over marginal WAN connections thanks to more efficient synchronization and replication as well as caching of credentials in remote office domain controllers.
• Enhancements to the Distributed File System and Encrypting File System enable highly functional, versatile file sharing and storage.
• Enhanced Windows Management Instrumentation providers and command-line tools for system tasks offers administrators exceptional fine-grain control.
• To make storage and archiving easier, MS Windows Server 2003 incorporates the Volume Shadow Copy Service, which offers time-specific copies of networked shares. Clients can easily access older versions of their work through the familiar Windows Explorer utility by right-clicking on a name or icon.
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003 is ideal for supporting XML-based Web services as a result of native compatibility with Microsoft .NET and XML 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 (PPoE), and Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) over Network Address Translation.
• Common Language Runtime (CLR) protects systems from malicious or badly designed code.
• Credential Management offers a safe store of user credentials, such as passwords and public key infrastructure certificates. This allows a single sign-on protocol for users, even roaming users.
• The Encrypting File System is the technique used to store encrypted files on NTFS volumes. Encrypted files are easy to use as they appear just the same as any other file or folder: transparent to legitimate users but inaccessible to others. EFS is especially beneficial for mobile users who may face a higher danger of computer theft.
• Advanced support for virtual private network (VPN) environments, including a remote access server that supports both dial-up and virtual private network links, providing versatility and security for remote connectivity.
• 802.1x wireless support provides protection and speed enhancements for wireless LANs. These include programmed key management and user authentication and authorization in advance of LAN access. Fast recovery virtually does away with packet corruption and interruption over high-latency wireless links.
• Headless server allows the capability to install and manage a computer without a monitor, display adapter, 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 offers the mobile computer user seamless operations on both office and remote networks without being required to manually reconfigure TCP/IP settings.
• Voice over IP (VoIP) enhances Remote Assistance by enabling a voice session when the Remote Help Connection is initiated.

Microsoft has ended support for Windows Server 2003. It is therefore prudent to consider upgrading to a current release of Windows Server. If your organization is interested in moving up to Windows Server 2012 R2, Progent offers expert Windows Server 2012 R2 planning and configuration consulting support to ensure your upgrade completes on schedule and within your budget. If you are planning on building a hybrid network model that combines on-premises resources with cloud-based services like those available on Microsoft Azure, Progent can help you assess and deploy Windows Server 2016, which incorporates major components of Azure technology and is designed to accommodate hybrid networks. Refer to Progent's Windows Server 2016 hybrid cloud integration.

Progent's Consulting Services for Microsoft Technology
For companies of all sizes throughout the U.S., Progent's Microsoft-authorized consultants offer low-cost remote network help and professional consulting support for the whole family of Microsoft .NET servers. Progent can deliver Windows Server 2019 upgrade expertise, Windows Server 2016 hybrid cloud integration, Windows Server 2012 R2 configuration support, Windows Server 2008 R2 consulting, and Windows Server 2003 upgrade help. Progent's migration, installation, optimization, and support services include system architecture, deployment, and administration help for project analysis and documentation, local and remote technical help and network troubleshooting, Help Desk Services, comprehensive security expertise, turn-key outsourcing, Exchange hosting, and ProSight Virtual Hosting service.

Progent also can deliver a full array of online desktop support and troubleshooting services such as Windows 10 migration consulting, Microsoft Windows 8.1 expertise, Microsoft Windows 7 technical support, upgrading to 64-bit computing, Microsoft Office and Office 365 collaboration support, and streamlining Business Desktop Deployment.

If your business needs urgent online support from a Microsoft certified network expert, go to Progent's Emergency Online Computer Support.

Learn more about Progent's Consulting Services for Microsoft Servers.

In order to contact Progent concerning consulting support for Windows Server technology, phone 1-800-993-9400 or see Contact Progent.