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Windows Server 2003
Microsoft's Windows Server 2003 platform offers a robust, enterprise-class computing platform that brings significant improvements over its predecessor, Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. These added features build on the foundation of reliability, scalability and security offered by Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, making Microsoft Windows Server 2003 more efficient, more dependable, and more secure than earlier releases of Microsoft Windows server platform.

The MS Windows Server 2003 family comprises four editions:

• Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, is a reliable server OS for the common requirements of companies of any size, offering an efficient solution for file and peripheral sharing, protected Internet connectivity, centralized desktop software management, and a powerful connected environment for employees, partners, and clients.
• Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the OS of choice for big enterprises as well as small and mid-size businesses to create, deliver, and protect reliable applications, Web commerce, and infrastructure.
• Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, is best suited for business-critical applications that require high levels of scalability and availability.
• Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is intended for serving web sites, while maintaining the core features that support enhanced reliability, manageability, and security.

• Active Directory performance and versatility is quicker and more robust over unreliable wide area network links thanks to more efficient synchronization and replication as well as storing of credentials in branch office domain controllers.
• Enhancements to the Distributed File System (DFS) and Encrypting File System allow for highly functional, flexible file sharing and storage.
• Enhanced Windows Management Instrumentation providers and command-line utilities for server tasks offers IT managers great granular control.
• To make storage and backup easier, MS Windows Server 2003 incorporates the Volume Shadow Copy Service, which provides point-in-time backups of networked shares. Users can easily recover previous versions of their files through the Windows Explorer by right-clicking on a name or icon.
• Windows Server 2003 is optimized for hosting XML-based Web services thanks to native compatibility with Microsoft .NET and EXtensible Markup Language with the incorporation of the .NET Framework.
• Significant networking improvements in 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 (NAT).
• Common Language Runtime (CLR) protects networks from malicious or badly designed code.
• Credential Management offers a safe store of client credentials, such as passwords and public key infrastructure (X.509) certificates. This allows a common sign-on experience for users, even roaming ones.
• The Encrypting File System is the technique used to hold encrypted files on NTFS volumes. Encrypted files and folders are easy to work with as they look just like any other file: transparent to legitimate users but unavailable to others. The Encrypting File System is especially beneficial for mobile users who usually face a greater risk of computer theft.
• Enhanced support for VPN technologies, such as a remote access server that provides both dial-up and VPN connections, providing flexibility and security for remote connectivity.
• 802.1x wireless network support offers protection and speed improvements for wireless local area networks (LANs). Among these are automatic key management and user authentication and authorization prior to network access. Fast recovery virtually does away with packet corruption and interruption over high-latency wireless links.
• Headless server provides the capability to install and administer a computer without a monitor, VGA display adaptor, keyboard, or mouse. Support for management controllers and management ports enables servers to be managed even when a system has crashed.
• Auto-configuration for multiple networks offers the mobile computer user transparent functionality on both office and remote networks without being required to manually redo TCP/IP configurations.
• VoIP improves Remote Assistance by enabling a voice session at the time the Remote Help Connection is initiated.

Microsoft has terminated support for Windows Server 2003. It is therefore prudent to consider migrating to an up-to-date version of Windows Server. If you are interested in moving up to Windows Server 2012 R2, Progent offers cost-effective Windows Server 2012 R2 planning and configuration consulting services to make sure your upgrade finishes on schedule and within your budget. If you are planning on creating a hybrid architecture that combines local resources with cloud-based services like those offered by Microsoft Azure, Progent can help you assess and deploy Windows Server 2016, which incorporates major elements of Microsoft Azure technology and is intended to accommodate hybrid networks. See Progent's Windows Server 2016 hybrid integration.

Progent's Consulting Services for Microsoft Technology
For organizations of all sizes anywhere in the U.S., Progent's Microsoft-authorized consultants can provide affordable remote network help and professional consulting services for the entire family of Microsoft .NET servers. Progent can deliver Windows Server 2019 upgrade consulting, Windows Server 2016 hybrid cloud solutions, Windows Server 2012 R2 deployment assistance, Windows Server 2008 R2 expertise, and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 technical support. Progent's migration, integration, optimization, and support services cover network architecture, configuration, and management outsourcing for project analysis and documentation, local and remote IT help and system diagnosis, Help Desk Call Center Services, certified security consulting, turn-key outsourcing, and ProSight Virtual Hosting service.

Progent also can deliver a full range of online desktop support services including Windows 10 migration support, Microsoft Windows 8.1 configuration and support, Windows 7 maintenance, preparing for to 64-bit computing, Office and Office 365 integration, and streamlining desktop configuration.

If your company requires urgent remote support from a certified engineer, visit Progent's Urgent Online Network Support.

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

To contact Progent about consulting help for Windows Server technology, phone 1-800-993-9400 or visit Contact Progent.