Windows Server 2003
The Windows Server 2003 operating system offers a robust, enterprise-ready computing environment that brings important enhancements over its predecessor, Microsoft Windows 2000. These powerful features strengthen the foundation of reliability, expandability and security offered by Windows 2000 Server, making Microsoft Windows 2003 Server faster, more dependable, and more protected than previous releases of Microsoft Windows server platform.

The Windows Server 2003 family is available in four editions:

  • Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, is a dependable server operating system for the everyday needs of businesses of all sizes, providing an effective answer for file and peripheral sharing, secure Internet access, centralized PC software management, and a rich integrated environment for workers, associates, and customers.
  • Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the platform of choice for big organizations and for small and mid-size companies to create, deliver, and protect robust applications, Web commerce, and infrastructure.
  • Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, is engineered for business-critical applications that demand excellent expandability and fault tolerance.
  • Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is designed for hosting web sites, while maintaining the core functions that support advanced reliability, manageability, and protection.
Benefits of Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Windows Server 2003 provides a wealth of powerful capabilities and improved functionality over Windows 2000 Server. Improvements include:
  • Active Directory performance and flexibility is faster and more robust over unreliable WAN connections because of more efficient synchronization and replication as well as storing of credentials in branch office domain controllers.
  • Improvements to the Distributed File System (DFS) and Encrypting File System enable powerful, versatile file sharing and storage.
  • Advanced Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) providers and command-line tools for server tasks offers IT managers exceptional granular control.
  • To make storage and archiving easier, Windows Server 2003 incorporates the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), which provides point-in-time backups of networked shares. Clients can easily access older versions of their files through the familiar Windows Explorer utility by simply right-clicking on a file or folder.
  • Windows Server 2003 is ideal for supporting XML-based Web services as a result of integrated compatibility with Microsoft .NET and XML with the inclusion of the .NET Framework.
  • Important networking enhancements in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 include Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet, and Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) over Network Address Translation.
  • Common Language Runtime (CLR) protects systems from malicious or badly written software.
  • Credential Management provides a secure store of user credentials, such as passwords and X.509 certificates. This provides a common sign-on experience for users, even roaming ones.
  • EFS is the technology utilized to hold encrypted files on NTFS volumes. Encrypted files and folders are easy to use as they appear exactly the same as any other file or folder: transparent to authorized users but inaccessible to anyone else. EFS is particularly advantageous for traveling clients who usually work under a higher risk of computer theft.
  • Enhanced compatibility with virtual private network (VPN) technologies, including a remote access server that supports both dial-up and VPN links, offering versatility and protection for remote connectivity.
  • 802.1x wireless network support provides protection and performance improvements for wireless local area networks. Among these are programmed key management and user authentication prior to network access. Fast recovery practically does away with packet corruption and interruption over slow wireless links.
  • Headless server provides the capability to integrate and administer a computer without a monitor, VGA adaptor, keyboard, or mouse. Compatibility with management controllers and ports allows servers to be managed even if a system has died.
  • Auto-configuration for a variety of networks provides the mobile PC user seamless functionality on both office and remote networks without having to manually reconfigure TCP/IP settings.
  • Voice over IP improves Remote Assistance by enabling a voice session at the time the Remote Help Connection is initiated.
How Progent Can Provide Windows Server 2003 Assistance
The complexity and configuration demands of Windows Server 2003 calls for a network expert with hands-on expertise and wide knowledge in planning and deploying viable, 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 integration, assures you success in identifying the version and setup of Windows Server 2003 that best matches your company goals. Progent can help you with designing, deploying, managing and troubleshooting sophisticated IT solutions based on Windows Server 2003.

Microsoft has ended support for Windows Server 2003. This makes it advisable to think about upgrading to a current release of Windows Server. If you are interested in transitioning to Windows Server 2012 R2, Progent offers cost-effective Windows Server 2012 R2 migration support services to ensure your upgrade finishes on schedule and within your budget. If you are planning on creating a hybrid architecture that combines on-premises systems with public cloud services like those offered by Microsoft Azure, Progent can assist you assess and integrate Windows Server 2016, which is powered by major components of Azure technology and is intended to accommodate hybrid environments. Refer to Progent's Windows Server 2016 hybrid cloud integration.

Progent's Consulting Services for Microsoft Technology
For businesses of all sizes in the region or anywhere in the U.S., Progent's Microsoft-certified experts offer affordable online computer assistance and professional consulting services for the whole array of Microsoft .NET Enterprise Servers. Progent offers Windows Server 2019 migration consulting, Windows Server 2016 hybrid cloud solutions, Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 configuration support, Windows 2008 Server consulting, and Windows Server 2003 upgrade help. Progent's planning, integration, optimization, and consulting capabilities cover network architecture, deployment, and administration outsourcing for project management and documentation, local and remote IT support and system repair, Help Desk Support, certified security consulting, IT outsourcing, Microsoft Exchange Server hosting and management, and ProSight Virtual Hosting.

Progent also offers a wide array of remote PC desktop consulting and support services such as Windows 10 planning and migration consulting, Windows 8.1 expertise, Microsoft Windows 7 technical support, preparing for to 64-bit computing, Microsoft Office and Office 365 collaboration support, and automating workstation deployment.

In case your company requires urgent remote help from a certified engineer, visit Progent's Urgent Online Computer Help.

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

To contact Progent about engineering expertise for Windows Server integration, call 1-800-993-9400 or visit Contact Progent.

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