Windows Server 2003
The Windows Server 2003 platform provides a reliable, enterprise-ready computing platform that brings important improvements over its predecessor, Windows 2000. These powerful features build on the core of availability, expandability and security offered by Microsoft Windows 2K Server, making Windows 2003 more efficient, more reliable, and more protected than earlier releases of Windows server operating system.
The Windows Server 2003 family is available in four versions:
- Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition, is a reliable server platform for the everyday requirements of companies of all sizes, providing an effective solution for data and printer sharing, secure Internet connectivity, centralized PC software deployment, and a rich integrated network among workers, partners, and customers.
- Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the OS of choice for big organizations and for small and medium-size companies to develop, deploy, and secure robust applications, web-based services, and infrastructure.
- Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, is engineered for business-critical applications that demand high levels of scalability and fault tolerance.
- Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is designed for hosting web pages, while retaining the core functions that support advanced reliability, manageability, and security.
Features of Microsoft Windows Server 2003
MS Windows Server 2003 provides a multitude of productive capabilities and improved functionality over Windows Server 2K. Improvements include:
- Active Directory performance and flexibility is quicker and more dependable over unreliable WAN connections because of faster synchronization and replication plus caching of credentials in remote office domain controllers.
- Enhancements to the Distributed File System (DFS) and Encrypting File System allow for highly functional, flexible file access and storage.
- Advanced Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) providers and command-line tools for server tasks offers administrators exceptional granular control.
- To make file storage and backup simpler, MS Windows Server 2003 includes the Volume Shadow Copy Service, which provides point-in-time backups of networked shares. Users can easily recover older versions of their work through the familiar Windows Explorer by simply right-clicking on a name or icon.
- MS Windows Server 2003 is ideal for hosting XML-based Web services thanks to built-in support of Microsoft .NET and XML with the inclusion of the .NET Framework.
- Important networking enhancements 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 protects networks from malicious or poorly written code.
- Credential Management provides a safe store of user credentials, such as passwords and public key infrastructure (X.509) certificates. This allows a single sign-on protocol for users, including roaming users.
- The Encrypting File System is the technology used to hold encrypted files on NTFS volumes. Encrypted files are simple to work with as they appear just the same as any other file: transparent to authorized users but inaccessible to anyone else. The Encrypting File System is especially beneficial for mobile clients who may face a greater danger of computer theft.
- Advanced support for VPN environments, including a remote access server that supports both dial-up and VPN connections, offering versatility and protection for remote access.
- 802.1x wireless network support provides security and speed improvements for wireless local area networks. Among these are programmed key management and user authentication in advance of network access. Fast recovery virtually eliminates packet corruption and interruption over slow wireless links.
- Headless server provides the ability to integrate and manage a computer without a monitor, display adapter, keyboard, or mouse. Compatibility with management controllers and management ports enables servers to be controlled even if a computer has died.
- Auto-configuration for a variety of networks offers the mobile PC user seamless functionality on both office and home networks without having to manually redo TCP/IP configurations.
- Voice over IP (VoIP) improves Remote Assistance by enabling a voice session when the Remote Help Connection is established.
How Progent Can Deliver Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Assistance
The sophistication and configuration demands of MS Windows Server 2003 calls for a network consultant with real-world expertise and wide knowledge in planning and building cohesive, end-to-end business network solutions. The experience of Progent's Microsoft-Certified consultants, with an average of more than 10 years of consulting in Microsoft integration, ensures you results in identifying the edition and setup of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 that best matches your company goals. Progent can help you with planning, integrating, supporting and troubleshooting sophisticated IT solutions based on Microsoft Windows Server 2003.
Microsoft has ended support for Windows Server 2003. It is therefore prudent to consider migrating to an up-to-date version of Windows Server. If your organization is interested in transitioning to Windows Server 2012 R2, Progent offers expert Windows Server 2012 R2 migration consulting support to ensure your upgrade completes on schedule and within your budget. If you are planning on building a hybrid network model that integrates on-premises systems with cloud-based services like those available on Microsoft Azure, Progent can help you evaluate and integrate Windows Server 2016, which incorporates major elements of Microsoft Azure technology and is designed to support hybrid networks. Refer to Progent's Windows Server 2016 hybrid solutions.
Progent's Consulting Services for Microsoft Technology
For companies of any size throughout the United States, Progent's Microsoft-certified consultants can provide affordable online computer help and IT consulting services for the entire family of Microsoft .NET servers. Progent offers Windows Server 2022 planning and integration services, Windows Server 2019 upgrade consulting, Windows Server 2016 hybrid cloud integration, Windows Server 2012 R2 migration help, Microsoft Windows 2008 Server expertise, and Windows 2003 Server maintenance. Progent's planning, installation, optimization, and consulting capabilities include system architecture, configuration, and administration outsourcing for
project analysis and documentation, local and remote
IT support and system repair,
Help Desk Outsourcing Services, comprehensive
security expertise, turn-key
outsourcing, and ProSight Virtual Hosting.
Progent in addition offers a full array of online PC desktop support and troubleshooting services such as Windows 11 planning and upgrade assistance, Windows 10 integration consulting, Microsoft Windows 8.1 support, Microsoft Windows 7 technical support, moving to 64-bit computing, Microsoft Office desktop and Microsoft 365 integration, and streamlining Business Desktop Deployment.
In case your business needs immediate remote support from a Microsoft certified network expert, go to Progent's Urgent Remote Technical Help.
Learn more about Progent's Consulting Services for Microsoft Servers.
To contact Progent about consulting expertise for Windows Server integration, phone 1-800-993-9400 or see Contact Progent.