Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Microsoft's Windows Server 2003 platform provides a reliable, enterprise-class computing platform that delivers important improvements over the earlier Windows 2000 Server. These added features build on the foundation of availability, expandability and protection introduced in Windows 2K Server, making Windows 2003 more efficient, more reliable, and more protected than earlier versions of 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 companies of any size, providing an efficient answer for data and peripheral sharing, secure Internet access, centralized PC application deployment, and a powerful integrated environment for workers, partners, and customers.
  • Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, is the OS of choice for large enterprises as well as small and medium-size companies to develop, deploy, and protect reliable applications, Web commerce, and infrastructure.
  • Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, is engineered for mission-critical applications that demand excellent expandability and fault tolerance.
  • Windows Server 2003, Web Edition, is optimized for serving web sites, while maintaining the core features that provide enhanced reliability, manageability, and protection.
Benefits of MS Windows Server 2003
MS Windows Server 2003 provides a multitude of productive capabilities and enhanced functionality over Windows 2000 Server. Improvements include:
  • Active Directory performance and versatility is faster and more robust over unreliable wide area network connections because of more efficient synchronization and replication as well as storing of credentials in branch office domain controllers.
  • Enhancements to the Distributed File System and Encrypting File System (EFS) allow for highly functional, flexible file access and storage.
  • Advanced Windows Management Instrumentation providers and command-line tools for server tasks offers IT managers great granular control.
  • To make storage and archiving simpler, Windows Server 2003 includes the Volume Shadow Copy Service, which offers point-in-time copies of networked shares. Users can easily access older versions of their work through the Windows Explorer utility by right-clicking on a name or icon.
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003 is optimized for supporting 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 (IPsec) over Network Address Translation (NAT).
  • Common Language Runtime safeguards networks from malicious or poorly written code.
  • Credential Management offers a safe depository of user credentials, such as passwords and public key infrastructure certificates. This provides a common sign-on protocol for users, including roaming ones.
  • The Encrypting File System (EFS) is the technique used to store encrypted files on NTFS volumes. Encrypted files and folders are easy to work with as they look exactly like any other file or folder: transparent to legitimate users but unavailable to others. EFS is especially advantageous for mobile clients who usually work under a greater risk of computer loss or theft.
  • Advanced compatibility with virtual private network (VPN) environments, such as a remote access server that supports both dial-up and virtual private network connections, offering flexibility and protection for remote connectivity.
  • 802.1x wireless support provides protection and speed improvements for wireless local area networks (LANs). These include automatic 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 manage a computer without a monitor, VGA adaptor, keyboard, or mouse. Support for management controllers and management ports enables servers to be controlled even when a computer has crashed.
  • Auto-configuration for a variety of networks provides the mobile computer client transparent functionality on both office and remote networks without being required to manually reconfigure TCP/IP configurations.
  • Voice over IP enhances Remote Assistance by enabling a voice session at the time the Remote Help Connection is established.
How Progent Can Deliver MS Windows Server 2003 Assistance
The complexity and configuration requirements of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 requires a network consultant with real-world background and broad knowledge in planning and building viable, end-to-end business technology solutions. The knowledge and experience of Progent's Microsoft-Certified consultants, with an average of over a decade of background in Microsoft technology, ensures you results in selecting the edition and setup of Windows Server 2003 that best aligns with your company goals. Progent can assist you with planning, deploying, managing and troubleshooting sophisticated IT solutions powered by MS Windows Server 2003.

Microsoft has stopped providing support for Windows Server 2003. This makes it advisable to consider migrating to a current release of Windows Server. If you are considering moving up to Windows Server 2012 R2, Progent can provide expert Windows Server 2012 R2 migration support services to make sure your project finishes on schedule and within your budget. If you are considering creating a hybrid network model that integrates 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 support hybrid environments. See Progent's Windows Server 2016 hybrid integration.

Progent's Consulting Services for Microsoft Technology
For organizations of all sizes in the San Francisco area or elsewhere in the United States, Progent's Microsoft-authorized consultants can provide low-cost remote computer help and IT consulting services for the entire family of Microsoft .NET Enterprise Servers. Progent offers Windows Server 2019 upgrade consulting, Windows Server 2016 hybrid cloud solutions, Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 planning and deployment help, Windows 2008 Server expertise, and Windows Server 2003 upgrade help. Progent's migration, installation, optimization, and consulting capabilities include network architecture, deployment, and administration help for project management and documentation, on-site and remote IT help and system troubleshooting, Help Desk Support, certified security consulting, IT outsourcing, Exchange Server hosting, and ProSight Virtual Hosting service.

Progent in addition offers a full array of online PC desktop support services including Windows 10 migration assistance, Windows 8.1 consulting expertise, Windows 7 technical support, moving to 64-bit computing, Office and Office 365 integration, and automating workstation deployment.

In case your company needs immediate online support from a Microsoft certified network expert, visit Progent's Emergency Online Network Help.

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

To ask Progent concerning consulting expertise for Microsoft Windows Server technology, call 1-800-993-9400 or see Contact Progent.

More topics of interest: