Providing your mobile workers with a solution that gives them remote access to mission-critical resources on the corporate network is crucial to your company's success. While they want a solution that's reliable and easy to use, you need one that's absolutely secure, extremely flexible and simple to manage. Now there's a solution that meets everyone's needs - the SonicWALL Global VPN Client.
With the SonicWALL Global VPN Client, your mobile and remote users have a simple, easy-to-use solution for securely accessing the corporate network. The SonicWALL Global VPN Client software provides mobile users with secure, reliable access to corporate resources through broadband, wireless and dial-up connections. Establishing a connection to the corporate network couldn't be easier. Just enter in a domain name or IP address. The VPN configuration information is automatically downloaded from the SonicWALL VPN gateway and the connection is enabled. It's that simple.
Custom-developed by SonicWALL, the Global VPN Client has been specifically engineered to take advantage of the features and benefits of SonicWALL's third-generation and higher Internet security appliances, adding greater value to SonicWALL's remote access solutions. The Global VPN Client uses innovative SonicWALL technology to deliver tighter integration for greater ease of use and manageability. SonicWALL's Global VPN Client provides cost-effective, secure access for mobile users from any location, using any Internet connection, over any IP network environment.
- Multi-device Connectivity. SonicWALL Global VPN Client provides mobile and remote users with secure, easy-to-use access to mission-critical network resources through a variety of platforms including desktops, laptops and handheld devices such as PDAs.
- Enhanced Productivity. By providing secure communications over broadband, wireless and dial-up connections, the SonicWALL Global VPN Client enables mobile users to increase their connect time to corporate network resources, enhancing their productivity.
- Ease-of-Use. The SonicWALL Global VPN Client provides users with easy-to-follow Installation and Configuration Wizards to quickly and easily install the product and configure a VPN client connection, streamlining VPN deployment and management.
- Easy User Interface. The SonicWALL Global VPN Client offers point-and-click VPN activation and streamlined management tools to minimize support requirements.
- Client Policy Provisioning. SonicWALL's innovative technology enables the Global VPN Client to establish a connection after automatically downloading the VPN configuration data from the SonicWALL VPN gateway using only the IP address or domain name of the SonicWALL VPN gateway. This removes the burden from the remote user of setting up often complex VPN connections.
- Group Policy Management. The Global VPN Client access can be configured and restricted to specific networks and sub-networks, using internal database or RADIUS groups (Requires SonicOS 2.0e for the SonicWALL VPN gateway).
- NT Domain Logon Script Support. The Global VPN Client automatically launches Login Script after the VPN tunnel is established as part of the authentication process. This allows users to have access to mapped network drives.
- Dial-Up VPN Connectivity. Global VPN Client connections can be established using Microsoft Dial-Up Networking or third-party dial-up applications.
- Powerful Central Management. SonicWALL's award-winning Global Management System (GMS) can centrally manage Global VPN Client connections.
- VPN Session Reliability. The Global VPN Client supports multiple redundant SonicWALL VPN gateways to ensure mission-critical network access in the event the primary gateway fails.
- Hub-and-Spoke VPN Access. The Global VPN Client allows configuration of a different subnet for all remote users than the subnet of the LAN, simplifying the hub-and-spoke VPN access. When a remote user successfully authenticates with the central site, the client system receives a virtual IP address, granting the remote user access to other trusted VPN sites.
- Default VPN Connections File. The Global VPN Client allows the administrator to configure and distribute the corporate VPN connections file with the Global VPN Client software, streamlining VPN client deployment.
Providing your mobile workers with a solution that gives them remote access to mission-critical resources on the corporate network is crucial to your company's success. While they want a solution that's reliable and easy to use, you need one that's absolutely secure, extremely flexible and simple to manage. Now there's a solution that meets everyone's needs - the SonicWALL Global VPN Client.
With the SonicWALL Global VPN Client, your mobile and remote users have a simple, easy-to-use solution for securely accessing the corporate network. The SonicWALL Global VPN Client software provides mobile users with secure, reliable access to corporate resources through broadband, wireless and dial-up connections. Establishing a connection to the corporate network couldn't be easier. Just enter in a domain name or IP address. The VPN configuration information is automatically downloaded from the SonicWALL VPN gateway and the connection is enabled. It's that simple.
Custom-developed by SonicWALL, the Global VPN Client has been specifically engineered to take advantage of the features and benefits of SonicWALL's third-generation and higher Internet security appliances, adding greater value to SonicWALL's remote access solutions. The Global VPN Client uses innovative SonicWALL technology to deliver tighter integration for greater ease of use and manageability. SonicWALL's Global VPN Client provides cost-effective, secure access for mobile users from any location, using any Internet connection, over any IP network environment.
- Multi-device Connectivity. SonicWALL Global VPN Client provides mobile and remote users with secure, easy-to-use access to mission-critical network resources through a variety of platforms including desktops, laptops and handheld devices such as PDAs.
- Enhanced Productivity. By providing secure communications over broadband, wireless and dial-up connections, the SonicWALL Global VPN Client enables mobile users to increase their connect time to corporate network resources, enhancing their productivity.
- Ease-of-Use. The SonicWALL Global VPN Client provides users with easy-to-follow Installation and Configuration Wizards to quickly and easily install the product and configure a VPN client connection, streamlining VPN deployment and management.
- Easy User Interface. The SonicWALL Global VPN Client offers point-and-click VPN activation and streamlined management tools to minimize support requirements.
- Client Policy Provisioning. SonicWALL's innovative technology enables the Global VPN Client to establish a connection after automatically downloading the VPN configuration data from the SonicWALL VPN gateway using only the IP address or domain name of the SonicWALL VPN gateway. This removes the burden from the remote user of setting up often complex VPN connections.
- Group Policy Management. The Global VPN Client access can be configured and restricted to specific networks and sub-networks, using internal database or RADIUS groups (Requires SonicOS 2.0e for the SonicWALL VPN gateway).
- NT Domain Logon Script Support. The Global VPN Client automatically launches Login Script after the VPN tunnel is established as part of the authentication process. This allows users to have access to mapped network drives.
- Dial-Up VPN Connectivity. Global VPN Client connections can be established using Microsoft Dial-Up Networking or third-party dial-up applications.
- Powerful Central Management. SonicWALL's award-winning Global Management System (GMS) can centrally manage Global VPN Client connections.
- VPN Session Reliability. The Global VPN Client supports multiple redundant SonicWALL VPN gateways to ensure mission-critical network access in the event the primary gateway fails.
- Hub-and-Spoke VPN Access. The Global VPN Client allows configuration of a different subnet for all remote users than the subnet of the LAN, simplifying the hub-and-spoke VPN access. When a remote user successfully authenticates with the central site, the client system receives a virtual IP address, granting the remote user access to other trusted VPN sites.
- Default VPN Connections File. The Global VPN Client allows the administrator to configure and distribute the corporate VPN connections file with the Global VPN Client software, streamlining VPN client deployment.
Providing your mobile workers with a solution that gives them remote access to mission-critical resources on the corporate network is crucial to your company's success. While they want a solution that's reliable and easy to use, you need one that's absolutely secure, extremely flexible and simple to manage. Now there's a solution that meets everyone's needs - the SonicWALL Global VPN Client.
With the SonicWALL Global VPN Client, your mobile and remote users have a simple, easy-to-use solution for securely accessing the corporate network. The SonicWALL Global VPN Client software provides mobile users with secure, reliable access to corporate resources through broadband, wireless and dial-up connections. Establishing a connection to the corporate network couldn't be easier. Just enter in a domain name or IP address. The VPN configuration information is automatically downloaded from the SonicWALL VPN gateway and the connection is enabled. It's that simple.
Custom-developed by SonicWALL, the Global VPN Client has been specifically engineered to take advantage of the features and benefits of SonicWALL's third-generation and higher Internet security appliances, adding greater value to SonicWALL's remote access solutions. The Global VPN Client uses innovative SonicWALL technology to deliver tighter integration for greater ease of use and manageability. SonicWALL's Global VPN Client provides cost-effective, secure access for mobile users from any location, using any Internet connection, over any IP network environment.
- Multi-device Connectivity. SonicWALL Global VPN Client provides mobile and remote users with secure, easy-to-use access to mission-critical network resources through a variety of platforms including desktops, laptops and handheld devices such as PDAs.
- Enhanced Productivity. By providing secure communications over broadband, wireless and dial-up connections, the SonicWALL Global VPN Client enables mobile users to increase their connect time to corporate network resources, enhancing their productivity.
- Ease-of-Use. The SonicWALL Global VPN Client provides users with easy-to-follow Installation and Configuration Wizards to quickly and easily install the product and configure a VPN client connection, streamlining VPN deployment and management.
- Easy User Interface. The SonicWALL Global VPN Client offers point-and-click VPN activation and streamlined management tools to minimize support requirements.
- Client Policy Provisioning. SonicWALL's innovative technology enables the Global VPN Client to establish a connection after automatically downloading the VPN configuration data from the SonicWALL VPN gateway using only the IP address or domain name of the SonicWALL VPN gateway. This removes the burden from the remote user of setting up often complex VPN connections.
- Group Policy Management. The Global VPN Client access can be configured and restricted to specific networks and sub-networks, using internal database or RADIUS groups (Requires SonicOS 2.0e for the SonicWALL VPN gateway).
- NT Domain Logon Script Support. The Global VPN Client automatically launches Login Script after the VPN tunnel is established as part of the authentication process. This allows users to have access to mapped network drives.
- Dial-Up VPN Connectivity. Global VPN Client connections can be established using Microsoft Dial-Up Networking or third-party dial-up applications.
- Powerful Central Management. SonicWALL's award-winning Global Management System (GMS) can centrally manage Global VPN Client connections.
- VPN Session Reliability. The Global VPN Client supports multiple redundant SonicWALL VPN gateways to ensure mission-critical network access in the event the primary gateway fails.
- Hub-and-Spoke VPN Access. The Global VPN Client allows configuration of a different subnet for all remote users than the subnet of the LAN, simplifying the hub-and-spoke VPN access. When a remote user successfully authenticates with the central site, the client system receives a virtual IP address, granting the remote user access to other trusted VPN sites.
- Default VPN Connections File. The Global VPN Client allows the administrator to configure and distribute the corporate VPN connections file with the Global VPN Client software, streamlining VPN client deployment.
The Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller6 (iDRAC6) Enterprise is a systems management hardware and software solution that provides remote management capabilities, crashed system recovery and power control functions. It features integrated System-on-Chip microprocessor for the remote monitor/control system using a web interface and the SM-CLP command line over a serial, Telnet/SSH connection. With integrated Dell OpenManage software it enables you to launch the iDRAC6 web interface from Dell OpenManage Server Administrator or IT Assistant. Additionally, you can configure the iDRAC6 to send you an e-mail or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) trap alert for warnings or errors. To help you diagnose the probable cause of a system crash, iDRAC6 can log event data and capture an image of the screen when it detects that the system has crashed. Support for Microsoft Active Directory authentication, it centralizes iDRAC6 user IDs and passwords in Active Directory using the standard schema or an extended schema. This product has been tested and validated on Dell systems. It is supported by Dell Technical Support when used with a Dell system.
Highlights
- Provides remote power management functions, such as shutdown and reset, from a management console.
- Alerts you to potential managed node issues through an e-mail message or SNMP trap.
- Features password-level security management to prevent unauthorized access to a remote system.
- Offers role-based authority to provides assignable permissions for different systems management tasks.
- Supports Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI).
The Symantec pcAnywhere
12.5 Host and Remote software provides everything you need for one computer to remotely control and access another computer, establishing a one-to-one connection. Both Host and Remote components can be installed together on the same computer, or they can be installed separately on different computers.
- Reliable, secure remote connectivity-Gateway functionality makes it easier for remote users to find the hosts they need-even when they're behind firewalls or routers or that don't have fixed or public IP addresses
- Support for multiple platforms-Connect to and manage computers running Microsoft
Windows
, Linux
, Mac OS
X Universal, or Microsoft Pocket PC operating systems
- Efficient remote troubleshooting-Award-winning Symantec pcAnywhere
gives technical support personnel powerful remote management and problem-solving tools. Problems can be diagnosed quickly and corrected on desktops, laptops, and servers by viewing and controlling them remotely. If necessary, they can even run crucial operating system utilities on a remote system. Robust file-transfer capabilities include support for efficient batch transfers
- Simple and quick navigation-Users enjoy a familiar interface and automated connections
- Security settings maintain the status of Symantec pcAnywhere as the premier secure remote control application
- Quick Connect feature provides one-click connections to frequently accessed computers
- Symantec pcAnywhere continues to provide support for the latest in an array of operating systems. You can connect to and manage computers running Microsoft
Windows
, Linux
, Mac OS
X Universal, or Microsoft Pocket PC
- You can enjoy greater control with many new
in-session
features designed to make you more efficient at troubleshooting or working remotely
The Symantec pcAnywhere
12.5 Host and Remote software provides everything you need for one computer to remotely control and access another computer, establishing a one-to-one connection. Both Host and Remote components can be installed together on the same computer, or they can be installed separately on different computers.
- Reliable, secure remote connectivity-Gateway functionality makes it easier for remote users to find the hosts they need-even when they're behind firewalls or routers or that don't have fixed or public IP addresses
- Support for multiple platforms-Connect to and manage computers running Microsoft
Windows
, Linux
, Mac OS
X Universal, or Microsoft Pocket PC operating systems
- Efficient remote troubleshooting-Award-winning Symantec pcAnywhere
gives technical support personnel powerful remote management and problem-solving tools. Problems can be diagnosed quickly and corrected on desktops, laptops, and servers by viewing and controlling them remotely. If necessary, they can even run crucial operating system utilities on a remote system. Robust file-transfer capabilities include support for efficient batch transfers
- Simple and quick navigation-Users enjoy a familiar interface and automated connections
- Security settings maintain the status of Symantec pcAnywhere as the premier secure remote control application
- Quick Connect feature provides one-click connections to frequently accessed computers
- Symantec pcAnywhere continues to provide support for the latest in an array of operating systems. You can connect to and manage computers running Microsoft
Windows
, Linux
, Mac OS
X Universal, or Microsoft Pocket PC
- You can enjoy greater control with many new
in-session
features designed to make you more efficient at troubleshooting or working remotely
Cisco
Aironet
1522 Lightweight Outdoor Mesh Access Point (Figure 1) enables cost-effective and scalable deployment of a secure outdoor wireless LANs. The Cisco Aironet 1522 is designed for municipal Wi-Fi deployments for public access, public safety, or managed services, and for enterprise campus outdoor Wi-Fi extensions.
Self-Configuring and Self-Healing Mesh
The Cisco Aironet 1522 mesh access point can be installed anywhere power is available, without the need for a network connection. Intelligent wireless routing is based on the Cisco's Adaptive Wireless Path Protocol (AWPP), which is designed specifically for wireless environments. AWPP enables a remote access point to dynamically optimize the best route to the connected network within the mesh, mitigate interference and helping ensure high network capacity.
Deployment and management costs for the Cisco Aironet 1522 are reduced through support of zero-configuration deployments and through the ability of the access points to self-heal in response to interference or outages. The mesh access point can act as a relay node and can associate 2.4GHz clients at the same time.
The Cisco Aironet 1522 has a dedicated radio for the backhaul and another radio for local access, allowing the mesh network to maximize use of the total available channels. This results in more capacity than is available with solutions that use only a single radio. When more capacity is needed, additional sectors can be enabled-for example, by provisioning a network connection to additional access points. The mesh dynamically re-optimizes itself when this is done
Zero-Touch Configuration
Using the Cisco Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP) features, the Cisco Aironet 1522 mesh access point can discover its LWAPP controller and automatically download the correct configuration and software for its role in the wireless mesh network.
Cisco Adaptive Wireless Path Protocol (AWPP)
Wireless mesh networks have unique features and requirements, and to address these features and requirements Cisco has built a new protocol that allows each node to determine its neighbor or parent intelligently, choosing the optimal path toward the controller. Unlike traditional routing protocols, AWPP takes RF details into account.
AWPP automatically determines the best path back to the LWAPP controller by calculating the cost of each path in terms of signal strength and number of hops. After the path is established, AWPP continuously monitors the best path conditions and changes routes if necessarily to optimize performance. AWPP also performs a smoothing function by signaling condition information to ensure that the ephemeral nature of RF environments does not impact network stability.
Robust Embedded Security
A core component of the Cisco Unified Wireless Solution is the use of X.509 certificates and AES encryption for LWAPP transactions. This X.509 and AES encryption is embedded into the wireless mesh solution with LWAPP transactions and by AES encrypting all traffic between mesh nodes. The complete packet path is from the Cisco controller to the access points and eventually to the users. The controller encapsulates user packets and forwards them to the correct roof top access point (RAP) over Ethernet. Roof top access point has a wired connection to the back haul and it wirelessly connect mesh access points (MAPs) at locations without a wired connection. RAP then encrypts the user data packets and transfers them over the backhaul. Data packets may travel through multiple mesh access points before reaching the destination MAP. After receiving the encrypted user data, the destination MAP decrypts them and sends them over the air to the client using the encryption method specified by the client.
For mutual authentication, Extensible Authentication Protocol / Pre-Shared Key (EAP / PSK) is now supported between the mesh access point nodes.
Cisco
Aironet
1522 Lightweight Outdoor Mesh Access Point (Figure 1) enables cost-effective and scalable deployment of a secure outdoor wireless LANs. The Cisco Aironet 1522 is designed for municipal Wi-Fi deployments for public access, public safety, or managed services, and for enterprise campus outdoor Wi-Fi extensions.
Self-Configuring and Self-Healing Mesh
The Cisco Aironet 1522 mesh access point can be installed anywhere power is available, without the need for a network connection. Intelligent wireless routing is based on the Cisco's Adaptive Wireless Path Protocol (AWPP), which is designed specifically for wireless environments. AWPP enables a remote access point to dynamically optimize the best route to the connected network within the mesh, mitigate interference and helping ensure high network capacity.
Deployment and management costs for the Cisco Aironet 1522 are reduced through support of zero-configuration deployments and through the ability of the access points to self-heal in response to interference or outages. The mesh access point can act as a relay node and can associate 2.4GHz clients at the same time.
The Cisco Aironet 1522 has a dedicated radio for the backhaul and another radio for local access, allowing the mesh network to maximize use of the total available channels. This results in more capacity than is available with solutions that use only a single radio. When more capacity is needed, additional sectors can be enabled-for example, by provisioning a network connection to additional access points. The mesh dynamically re-optimizes itself when this is done
Zero-Touch Configuration
Using the Cisco Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP) features, the Cisco Aironet 1522 mesh access point can discover its LWAPP controller and automatically download the correct configuration and software for its role in the wireless mesh network.
Cisco Adaptive Wireless Path Protocol (AWPP)
Wireless mesh networks have unique features and requirements, and to address these features and requirements Cisco has built a new protocol that allows each node to determine its neighbor or parent intelligently, choosing the optimal path toward the controller. Unlike traditional routing protocols, AWPP takes RF details into account.
AWPP automatically determines the best path back to the LWAPP controller by calculating the cost of each path in terms of signal strength and number of hops. After the path is established, AWPP continuously monitors the best path conditions and changes routes if necessarily to optimize performance. AWPP also performs a smoothing function by signaling condition information to ensure that the ephemeral nature of RF environments does not impact network stability.
Robust Embedded Security
A core component of the Cisco Unified Wireless Solution is the use of X.509 certificates and AES encryption for LWAPP transactions. This X.509 and AES encryption is embedded into the wireless mesh solution with LWAPP transactions and by AES encrypting all traffic between mesh nodes. The complete packet path is from the Cisco controller to the access points and eventually to the users. The controller encapsulates user packets and forwards them to the correct roof top access point (RAP) over Ethernet. Roof top access point has a wired connection to the back haul and it wirelessly connect mesh access points (MAPs) at locations without a wired connection. RAP then encrypts the user data packets and transfers them over the backhaul. Data packets may travel through multiple mesh access points before reaching the destination MAP. After receiving the encrypted user data, the destination MAP decrypts them and sends them over the air to the client using the encryption method specified by the client.
For mutual authentication, Extensible Authentication Protocol / Pre-Shared Key (EAP / PSK) is now supported between the mesh access point nodes.
OverviewIn enterprise headquarters, branch offices, or campus networks, the HP A-802.11n Access Point Series is an outstanding choice for secure, reliable radio-based connections. These WLAN access points extend mobile access to wired networks, broadening system capacity and providing seamless integration between wired and wireless networks. The single-radio dual-band HP A-WA2612 and A-WA2610E Access Points use the 2.4 or 5 GHz band; the dual-radio dual-band A-WA2620E and A-WA2620 Access Points operate simultaneously on both bands. All of the APs support IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n, can handle up to 64 users per radio, and offer connections up to 300 Mbps when using the 802.11n standard. Employing these products as "fit" APs with an HP A series wireless access controller greatly facilitates network administration, allowing centralized management and automatic software upgrades
especially useful in large networks with many APs
while reducing network maintenance and administration resource requirements.FeaturesManagement
• Centralized access point management: if the A-WA2600 series access point is used with an AC, most of management and data frames are processed by the AC; the AC controls all Fit APs by using the CAPWAP so that the status of all devices can be clearly known; compared to a traditional Fat AP, a Fit AP and an AC greatly help system administrators manage the whole network
Connectivity
• Auto Channel Select (ACS): helps reduce radio co-channel interference by automatically selecting an unoccupied radio channel
Performance
• High throughput: the A-WA2600 wireless APs are compatible with latest IEEE 802.11n standard; the single-radio APs support wireless access rates as much as 300 Mbps, which is six times more than that of the traditional IEEE 802.11a/b/g products
Security
• Secure access control by user: media access control (MAC)-based and IEEE 802.1X network access control centralize wireless security through existing Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) servers to protect the network from unauthorized user access
Ease of use
• Ease of deployment: management via the wireless controller eliminates the need to manage each AP individually
Technical features
• Radio technology: IEEE 802.11a/n and 802.11g/n standards enable high-speed access from IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n clients at speeds up to 300 Mbps and cover a wide coverage area
Warranty and support
• 1-year warranty: with advance replacement and 30-calendar-day delivery (available in most countries)
Improvements to the Windows Server Operating System
Windows Server 2003 includes all the functionality customers need today from a Windows Server operating system to do more with less, such as security, reliability, availability, and scalability. In addition, Microsoft has improved and extended the Windows server operating systems to incorporate the benefits of Microsoft .NET for connecting information, people, systems, and devices.
Server Roles
Windows Server 2003 is a multipurpose operating system capable of handling a diverse set of server roles, depending on your needs, in either a centralized or distributed fashion. Some of these server roles include:
- File and print server.
- Web server and Web application services.
- Mail server.
- Terminal server.
- Remote access and virtual private network (VPN) server.
- Directory services, Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, and Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS).
- Streaming media server.
Windows Server 2003 Core Technologies
Windows Server 2003 contains core technologies that build on the strengths of Windows 2000 Server to deliver a superior and cost-effective server operating system. Learn about the many new features and technologies that make Windows Server 2003 an ideal server platform for organizations of any size.
Dependable
Windows Server 2003 has the reliability, availability, scalability, and security that make it a highly dependable platform.
- Availability.The Windows Server 2003 operating system provide improved availability through enhanced clustering support. Clustering services have become essential for organizations deploying critical e-commerce and line-of-business applications, because they provide significant improvements in availability, scalability, and manageability. Clustering installation and setup is easier and more robust in Windows Server 2003, while enhanced network features in the product provide greater failover capabilities and high system uptime. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems supports server clusters for up to eight nodes. If one of the nodes in a cluster becomes unavailable because of failure or maintenance, another node immediately begins providing service, a process known as failover. Windows Server 2003 also supports network load balancing (NLB), which balances incoming Internet Protocol (IP) traffic across nodes in a cluster.
- Scalability. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems provide scalability through scale-up, enabled by symmetric multiprocessing (SMP), and scale-out, enabled by clustering. Internal tests indicate that compared to Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003 delivers up to 140 percent better performance in the file system and significantly better performance in various other features including the Microsoft Active Directory service, Web server and Terminal Server components, and networking services. Windows Server 2003 scales from single processor solutions all the way up to 64-way systems. It supports both 32-bit and 64-bit processors.
- Security. Businesses have extended the traditional local area network (LAN) by combining intranets, extranets, and Internet sites. As a result, increased system security is now more critical than ever before. As part of the Microsoft commitment to reliable, secure, and dependable computing, the company has intensely reviewed the Windows Server 2003 operating systems to identify possible fail points and exploitable weaknesses. Windows Server 2003 provides many important new security features and improvements including:
- The common language runtime. This software engine is a key element of Windows Server 2003 that improves reliability and helps ensure a safe computing environment. It reduces the number of bugs and security holes caused by common programming mistakes. As a result, there are fewer vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit. The common language runtime also verifies that applications can run without error and checks for appropriate security permissions, making sure that code performs only appropriate operations.
- Internet Information Services 6.0. To increase Web server security, Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0 is configured for maximum security out of the box. IIS 6.0 and Windows Server 2003 provide the most dependable, productive, connected, and integrated Web server solution with fault tolerance, requesting queuing, application health monitoring, automatic application recycling, caching, and more. These are among the many new features in IIS 6.0 that enable you to conduct business securely on the Web.
Productive
Windows Server 2003 has capabilities in numerous areas that can make your organization and employees more productive, including:
- File and print services. At the heart of any IT organization is the ability to efficiently manage file and print resources while keeping them available and secure for users. As the network expands with more users located on-site, in remote locations, or even at partner companies, IT administrators face an increasingly heavy burden. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems deliver intelligent file and print services with increased performance and functionality, allowing you to reduce TCO.
- Active Directory. Active Directory is the directory service for the Windows Server 2003 operating systems. It stores information about objects on the network and makes this information easy for administrators and users to find, providing a logical, hierarchical organization of directory information. Windows Server 2003 brings many improvements to Active Directory, making it more versatile, dependable, and economical to use. In Windows Server 2003, Active Directory provides increased performance and scalability. It also allows you greater flexibility to design, deploy, and manage your organization's directory.
- Management services. While computing has proliferated on desktops, laptops, and portable devices, the real cost of maintaining a distributed personal computer network has grown significantly. Reducing day-to-day maintenance through automation is key to reducing operating costs. Windows Server 2003 contains several important new automated management tools, including Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and server configuration wizards. Managing Group Policy is made easier with the new Group Policy Management Console (GPMC), enabling more organizations to better utilize the Active Directory service and take advantage of its powerful management features. In addition, command-line tools let administrators perform most tasks from the command console. GPMC is available as a separate component.
- Storage management. Windows Server 2003 introduces new and enhanced features for storage management, making it easier and more reliable to manage and maintain disks and volumes, backup and restore data, and connect to storage area networks (SANs).
- Terminal Services. The Terminal Services component of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 builds on the solid application server mode in Windows 2000 Terminal Services. Terminal Services let you deliver Windows-based applications, or the Windows desktop itself, to virtually any computing device
including those that cannot run Windows.
Connected
Windows Server 2003 contains new features and improvements to make sure your organization and users stay connected:
- XML Web Services. IIS 6.0 is an important component of Windows Server 2003. Administrators and Web application developers demand a fast, reliable Web platform that is both scalable and secure. Significant architectural improvements in IIS include a new process model that greatly improves reliability, scalability, and performance. IIS is installed by default in a locked-down state. Security is increased because the system administrator enables or disables system features based on application requirements. In addition, direct editing support of the XML metabase improves management.
- Networking and communications. Networking and communications has never been more critical for organizations faced with the challenge of competing in the global marketplace. Employees need to connect to the network wherever they are and from any device. Partners, vendors, and others outside the network need to interact efficiently with key resources, and security is more important than ever. Networking improvements and new features in the Windows Server 2003 operating systems extend the versatility, manageability, and dependability of network infrastructures.
- Enterprise UDDI services. Windows Server 2003 includes Enterprise UDDI services, a dynamic and flexible infrastructure for XML Web Services. This standards-based solution enables companies to run their own internal UDDI service for intranet or extranet use. Developers can easily and quickly find and reuse the Web services available within the organization. IT administrators can catalog and manage the programmable resources in their network. With Enterprise UDDI services, companies can build and deploy smarter, more reliable applications.
- Windows Media Services. Windows Server 2003 includes the industry's most powerful digital streaming media services. These services are part of the next version of the Microsoft Windows Media technologies platform that also includes a new Windows Media Player, Windows Media Encoder, audio/video codecs, and Windows Media Software Development Kit.
Best Economics
PC technology provides the most cost-effective chip platform, a considerable economic incentive for adopting Windows Server 2003. But that is only the beginning of the story. Windows Server 2003 provides the best economics for both scale-up and scale-out purposes and provides an IT infrastructure that runs 30 percent more efficiently. With multiple essential services and components already included in Windows Server 2003, organizations can quickly benefit from an integrated platform that is easy to deploy, manage, and use.
When you adopt Windows Server 2003, you become a part of the global network that has helped make the Windows platform so productive. This network of global services and support provides the following benefits:
- Extensive ISV ecosystem. Microsoft has a large number of independent software vendors (ISVs) worldwide who support Microsoft applications and build certified custom applications on the Windows platform.
- Worldwide services. Microsoft is supported by over 450,000 Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSEs) worldwide, plus vendors and partners.
- Training options. Microsoft offers a wide range of IT training, enabling IT staff to continue developing their skills at a reasonable price.
- Certified solutions. Windows has thousands of certified hardware drivers and software applications from third-party ISVs, making it easy to add new devices and applications. In addition, prescriptive guidance from Microsoft Solutions Offerings (MSOs) helps organizations build proven solutions that help solve difficult business challenges.
This ecosystem of products and services reduces TCO, helping your organization be more productive and efficient.
XML Web Services and Microsoft .NET.
Microsoft .NET is deeply integrated into Windows Server 2003. The .NET Framework enables an unprecedented level of software integration using XML Web services: discrete, building-block applications that connect to each other
as well as to other, larger applications
via the Internet.
Feature Packs
The following new or enhanced Windows Server 2003 components deliver targeted solutions at no additional charge. Available as downloads, these feature packs boost productivity and reduce costs for customers by easing server deployment, helping to safeguard digital information, enhancing file and information sharing, and more.
- Automated Deployment Services. Windows Server 2003, Automated Deployment Services (ADS), is a powerful solution for rapidly deploying Windows server operating systems onto bare-metal servers across large, scaled-out installations. With support for script-based mass server administration, ADS also enables administrators to administer hundreds of servers as if they were one. ADS is an early deliverable of the Dynamic Systems Initiative (DSI).
- Identity Integration Feature Pack. Identity Integration Feature Pack (IIFP) 1a for Microsoft Windows Server Active Directory helps you reduce the cost of managing identity information. IIFP synchronizes identity information and allows you to easily provision and deprovision user accounts. Using IIFP, you can combine identity information for a given user or resource into a single, logical view. IIFP manages identities and coordinates user details across Microsoft Active Directory, Active Directory Application Mode (ADAM), Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server, and Exchange Server 2003 implementations.
- Windows Rights Management Services. Windows Rights Management Services (RMS) for Windows Server 2003 is information protection technology that works with RMS-enabled applications to help safeguard digital information from unauthorized use
both online and offline, inside and outside of the firewall. Combining Windows Server 2003 features, developer tools, and industry security technologies
including encryption, certificates, and authentication
RMS helps organizations create reliable information protection solutions.
- Windows SharePoint Services. Organizations can take file sharing and collaboration to a new level with Windows SharePoint Services, the new Web-based collaboration solution of Windows Server 2003. Windows SharePoint Services enables teams to create Web sites for information sharing and document collaboration, benefits that help increase individual and team productivity.
Improvements to the Windows Server Operating System
Windows Server 2003 includes all the functionality customers need today from a Windows Server operating system to do more with less, such as security, reliability, availability, and scalability. In addition, Microsoft has improved and extended the Windows server operating systems to incorporate the benefits of Microsoft .NET for connecting information, people, systems, and devices.
Server Roles
Windows Server 2003 is a multipurpose operating system capable of handling a diverse set of server roles, depending on your needs, in either a centralized or distributed fashion. Some of these server roles include:
- File and print server.
- Web server and Web application services.
- Mail server.
- Terminal server.
- Remote access and virtual private network (VPN) server.
- Directory services, Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, and Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS).
- Streaming media server.
Windows Server 2003 Core Technologies
Windows Server 2003 contains core technologies that build on the strengths of Windows 2000 Server to deliver a superior and cost-effective server operating system. Learn about the many new features and technologies that make Windows Server 2003 an ideal server platform for organizations of any size.
Dependable
Windows Server 2003 has the reliability, availability, scalability, and security that make it a highly dependable platform.
- Availability.The Windows Server 2003 operating system provide improved availability through enhanced clustering support. Clustering services have become essential for organizations deploying critical e-commerce and line-of-business applications, because they provide significant improvements in availability, scalability, and manageability. Clustering installation and setup is easier and more robust in Windows Server 2003, while enhanced network features in the product provide greater failover capabilities and high system uptime. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems supports server clusters for up to eight nodes. If one of the nodes in a cluster becomes unavailable because of failure or maintenance, another node immediately begins providing service, a process known as failover. Windows Server 2003 also supports network load balancing (NLB), which balances incoming Internet Protocol (IP) traffic across nodes in a cluster.
- Scalability. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems provide scalability through scale-up, enabled by symmetric multiprocessing (SMP), and scale-out, enabled by clustering. Internal tests indicate that compared to Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003 delivers up to 140 percent better performance in the file system and significantly better performance in various other features including the Microsoft Active Directory service, Web server and Terminal Server components, and networking services. Windows Server 2003 scales from single processor solutions all the way up to 64-way systems. It supports both 32-bit and 64-bit processors.
- Security. Businesses have extended the traditional local area network (LAN) by combining intranets, extranets, and Internet sites. As a result, increased system security is now more critical than ever before. As part of the Microsoft commitment to reliable, secure, and dependable computing, the company has intensely reviewed the Windows Server 2003 operating systems to identify possible fail points and exploitable weaknesses. Windows Server 2003 provides many important new security features and improvements including:
- The common language runtime. This software engine is a key element of Windows Server 2003 that improves reliability and helps ensure a safe computing environment. It reduces the number of bugs and security holes caused by common programming mistakes. As a result, there are fewer vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit. The common language runtime also verifies that applications can run without error and checks for appropriate security permissions, making sure that code performs only appropriate operations.
- Internet Information Services 6.0. To increase Web server security, Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0 is configured for maximum security out of the box. IIS 6.0 and Windows Server 2003 provide the most dependable, productive, connected, and integrated Web server solution with fault tolerance, requesting queuing, application health monitoring, automatic application recycling, caching, and more. These are among the many new features in IIS 6.0 that enable you to conduct business securely on the Web.
Productive
Windows Server 2003 has capabilities in numerous areas that can make your organization and employees more productive, including:
- File and print services. At the heart of any IT organization is the ability to efficiently manage file and print resources while keeping them available and secure for users. As the network expands with more users located on-site, in remote locations, or even at partner companies, IT administrators face an increasingly heavy burden. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems deliver intelligent file and print services with increased performance and functionality, allowing you to reduce TCO.
- Active Directory. Active Directory is the directory service for the Windows Server 2003 operating systems. It stores information about objects on the network and makes this information easy for administrators and users to find, providing a logical, hierarchical organization of directory information. Windows Server 2003 brings many improvements to Active Directory, making it more versatile, dependable, and economical to use. In Windows Server 2003, Active Directory provides increased performance and scalability. It also allows you greater flexibility to design, deploy, and manage your organization's directory.
- Management services. While computing has proliferated on desktops, laptops, and portable devices, the real cost of maintaining a distributed personal computer network has grown significantly. Reducing day-to-day maintenance through automation is key to reducing operating costs. Windows Server 2003 contains several important new automated management tools, including Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and server configuration wizards. Managing Group Policy is made easier with the new Group Policy Management Console (GPMC), enabling more organizations to better utilize the Active Directory service and take advantage of its powerful management features. In addition, command-line tools let administrators perform most tasks from the command console. GPMC is available as a separate component.
- Storage management. Windows Server 2003 introduces new and enhanced features for storage management, making it easier and more reliable to manage and maintain disks and volumes, backup and restore data, and connect to storage area networks (SANs).
- Terminal Services. The Terminal Services component of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 builds on the solid application server mode in Windows 2000 Terminal Services. Terminal Services let you deliver Windows-based applications, or the Windows desktop itself, to virtually any computing device
including those that cannot run Windows.
Connected
Windows Server 2003 contains new features and improvements to make sure your organization and users stay connected:
- XML Web Services. IIS 6.0 is an important component of Windows Server 2003. Administrators and Web application developers demand a fast, reliable Web platform that is both scalable and secure. Significant architectural improvements in IIS include a new process model that greatly improves reliability, scalability, and performance. IIS is installed by default in a locked-down state. Security is increased because the system administrator enables or disables system features based on application requirements. In addition, direct editing support of the XML metabase improves management.
- Networking and communications. Networking and communications has never been more critical for organizations faced with the challenge of competing in the global marketplace. Employees need to connect to the network wherever they are and from any device. Partners, vendors, and others outside the network need to interact efficiently with key resources, and security is more important than ever. Networking improvements and new features in the Windows Server 2003 operating systems extend the versatility, manageability, and dependability of network infrastructures.
- Enterprise UDDI services. Windows Server 2003 includes Enterprise UDDI services, a dynamic and flexible infrastructure for XML Web Services. This standards-based solution enables companies to run their own internal UDDI service for intranet or extranet use. Developers can easily and quickly find and reuse the Web services available within the organization. IT administrators can catalog and manage the programmable resources in their network. With Enterprise UDDI services, companies can build and deploy smarter, more reliable applications.
- Windows Media Services. Windows Server 2003 includes the industry's most powerful digital streaming media services. These services are part of the next version of the Microsoft Windows Media technologies platform that also includes a new Windows Media Player, Windows Media Encoder, audio/video codecs, and Windows Media Software Development Kit.
Best Economics
PC technology provides the most cost-effective chip platform, a considerable economic incentive for adopting Windows Server 2003. But that is only the beginning of the story. Windows Server 2003 provides the best economics for both scale-up and scale-out purposes and provides an IT infrastructure that runs 30 percent more efficiently. With multiple essential services and components already included in Windows Server 2003, organizations can quickly benefit from an integrated platform that is easy to deploy, manage, and use.
When you adopt Windows Server 2003, you become a part of the global network that has helped make the Windows platform so productive. This network of global services and support provides the following benefits:
- Extensive ISV ecosystem. Microsoft has a large number of independent software vendors (ISVs) worldwide who support Microsoft applications and build certified custom applications on the Windows platform.
- Worldwide services. Microsoft is supported by over 450,000 Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSEs) worldwide, plus vendors and partners.
- Training options. Microsoft offers a wide range of IT training, enabling IT staff to continue developing their skills at a reasonable price.
- Certified solutions. Windows has thousands of certified hardware drivers and software applications from third-party ISVs, making it easy to add new devices and applications. In addition, prescriptive guidance from Microsoft Solutions Offerings (MSOs) helps organizations build proven solutions that help solve difficult business challenges.
This ecosystem of products and services reduces TCO, helping your organization be more productive and efficient.
XML Web Services and Microsoft .NET.
Microsoft .NET is deeply integrated into Windows Server 2003. The .NET Framework enables an unprecedented level of software integration using XML Web services: discrete, building-block applications that connect to each other
as well as to other, larger applications
via the Internet.
Feature Packs
The following new or enhanced Windows Server 2003 components deliver targeted solutions at no additional charge. Available as downloads, these feature packs boost productivity and reduce costs for customers by easing server deployment, helping to safeguard digital information, enhancing file and information sharing, and more.
- Automated Deployment Services. Windows Server 2003, Automated Deployment Services (ADS), is a powerful solution for rapidly deploying Windows server operating systems onto bare-metal servers across large, scaled-out installations. With support for script-based mass server administration, ADS also enables administrators to administer hundreds of servers as if they were one. ADS is an early deliverable of the Dynamic Systems Initiative (DSI).
- Identity Integration Feature Pack. Identity Integration Feature Pack (IIFP) 1a for Microsoft Windows Server Active Directory helps you reduce the cost of managing identity information. IIFP synchronizes identity information and allows you to easily provision and deprovision user accounts. Using IIFP, you can combine identity information for a given user or resource into a single, logical view. IIFP manages identities and coordinates user details across Microsoft Active Directory, Active Directory Application Mode (ADAM), Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server, and Exchange Server 2003 implementations.
- Windows Rights Management Services. Windows Rights Management Services (RMS) for Windows Server 2003 is information protection technology that works with RMS-enabled applications to help safeguard digital information from unauthorized use
both online and offline, inside and outside of the firewall. Combining Windows Server 2003 features, developer tools, and industry security technologies
including encryption, certificates, and authentication
RMS helps organizations create reliable information protection solutions.
- Windows SharePoint Services. Organizations can take file sharing and collaboration to a new level with Windows SharePoint Services, the new Web-based collaboration solution of Windows Server 2003. Windows SharePoint Services enables teams to create Web sites for information sharing and document collaboration, benefits that help increase individual and team productivity.
Improvements to the Windows Server Operating System
Windows Server 2003 includes all the functionality customers need today from a Windows Server operating system to do more with less, such as security, reliability, availability, and scalability. In addition, Microsoft has improved and extended the Windows server operating systems to incorporate the benefits of Microsoft .NET for connecting information, people, systems, and devices.
Server Roles
Windows Server 2003 is a multipurpose operating system capable of handling a diverse set of server roles, depending on your needs, in either a centralized or distributed fashion. Some of these server roles include:
- File and print server.
- Web server and Web application services.
- Mail server.
- Terminal server.
- Remote access and virtual private network (VPN) server.
- Directory services, Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, and Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS).
- Streaming media server.
Windows Server 2003 Core Technologies
Windows Server 2003 contains core technologies that build on the strengths of Windows 2000 Server to deliver a superior and cost-effective server operating system. Learn about the many new features and technologies that make Windows Server 2003 an ideal server platform for organizations of any size.
Dependable
Windows Server 2003 has the reliability, availability, scalability, and security that make it a highly dependable platform.
- Availability.The Windows Server 2003 operating system provide improved availability through enhanced clustering support. Clustering services have become essential for organizations deploying critical e-commerce and line-of-business applications, because they provide significant improvements in availability, scalability, and manageability. Clustering installation and setup is easier and more robust in Windows Server 2003, while enhanced network features in the product provide greater failover capabilities and high system uptime. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems supports server clusters for up to eight nodes. If one of the nodes in a cluster becomes unavailable because of failure or maintenance, another node immediately begins providing service, a process known as failover. Windows Server 2003 also supports network load balancing (NLB), which balances incoming Internet Protocol (IP) traffic across nodes in a cluster.
- Scalability. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems provide scalability through scale-up, enabled by symmetric multiprocessing (SMP), and scale-out, enabled by clustering. Internal tests indicate that compared to Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003 delivers up to 140 percent better performance in the file system and significantly better performance in various other features including the Microsoft Active Directory service, Web server and Terminal Server components, and networking services. Windows Server 2003 scales from single processor solutions all the way up to 64-way systems. It supports both 32-bit and 64-bit processors.
- Security. Businesses have extended the traditional local area network (LAN) by combining intranets, extranets, and Internet sites. As a result, increased system security is now more critical than ever before. As part of the Microsoft commitment to reliable, secure, and dependable computing, the company has intensely reviewed the Windows Server 2003 operating systems to identify possible fail points and exploitable weaknesses. Windows Server 2003 provides many important new security features and improvements including:
- The common language runtime. This software engine is a key element of Windows Server 2003 that improves reliability and helps ensure a safe computing environment. It reduces the number of bugs and security holes caused by common programming mistakes. As a result, there are fewer vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit. The common language runtime also verifies that applications can run without error and checks for appropriate security permissions, making sure that code performs only appropriate operations.
- Internet Information Services 6.0. To increase Web server security, Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0 is configured for maximum security out of the box. IIS 6.0 and Windows Server 2003 provide the most dependable, productive, connected, and integrated Web server solution with fault tolerance, requesting queuing, application health monitoring, automatic application recycling, caching, and more. These are among the many new features in IIS 6.0 that enable you to conduct business securely on the Web.
Productive
Windows Server 2003 has capabilities in numerous areas that can make your organization and employees more productive, including:
- File and print services. At the heart of any IT organization is the ability to efficiently manage file and print resources while keeping them available and secure for users. As the network expands with more users located on-site, in remote locations, or even at partner companies, IT administrators face an increasingly heavy burden. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems deliver intelligent file and print services with increased performance and functionality, allowing you to reduce TCO.
- Active Directory. Active Directory is the directory service for the Windows Server 2003 operating systems. It stores information about objects on the network and makes this information easy for administrators and users to find, providing a logical, hierarchical organization of directory information. Windows Server 2003 brings many improvements to Active Directory, making it more versatile, dependable, and economical to use. In Windows Server 2003, Active Directory provides increased performance and scalability. It also allows you greater flexibility to design, deploy, and manage your organization's directory.
- Management services. While computing has proliferated on desktops, laptops, and portable devices, the real cost of maintaining a distributed personal computer network has grown significantly. Reducing day-to-day maintenance through automation is key to reducing operating costs. Windows Server 2003 contains several important new automated management tools, including Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and server configuration wizards. Managing Group Policy is made easier with the new Group Policy Management Console (GPMC), enabling more organizations to better utilize the Active Directory service and take advantage of its powerful management features. In addition, command-line tools let administrators perform most tasks from the command console. GPMC is available as a separate component.
- Storage management. Windows Server 2003 introduces new and enhanced features for storage management, making it easier and more reliable to manage and maintain disks and volumes, backup and restore data, and connect to storage area networks (SANs).
- Terminal Services. The Terminal Services component of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 builds on the solid application server mode in Windows 2000 Terminal Services. Terminal Services let you deliver Windows-based applications, or the Windows desktop itself, to virtually any computing device
including those that cannot run Windows.
Connected
Windows Server 2003 contains new features and improvements to make sure your organization and users stay connected:
- XML Web Services. IIS 6.0 is an important component of Windows Server 2003. Administrators and Web application developers demand a fast, reliable Web platform that is both scalable and secure. Significant architectural improvements in IIS include a new process model that greatly improves reliability, scalability, and performance. IIS is installed by default in a locked-down state. Security is increased because the system administrator enables or disables system features based on application requirements. In addition, direct editing support of the XML metabase improves management.
- Networking and communications. Networking and communications has never been more critical for organizations faced with the challenge of competing in the global marketplace. Employees need to connect to the network wherever they are and from any device. Partners, vendors, and others outside the network need to interact efficiently with key resources, and security is more important than ever. Networking improvements and new features in the Windows Server 2003 operating systems extend the versatility, manageability, and dependability of network infrastructures.
- Enterprise UDDI services. Windows Server 2003 includes Enterprise UDDI services, a dynamic and flexible infrastructure for XML Web Services. This standards-based solution enables companies to run their own internal UDDI service for intranet or extranet use. Developers can easily and quickly find and reuse the Web services available within the organization. IT administrators can catalog and manage the programmable resources in their network. With Enterprise UDDI services, companies can build and deploy smarter, more reliable applications.
- Windows Media Services. Windows Server 2003 includes the industry's most powerful digital streaming media services. These services are part of the next version of the Microsoft Windows Media technologies platform that also includes a new Windows Media Player, Windows Media Encoder, audio/video codecs, and Windows Media Software Development Kit.
Best Economics
PC technology provides the most cost-effective chip platform, a considerable economic incentive for adopting Windows Server 2003. But that is only the beginning of the story. Windows Server 2003 provides the best economics for both scale-up and scale-out purposes and provides an IT infrastructure that runs 30 percent more efficiently. With multiple essential services and components already included in Windows Server 2003, organizations can quickly benefit from an integrated platform that is easy to deploy, manage, and use.
When you adopt Windows Server 2003, you become a part of the global network that has helped make the Windows platform so productive. This network of global services and support provides the following benefits:
- Extensive ISV ecosystem. Microsoft has a large number of independent software vendors (ISVs) worldwide who support Microsoft applications and build certified custom applications on the Windows platform.
- Worldwide services. Microsoft is supported by over 450,000 Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSEs) worldwide, plus vendors and partners.
- Training options. Microsoft offers a wide range of IT training, enabling IT staff to continue developing their skills at a reasonable price.
- Certified solutions. Windows has thousands of certified hardware drivers and software applications from third-party ISVs, making it easy to add new devices and applications. In addition, prescriptive guidance from Microsoft Solutions Offerings (MSOs) helps organizations build proven solutions that help solve difficult business challenges.
This ecosystem of products and services reduces TCO, helping your organization be more productive and efficient.
XML Web Services and Microsoft .NET.
Microsoft .NET is deeply integrated into Windows Server 2003. The .NET Framework enables an unprecedented level of software integration using XML Web services: discrete, building-block applications that connect to each other
as well as to other, larger applications
via the Internet.
Feature Packs
The following new or enhanced Windows Server 2003 components deliver targeted solutions at no additional charge. Available as downloads, these feature packs boost productivity and reduce costs for customers by easing server deployment, helping to safeguard digital information, enhancing file and information sharing, and more.
- Automated Deployment Services. Windows Server 2003, Automated Deployment Services (ADS), is a powerful solution for rapidly deploying Windows server operating systems onto bare-metal servers across large, scaled-out installations. With support for script-based mass server administration, ADS also enables administrators to administer hundreds of servers as if they were one. ADS is an early deliverable of the Dynamic Systems Initiative (DSI).
- Identity Integration Feature Pack. Identity Integration Feature Pack (IIFP) 1a for Microsoft Windows Server Active Directory helps you reduce the cost of managing identity information. IIFP synchronizes identity information and allows you to easily provision and deprovision user accounts. Using IIFP, you can combine identity information for a given user or resource into a single, logical view. IIFP manages identities and coordinates user details across Microsoft Active Directory, Active Directory Application Mode (ADAM), Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server, and Exchange Server 2003 implementations.
- Windows Rights Management Services. Windows Rights Management Services (RMS) for Windows Server 2003 is information protection technology that works with RMS-enabled applications to help safeguard digital information from unauthorized use
both online and offline, inside and outside of the firewall. Combining Windows Server 2003 features, developer tools, and industry security technologies
including encryption, certificates, and authentication
RMS helps organizations create reliable information protection solutions.
- Windows SharePoint Services. Organizations can take file sharing and collaboration to a new level with Windows SharePoint Services, the new Web-based collaboration solution of Windows Server 2003. Windows SharePoint Services enables teams to create Web sites for information sharing and document collaboration, benefits that help increase individual and team productivity.
Improvements to the Windows Server Operating System
Windows Server 2003 includes all the functionality customers need today from a Windows Server operating system to do more with less, such as security, reliability, availability, and scalability. In addition, Microsoft has improved and extended the Windows server operating systems to incorporate the benefits of Microsoft .NET for connecting information, people, systems, and devices.
Server Roles
Windows Server 2003 is a multipurpose operating system capable of handling a diverse set of server roles, depending on your needs, in either a centralized or distributed fashion. Some of these server roles include:
- File and print server.
- Web server and Web application services.
- Mail server.
- Terminal server.
- Remote access and virtual private network (VPN) server.
- Directory services, Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, and Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS).
- Streaming media server.
Windows Server 2003 Core Technologies
Windows Server 2003 contains core technologies that build on the strengths of Windows 2000 Server to deliver a superior and cost-effective server operating system. Learn about the many new features and technologies that make Windows Server 2003 an ideal server platform for organizations of any size.
Dependable
Windows Server 2003 has the reliability, availability, scalability, and security that make it a highly dependable platform.
- Availability.The Windows Server 2003 operating system provide improved availability through enhanced clustering support. Clustering services have become essential for organizations deploying critical e-commerce and line-of-business applications, because they provide significant improvements in availability, scalability, and manageability. Clustering installation and setup is easier and more robust in Windows Server 2003, while enhanced network features in the product provide greater failover capabilities and high system uptime. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems supports server clusters for up to eight nodes. If one of the nodes in a cluster becomes unavailable because of failure or maintenance, another node immediately begins providing service, a process known as failover. Windows Server 2003 also supports network load balancing (NLB), which balances incoming Internet Protocol (IP) traffic across nodes in a cluster.
- Scalability. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems provide scalability through scale-up, enabled by symmetric multiprocessing (SMP), and scale-out, enabled by clustering. Internal tests indicate that compared to Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003 delivers up to 140 percent better performance in the file system and significantly better performance in various other features including the Microsoft Active Directory service, Web server and Terminal Server components, and networking services. Windows Server 2003 scales from single processor solutions all the way up to 64-way systems. It supports both 32-bit and 64-bit processors.
- Security. Businesses have extended the traditional local area network (LAN) by combining intranets, extranets, and Internet sites. As a result, increased system security is now more critical than ever before. As part of the Microsoft commitment to reliable, secure, and dependable computing, the company has intensely reviewed the Windows Server 2003 operating systems to identify possible fail points and exploitable weaknesses. Windows Server 2003 provides many important new security features and improvements including:
- The common language runtime. This software engine is a key element of Windows Server 2003 that improves reliability and helps ensure a safe computing environment. It reduces the number of bugs and security holes caused by common programming mistakes. As a result, there are fewer vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit. The common language runtime also verifies that applications can run without error and checks for appropriate security permissions, making sure that code performs only appropriate operations.
- Internet Information Services 6.0. To increase Web server security, Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0 is configured for maximum security out of the box. IIS 6.0 and Windows Server 2003 provide the most dependable, productive, connected, and integrated Web server solution with fault tolerance, requesting queuing, application health monitoring, automatic application recycling, caching, and more. These are among the many new features in IIS 6.0 that enable you to conduct business securely on the Web.
Productive
Windows Server 2003 has capabilities in numerous areas that can make your organization and employees more productive, including:
- File and print services. At the heart of any IT organization is the ability to efficiently manage file and print resources while keeping them available and secure for users. As the network expands with more users located on-site, in remote locations, or even at partner companies, IT administrators face an increasingly heavy burden. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems deliver intelligent file and print services with increased performance and functionality, allowing you to reduce TCO.
- Active Directory. Active Directory is the directory service for the Windows Server 2003 operating systems. It stores information about objects on the network and makes this information easy for administrators and users to find, providing a logical, hierarchical organization of directory information. Windows Server 2003 brings many improvements to Active Directory, making it more versatile, dependable, and economical to use. In Windows Server 2003, Active Directory provides increased performance and scalability. It also allows you greater flexibility to design, deploy, and manage your organization's directory.
- Management services. While computing has proliferated on desktops, laptops, and portable devices, the real cost of maintaining a distributed personal computer network has grown significantly. Reducing day-to-day maintenance through automation is key to reducing operating costs. Windows Server 2003 contains several important new automated management tools, including Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and server configuration wizards. Managing Group Policy is made easier with the new Group Policy Management Console (GPMC), enabling more organizations to better utilize the Active Directory service and take advantage of its powerful management features. In addition, command-line tools let administrators perform most tasks from the command console. GPMC is available as a separate component.
- Storage management. Windows Server 2003 introduces new and enhanced features for storage management, making it easier and more reliable to manage and maintain disks and volumes, backup and restore data, and connect to storage area networks (SANs).
- Terminal Services. The Terminal Services component of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 builds on the solid application server mode in Windows 2000 Terminal Services. Terminal Services let you deliver Windows-based applications, or the Windows desktop itself, to virtually any computing device
including those that cannot run Windows.
Connected
Windows Server 2003 contains new features and improvements to make sure your organization and users stay connected:
- XML Web Services. IIS 6.0 is an important component of Windows Server 2003. Administrators and Web application developers demand a fast, reliable Web platform that is both scalable and secure. Significant architectural improvements in IIS include a new process model that greatly improves reliability, scalability, and performance. IIS is installed by default in a locked-down state. Security is increased because the system administrator enables or disables system features based on application requirements. In addition, direct editing support of the XML metabase improves management.
- Networking and communications. Networking and communications has never been more critical for organizations faced with the challenge of competing in the global marketplace. Employees need to connect to the network wherever they are and from any device. Partners, vendors, and others outside the network need to interact efficiently with key resources, and security is more important than ever. Networking improvements and new features in the Windows Server 2003 operating systems extend the versatility, manageability, and dependability of network infrastructures.
- Enterprise UDDI services. Windows Server 2003 includes Enterprise UDDI services, a dynamic and flexible infrastructure for XML Web Services. This standards-based solution enables companies to run their own internal UDDI service for intranet or extranet use. Developers can easily and quickly find and reuse the Web services available within the organization. IT administrators can catalog and manage the programmable resources in their network. With Enterprise UDDI services, companies can build and deploy smarter, more reliable applications.
- Windows Media Services. Windows Server 2003 includes the industry's most powerful digital streaming media services. These services are part of the next version of the Microsoft Windows Media technologies platform that also includes a new Windows Media Player, Windows Media Encoder, audio/video codecs, and Windows Media Software Development Kit.
Best Economics
PC technology provides the most cost-effective chip platform, a considerable economic incentive for adopting Windows Server 2003. But that is only the beginning of the story. Windows Server 2003 provides the best economics for both scale-up and scale-out purposes and provides an IT infrastructure that runs 30 percent more efficiently. With multiple essential services and components already included in Windows Server 2003, organizations can quickly benefit from an integrated platform that is easy to deploy, manage, and use.
When you adopt Windows Server 2003, you become a part of the global network that has helped make the Windows platform so productive. This network of global services and support provides the following benefits:
- Extensive ISV ecosystem. Microsoft has a large number of independent software vendors (ISVs) worldwide who support Microsoft applications and build certified custom applications on the Windows platform.
- Worldwide services. Microsoft is supported by over 450,000 Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSEs) worldwide, plus vendors and partners.
- Training options. Microsoft offers a wide range of IT training, enabling IT staff to continue developing their skills at a reasonable price.
- Certified solutions. Windows has thousands of certified hardware drivers and software applications from third-party ISVs, making it easy to add new devices and applications. In addition, prescriptive guidance from Microsoft Solutions Offerings (MSOs) helps organizations build proven solutions that help solve difficult business challenges.
This ecosystem of products and services reduces TCO, helping your organization be more productive and efficient.
XML Web Services and Microsoft .NET.
Microsoft .NET is deeply integrated into Windows Server 2003. The .NET Framework enables an unprecedented level of software integration using XML Web services: discrete, building-block applications that connect to each other
as well as to other, larger applications
via the Internet.
Feature Packs
The following new or enhanced Windows Server 2003 components deliver targeted solutions at no additional charge. Available as downloads, these feature packs boost productivity and reduce costs for customers by easing server deployment, helping to safeguard digital information, enhancing file and information sharing, and more.
- Automated Deployment Services. Windows Server 2003, Automated Deployment Services (ADS), is a powerful solution for rapidly deploying Windows server operating systems onto bare-metal servers across large, scaled-out installations. With support for script-based mass server administration, ADS also enables administrators to administer hundreds of servers as if they were one. ADS is an early deliverable of the Dynamic Systems Initiative (DSI).
- Identity Integration Feature Pack. Identity Integration Feature Pack (IIFP) 1a for Microsoft Windows Server Active Directory helps you reduce the cost of managing identity information. IIFP synchronizes identity information and allows you to easily provision and deprovision user accounts. Using IIFP, you can combine identity information for a given user or resource into a single, logical view. IIFP manages identities and coordinates user details across Microsoft Active Directory, Active Directory Application Mode (ADAM), Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server, and Exchange Server 2003 implementations.
- Windows Rights Management Services. Windows Rights Management Services (RMS) for Windows Server 2003 is information protection technology that works with RMS-enabled applications to help safeguard digital information from unauthorized use
both online and offline, inside and outside of the firewall. Combining Windows Server 2003 features, developer tools, and industry security technologies
including encryption, certificates, and authentication
RMS helps organizations create reliable information protection solutions.
- Windows SharePoint Services. Organizations can take file sharing and collaboration to a new level with Windows SharePoint Services, the new Web-based collaboration solution of Windows Server 2003. Windows SharePoint Services enables teams to create Web sites for information sharing and document collaboration, benefits that help increase individual and team productivity.
Improvements to the Windows Server Operating System
Windows Server 2003 includes all the functionality customers need today from a Windows Server operating system to do more with less, such as security, reliability, availability, and scalability. In addition, Microsoft has improved and extended the Windows server operating systems to incorporate the benefits of Microsoft .NET for connecting information, people, systems, and devices.
Server Roles
Windows Server 2003 is a multipurpose operating system capable of handling a diverse set of server roles, depending on your needs, in either a centralized or distributed fashion. Some of these server roles include:
- File and print server.
- Web server and Web application services.
- Mail server.
- Terminal server.
- Remote access and virtual private network (VPN) server.
- Directory services, Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, and Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS).
- Streaming media server.
Windows Server 2003 Core Technologies
Windows Server 2003 contains core technologies that build on the strengths of Windows 2000 Server to deliver a superior and cost-effective server operating system. Learn about the many new features and technologies that make Windows Server 2003 an ideal server platform for organizations of any size.
Dependable
Windows Server 2003 has the reliability, availability, scalability, and security that make it a highly dependable platform.
- Availability.The Windows Server 2003 operating system provide improved availability through enhanced clustering support. Clustering services have become essential for organizations deploying critical e-commerce and line-of-business applications, because they provide significant improvements in availability, scalability, and manageability. Clustering installation and setup is easier and more robust in Windows Server 2003, while enhanced network features in the product provide greater failover capabilities and high system uptime. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems supports server clusters for up to eight nodes. If one of the nodes in a cluster becomes unavailable because of failure or maintenance, another node immediately begins providing service, a process known as failover. Windows Server 2003 also supports network load balancing (NLB), which balances incoming Internet Protocol (IP) traffic across nodes in a cluster.
- Scalability. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems provide scalability through scale-up, enabled by symmetric multiprocessing (SMP), and scale-out, enabled by clustering. Internal tests indicate that compared to Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003 delivers up to 140 percent better performance in the file system and significantly better performance in various other features including the Microsoft Active Directory service, Web server and Terminal Server components, and networking services. Windows Server 2003 scales from single processor solutions all the way up to 64-way systems. It supports both 32-bit and 64-bit processors.
- Security. Businesses have extended the traditional local area network (LAN) by combining intranets, extranets, and Internet sites. As a result, increased system security is now more critical than ever before. As part of the Microsoft commitment to reliable, secure, and dependable computing, the company has intensely reviewed the Windows Server 2003 operating systems to identify possible fail points and exploitable weaknesses. Windows Server 2003 provides many important new security features and improvements including:
- The common language runtime. This software engine is a key element of Windows Server 2003 that improves reliability and helps ensure a safe computing environment. It reduces the number of bugs and security holes caused by common programming mistakes. As a result, there are fewer vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit. The common language runtime also verifies that applications can run without error and checks for appropriate security permissions, making sure that code performs only appropriate operations.
- Internet Information Services 6.0. To increase Web server security, Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0 is configured for maximum security out of the box. IIS 6.0 and Windows Server 2003 provide the most dependable, productive, connected, and integrated Web server solution with fault tolerance, requesting queuing, application health monitoring, automatic application recycling, caching, and more. These are among the many new features in IIS 6.0 that enable you to conduct business securely on the Web.
Productive
Windows Server 2003 has capabilities in numerous areas that can make your organization and employees more productive, including:
- File and print services. At the heart of any IT organization is the ability to efficiently manage file and print resources while keeping them available and secure for users. As the network expands with more users located on-site, in remote locations, or even at partner companies, IT administrators face an increasingly heavy burden. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems deliver intelligent file and print services with increased performance and functionality, allowing you to reduce TCO.
- Active Directory. Active Directory is the directory service for the Windows Server 2003 operating systems. It stores information about objects on the network and makes this information easy for administrators and users to find, providing a logical, hierarchical organization of directory information. Windows Server 2003 brings many improvements to Active Directory, making it more versatile, dependable, and economical to use. In Windows Server 2003, Active Directory provides increased performance and scalability. It also allows you greater flexibility to design, deploy, and manage your organization's directory.
- Management services. While computing has proliferated on desktops, laptops, and portable devices, the real cost of maintaining a distributed personal computer network has grown significantly. Reducing day-to-day maintenance through automation is key to reducing operating costs. Windows Server 2003 contains several important new automated management tools, including Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and server configuration wizards. Managing Group Policy is made easier with the new Group Policy Management Console (GPMC), enabling more organizations to better utilize the Active Directory service and take advantage of its powerful management features. In addition, command-line tools let administrators perform most tasks from the command console. GPMC is available as a separate component.
- Storage management. Windows Server 2003 introduces new and enhanced features for storage management, making it easier and more reliable to manage and maintain disks and volumes, backup and restore data, and connect to storage area networks (SANs).
- Terminal Services. The Terminal Services component of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 builds on the solid application server mode in Windows 2000 Terminal Services. Terminal Services let you deliver Windows-based applications, or the Windows desktop itself, to virtually any computing device
including those that cannot run Windows.
Connected
Windows Server 2003 contains new features and improvements to make sure your organization and users stay connected:
- XML Web Services. IIS 6.0 is an important component of Windows Server 2003. Administrators and Web application developers demand a fast, reliable Web platform that is both scalable and secure. Significant architectural improvements in IIS include a new process model that greatly improves reliability, scalability, and performance. IIS is installed by default in a locked-down state. Security is increased because the system administrator enables or disables system features based on application requirements. In addition, direct editing support of the XML metabase improves management.
- Networking and communications. Networking and communications has never been more critical for organizations faced with the challenge of competing in the global marketplace. Employees need to connect to the network wherever they are and from any device. Partners, vendors, and others outside the network need to interact efficiently with key resources, and security is more important than ever. Networking improvements and new features in the Windows Server 2003 operating systems extend the versatility, manageability, and dependability of network infrastructures.
- Enterprise UDDI services. Windows Server 2003 includes Enterprise UDDI services, a dynamic and flexible infrastructure for XML Web Services. This standards-based solution enables companies to run their own internal UDDI service for intranet or extranet use. Developers can easily and quickly find and reuse the Web services available within the organization. IT administrators can catalog and manage the programmable resources in their network. With Enterprise UDDI services, companies can build and deploy smarter, more reliable applications.
- Windows Media Services. Windows Server 2003 includes the industry's most powerful digital streaming media services. These services are part of the next version of the Microsoft Windows Media technologies platform that also includes a new Windows Media Player, Windows Media Encoder, audio/video codecs, and Windows Media Software Development Kit.
Best Economics
PC technology provides the most cost-effective chip platform, a considerable economic incentive for adopting Windows Server 2003. But that is only the beginning of the story. Windows Server 2003 provides the best economics for both scale-up and scale-out purposes and provides an IT infrastructure that runs 30 percent more efficiently. With multiple essential services and components already included in Windows Server 2003, organizations can quickly benefit from an integrated platform that is easy to deploy, manage, and use.
When you adopt Windows Server 2003, you become a part of the global network that has helped make the Windows platform so productive. This network of global services and support provides the following benefits:
- Extensive ISV ecosystem. Microsoft has a large number of independent software vendors (ISVs) worldwide who support Microsoft applications and build certified custom applications on the Windows platform.
- Worldwide services. Microsoft is supported by over 450,000 Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSEs) worldwide, plus vendors and partners.
- Training options. Microsoft offers a wide range of IT training, enabling IT staff to continue developing their skills at a reasonable price.
- Certified solutions. Windows has thousands of certified hardware drivers and software applications from third-party ISVs, making it easy to add new devices and applications. In addition, prescriptive guidance from Microsoft Solutions Offerings (MSOs) helps organizations build proven solutions that help solve difficult business challenges.
This ecosystem of products and services reduces TCO, helping your organization be more productive and efficient.
XML Web Services and Microsoft .NET.
Microsoft .NET is deeply integrated into Windows Server 2003. The .NET Framework enables an unprecedented level of software integration using XML Web services: discrete, building-block applications that connect to each other
as well as to other, larger applications
via the Internet.
Feature Packs
The following new or enhanced Windows Server 2003 components deliver targeted solutions at no additional charge. Available as downloads, these feature packs boost productivity and reduce costs for customers by easing server deployment, helping to safeguard digital information, enhancing file and information sharing, and more.
- Automated Deployment Services. Windows Server 2003, Automated Deployment Services (ADS), is a powerful solution for rapidly deploying Windows server operating systems onto bare-metal servers across large, scaled-out installations. With support for script-based mass server administration, ADS also enables administrators to administer hundreds of servers as if they were one. ADS is an early deliverable of the Dynamic Systems Initiative (DSI).
- Identity Integration Feature Pack. Identity Integration Feature Pack (IIFP) 1a for Microsoft Windows Server Active Directory helps you reduce the cost of managing identity information. IIFP synchronizes identity information and allows you to easily provision and deprovision user accounts. Using IIFP, you can combine identity information for a given user or resource into a single, logical view. IIFP manages identities and coordinates user details across Microsoft Active Directory, Active Directory Application Mode (ADAM), Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server, and Exchange Server 2003 implementations.
- Windows Rights Management Services. Windows Rights Management Services (RMS) for Windows Server 2003 is information protection technology that works with RMS-enabled applications to help safeguard digital information from unauthorized use
both online and offline, inside and outside of the firewall. Combining Windows Server 2003 features, developer tools, and industry security technologies
including encryption, certificates, and authentication
RMS helps organizations create reliable information protection solutions.
- Windows SharePoint Services. Organizations can take file sharing and collaboration to a new level with Windows SharePoint Services, the new Web-based collaboration solution of Windows Server 2003. Windows SharePoint Services enables teams to create Web sites for information sharing and document collaboration, benefits that help increase individual and team productivity.
Improvements to the Windows Server Operating System
Windows Server 2003 includes all the functionality customers need today from a Windows Server operating system to do more with less, such as security, reliability, availability, and scalability. In addition, Microsoft has improved and extended the Windows server operating systems to incorporate the benefits of Microsoft .NET for connecting information, people, systems, and devices.
Server Roles
Windows Server 2003 is a multipurpose operating system capable of handling a diverse set of server roles, depending on your needs, in either a centralized or distributed fashion. Some of these server roles include:
- File and print server.
- Web server and Web application services.
- Mail server.
- Terminal server.
- Remote access and virtual private network (VPN) server.
- Directory services, Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, and Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS).
- Streaming media server.
Windows Server 2003 Core Technologies
Windows Server 2003 contains core technologies that build on the strengths of Windows 2000 Server to deliver a superior and cost-effective server operating system. Learn about the many new features and technologies that make Windows Server 2003 an ideal server platform for organizations of any size.
Dependable
Windows Server 2003 has the reliability, availability, scalability, and security that make it a highly dependable platform.
- Availability.The Windows Server 2003 operating system provide improved availability through enhanced clustering support. Clustering services have become essential for organizations deploying critical e-commerce and line-of-business applications, because they provide significant improvements in availability, scalability, and manageability. Clustering installation and setup is easier and more robust in Windows Server 2003, while enhanced network features in the product provide greater failover capabilities and high system uptime. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems supports server clusters for up to eight nodes. If one of the nodes in a cluster becomes unavailable because of failure or maintenance, another node immediately begins providing service, a process known as failover. Windows Server 2003 also supports network load balancing (NLB), which balances incoming Internet Protocol (IP) traffic across nodes in a cluster.
- Scalability. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems provide scalability through scale-up, enabled by symmetric multiprocessing (SMP), and scale-out, enabled by clustering. Internal tests indicate that compared to Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003 delivers up to 140 percent better performance in the file system and significantly better performance in various other features including the Microsoft Active Directory service, Web server and Terminal Server components, and networking services. Windows Server 2003 scales from single processor solutions all the way up to 64-way systems. It supports both 32-bit and 64-bit processors.
- Security. Businesses have extended the traditional local area network (LAN) by combining intranets, extranets, and Internet sites. As a result, increased system security is now more critical than ever before. As part of the Microsoft commitment to reliable, secure, and dependable computing, the company has intensely reviewed the Windows Server 2003 operating systems to identify possible fail points and exploitable weaknesses. Windows Server 2003 provides many important new security features and improvements including:
- The common language runtime. This software engine is a key element of Windows Server 2003 that improves reliability and helps ensure a safe computing environment. It reduces the number of bugs and security holes caused by common programming mistakes. As a result, there are fewer vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit. The common language runtime also verifies that applications can run without error and checks for appropriate security permissions, making sure that code performs only appropriate operations.
- Internet Information Services 6.0. To increase Web server security, Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0 is configured for maximum security out of the box. IIS 6.0 and Windows Server 2003 provide the most dependable, productive, connected, and integrated Web server solution with fault tolerance, requesting queuing, application health monitoring, automatic application recycling, caching, and more. These are among the many new features in IIS 6.0 that enable you to conduct business securely on the Web.
Productive
Windows Server 2003 has capabilities in numerous areas that can make your organization and employees more productive, including:
- File and print services. At the heart of any IT organization is the ability to efficiently manage file and print resources while keeping them available and secure for users. As the network expands with more users located on-site, in remote locations, or even at partner companies, IT administrators face an increasingly heavy burden. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems deliver intelligent file and print services with increased performance and functionality, allowing you to reduce TCO.
- Active Directory. Active Directory is the directory service for the Windows Server 2003 operating systems. It stores information about objects on the network and makes this information easy for administrators and users to find, providing a logical, hierarchical organization of directory information. Windows Server 2003 brings many improvements to Active Directory, making it more versatile, dependable, and economical to use. In Windows Server 2003, Active Directory provides increased performance and scalability. It also allows you greater flexibility to design, deploy, and manage your organization's directory.
- Management services. While computing has proliferated on desktops, laptops, and portable devices, the real cost of maintaining a distributed personal computer network has grown significantly. Reducing day-to-day maintenance through automation is key to reducing operating costs. Windows Server 2003 contains several important new automated management tools, including Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and server configuration wizards. Managing Group Policy is made easier with the new Group Policy Management Console (GPMC), enabling more organizations to better utilize the Active Directory service and take advantage of its powerful management features. In addition, command-line tools let administrators perform most tasks from the command console. GPMC is available as a separate component.
- Storage management. Windows Server 2003 introduces new and enhanced features for storage management, making it easier and more reliable to manage and maintain disks and volumes, backup and restore data, and connect to storage area networks (SANs).
- Terminal Services. The Terminal Services component of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 builds on the solid application server mode in Windows 2000 Terminal Services. Terminal Services let you deliver Windows-based applications, or the Windows desktop itself, to virtually any computing device
including those that cannot run Windows.
Connected
Windows Server 2003 contains new features and improvements to make sure your organization and users stay connected:
- XML Web Services. IIS 6.0 is an important component of Windows Server 2003. Administrators and Web application developers demand a fast, reliable Web platform that is both scalable and secure. Significant architectural improvements in IIS include a new process model that greatly improves reliability, scalability, and performance. IIS is installed by default in a locked-down state. Security is increased because the system administrator enables or disables system features based on application requirements. In addition, direct editing support of the XML metabase improves management.
- Networking and communications. Networking and communications has never been more critical for organizations faced with the challenge of competing in the global marketplace. Employees need to connect to the network wherever they are and from any device. Partners, vendors, and others outside the network need to interact efficiently with key resources, and security is more important than ever. Networking improvements and new features in the Windows Server 2003 operating systems extend the versatility, manageability, and dependability of network infrastructures.
- Enterprise UDDI services. Windows Server 2003 includes Enterprise UDDI services, a dynamic and flexible infrastructure for XML Web Services. This standards-based solution enables companies to run their own internal UDDI service for intranet or extranet use. Developers can easily and quickly find and reuse the Web services available within the organization. IT administrators can catalog and manage the programmable resources in their network. With Enterprise UDDI services, companies can build and deploy smarter, more reliable applications.
- Windows Media Services. Windows Server 2003 includes the industry's most powerful digital streaming media services. These services are part of the next version of the Microsoft Windows Media technologies platform that also includes a new Windows Media Player, Windows Media Encoder, audio/video codecs, and Windows Media Software Development Kit.
Best Economics
PC technology provides the most cost-effective chip platform, a considerable economic incentive for adopting Windows Server 2003. But that is only the beginning of the story. Windows Server 2003 provides the best economics for both scale-up and scale-out purposes and provides an IT infrastructure that runs 30 percent more efficiently. With multiple essential services and components already included in Windows Server 2003, organizations can quickly benefit from an integrated platform that is easy to deploy, manage, and use.
When you adopt Windows Server 2003, you become a part of the global network that has helped make the Windows platform so productive. This network of global services and support provides the following benefits:
- Extensive ISV ecosystem. Microsoft has a large number of independent software vendors (ISVs) worldwide who support Microsoft applications and build certified custom applications on the Windows platform.
- Worldwide services. Microsoft is supported by over 450,000 Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSEs) worldwide, plus vendors and partners.
- Training options. Microsoft offers a wide range of IT training, enabling IT staff to continue developing their skills at a reasonable price.
- Certified solutions. Windows has thousands of certified hardware drivers and software applications from third-party ISVs, making it easy to add new devices and applications. In addition, prescriptive guidance from Microsoft Solutions Offerings (MSOs) helps organizations build proven solutions that help solve difficult business challenges.
This ecosystem of products and services reduces TCO, helping your organization be more productive and efficient.
XML Web Services and Microsoft .NET.
Microsoft .NET is deeply integrated into Windows Server 2003. The .NET Framework enables an unprecedented level of software integration using XML Web services: discrete, building-block applications that connect to each other
as well as to other, larger applications
via the Internet.
Feature Packs
The following new or enhanced Windows Server 2003 components deliver targeted solutions at no additional charge. Available as downloads, these feature packs boost productivity and reduce costs for customers by easing server deployment, helping to safeguard digital information, enhancing file and information sharing, and more.
- Automated Deployment Services. Windows Server 2003, Automated Deployment Services (ADS), is a powerful solution for rapidly deploying Windows server operating systems onto bare-metal servers across large, scaled-out installations. With support for script-based mass server administration, ADS also enables administrators to administer hundreds of servers as if they were one. ADS is an early deliverable of the Dynamic Systems Initiative (DSI).
- Identity Integration Feature Pack. Identity Integration Feature Pack (IIFP) 1a for Microsoft Windows Server Active Directory helps you reduce the cost of managing identity information. IIFP synchronizes identity information and allows you to easily provision and deprovision user accounts. Using IIFP, you can combine identity information for a given user or resource into a single, logical view. IIFP manages identities and coordinates user details across Microsoft Active Directory, Active Directory Application Mode (ADAM), Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server, and Exchange Server 2003 implementations.
- Windows Rights Management Services. Windows Rights Management Services (RMS) for Windows Server 2003 is information protection technology that works with RMS-enabled applications to help safeguard digital information from unauthorized use
both online and offline, inside and outside of the firewall. Combining Windows Server 2003 features, developer tools, and industry security technologies
including encryption, certificates, and authentication
RMS helps organizations create reliable information protection solutions.
- Windows SharePoint Services. Organizations can take file sharing and collaboration to a new level with Windows SharePoint Services, the new Web-based collaboration solution of Windows Server 2003. Windows SharePoint Services enables teams to create Web sites for information sharing and document collaboration, benefits that help increase individual and team productivity.
Improvements to the Windows Server Operating System
Windows Server 2003 includes all the functionality customers need today from a Windows Server operating system to do more with less, such as security, reliability, availability, and scalability. In addition, Microsoft has improved and extended the Windows server operating systems to incorporate the benefits of Microsoft .NET for connecting information, people, systems, and devices.
Server Roles
Windows Server 2003 is a multipurpose operating system capable of handling a diverse set of server roles, depending on your needs, in either a centralized or distributed fashion. Some of these server roles include:
- File and print server.
- Web server and Web application services.
- Mail server.
- Terminal server.
- Remote access and virtual private network (VPN) server.
- Directory services, Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, and Windows Internet Naming Service (WINS).
- Streaming media server.
Windows Server 2003 Core Technologies
Windows Server 2003 contains core technologies that build on the strengths of Windows 2000 Server to deliver a superior and cost-effective server operating system. Learn about the many new features and technologies that make Windows Server 2003 an ideal server platform for organizations of any size.
Dependable
Windows Server 2003 has the reliability, availability, scalability, and security that make it a highly dependable platform.
- Availability.The Windows Server 2003 operating system provide improved availability through enhanced clustering support. Clustering services have become essential for organizations deploying critical e-commerce and line-of-business applications, because they provide significant improvements in availability, scalability, and manageability. Clustering installation and setup is easier and more robust in Windows Server 2003, while enhanced network features in the product provide greater failover capabilities and high system uptime. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems supports server clusters for up to eight nodes. If one of the nodes in a cluster becomes unavailable because of failure or maintenance, another node immediately begins providing service, a process known as failover. Windows Server 2003 also supports network load balancing (NLB), which balances incoming Internet Protocol (IP) traffic across nodes in a cluster.
- Scalability. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems provide scalability through scale-up, enabled by symmetric multiprocessing (SMP), and scale-out, enabled by clustering. Internal tests indicate that compared to Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003 delivers up to 140 percent better performance in the file system and significantly better performance in various other features including the Microsoft Active Directory service, Web server and Terminal Server components, and networking services. Windows Server 2003 scales from single processor solutions all the way up to 64-way systems. It supports both 32-bit and 64-bit processors.
- Security. Businesses have extended the traditional local area network (LAN) by combining intranets, extranets, and Internet sites. As a result, increased system security is now more critical than ever before. As part of the Microsoft commitment to reliable, secure, and dependable computing, the company has intensely reviewed the Windows Server 2003 operating systems to identify possible fail points and exploitable weaknesses. Windows Server 2003 provides many important new security features and improvements including:
- The common language runtime. This software engine is a key element of Windows Server 2003 that improves reliability and helps ensure a safe computing environment. It reduces the number of bugs and security holes caused by common programming mistakes. As a result, there are fewer vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit. The common language runtime also verifies that applications can run without error and checks for appropriate security permissions, making sure that code performs only appropriate operations.
- Internet Information Services 6.0. To increase Web server security, Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0 is configured for maximum security out of the box. IIS 6.0 and Windows Server 2003 provide the most dependable, productive, connected, and integrated Web server solution with fault tolerance, requesting queuing, application health monitoring, automatic application recycling, caching, and more. These are among the many new features in IIS 6.0 that enable you to conduct business securely on the Web.
Productive
Windows Server 2003 has capabilities in numerous areas that can make your organization and employees more productive, including:
- File and print services. At the heart of any IT organization is the ability to efficiently manage file and print resources while keeping them available and secure for users. As the network expands with more users located on-site, in remote locations, or even at partner companies, IT administrators face an increasingly heavy burden. The Windows Server 2003 operating systems deliver intelligent file and print services with increased performance and functionality, allowing you to reduce TCO.
- Active Directory. Active Directory is the directory service for the Windows Server 2003 operating systems. It stores information about objects on the network and makes this information easy for administrators and users to find, providing a logical, hierarchical organization of directory information. Windows Server 2003 brings many improvements to Active Directory, making it more versatile, dependable, and economical to use. In Windows Server 2003, Active Directory provides increased performance and scalability. It also allows you greater flexibility to design, deploy, and manage your organization's directory.
- Management services. While computing has proliferated on desktops, laptops, and portable devices, the real cost of maintaining a distributed personal computer network has grown significantly. Reducing day-to-day maintenance through automation is key to reducing operating costs. Windows Server 2003 contains several important new automated management tools, including Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and server configuration wizards. Managing Group Policy is made easier with the new Group Policy Management Console (GPMC), enabling more organizations to better utilize the Active Directory service and take advantage of its powerful management features. In addition, command-line tools let administrators perform most tasks from the command console. GPMC is available as a separate component.
- Storage management. Windows Server 2003 introduces new and enhanced features for storage management, making it easier and more reliable to manage and maintain disks and volumes, backup and restore data, and connect to storage area networks (SANs).
- Terminal Services. The Terminal Services component of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 builds on the solid application server mode in Windows 2000 Terminal Services. Terminal Services let you deliver Windows-based applications, or the Windows desktop itself, to virtually any computing device
including those that cannot run Windows.
Connected
Windows Server 2003 contains new features and improvements to make sure your organization and users stay connected:
- XML Web Services. IIS 6.0 is an important component of Windows Server 2003. Administrators and Web application developers demand a fast, reliable Web platform that is both scalable and secure. Significant architectural improvements in IIS include a new process model that greatly improves reliability, scalability, and performance. IIS is installed by default in a locked-down state. Security is increased because the system administrator enables or disables system features based on application requirements. In addition, direct editing support of the XML metabase improves management.
- Networking and communications. Networking and communications has never been more critical for organizations faced with the challenge of competing in the global marketplace. Employees need to connect to the network wherever they are and from any device. Partners, vendors, and others outside the network need to interact efficiently with key resources, and security is more important than ever. Networking improvements and new features in the Windows Server 2003 operating systems extend the versatility, manageability, and dependability of network infrastructures.
- Enterprise UDDI services. Windows Server 2003 includes Enterprise UDDI services, a dynamic and flexible infrastructure for XML Web Services. This standards-based solution enables companies to run their own internal UDDI service for intranet or extranet use. Developers can easily and quickly find and reuse the Web services available within the organization. IT administrators can catalog and manage the programmable resources in their network. With Enterprise UDDI services, companies can build and deploy smarter, more reliable applications.
- Windows Media Services. Windows Server 2003 includes the industry's most powerful digital streaming media services. These services are part of the next version of the Microsoft Windows Media technologies platform that also includes a new Windows Media Player, Windows Media Encoder, audio/video codecs, and Windows Media Software Development Kit.
Best Economics
PC technology provides the most cost-effective chip platform, a considerable economic incentive for adopting Windows Server 2003. But that is only the beginning of the story. Windows Server 2003 provides the best economics for both scale-up and scale-out purposes and provides an IT infrastructure that runs 30 percent more efficiently. With multiple essential services and components already included in Windows Server 2003, organizations can quickly benefit from an integrated platform that is easy to deploy, manage, and use.
When you adopt Windows Server 2003, you become a part of the global network that has helped make the Windows platform so productive. This network of global services and support provides the following benefits:
- Extensive ISV ecosystem. Microsoft has a large number of independent software vendors (ISVs) worldwide who support Microsoft applications and build certified custom applications on the Windows platform.
- Worldwide services. Microsoft is supported by over 450,000 Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSEs) worldwide, plus vendors and partners.
- Training options. Microsoft offers a wide range of IT training, enabling IT staff to continue developing their skills at a reasonable price.
- Certified solutions. Windows has thousands of certified hardware drivers and software applications from third-party ISVs, making it easy to add new devices and applications. In addition, prescriptive guidance from Microsoft Solutions Offerings (MSOs) helps organizations build proven solutions that help solve difficult business challenges.
This ecosystem of products and services reduces TCO, helping your organization be more productive and efficient.
XML Web Services and Microsoft .NET.
Microsoft .NET is deeply integrated into Windows Server 2003. The .NET Framework enables an unprecedented level of software integration using XML Web services: discrete, building-block applications that connect to each other
as well as to other, larger applications
via the Internet.
Feature Packs
The following new or enhanced Windows Server 2003 components deliver targeted solutions at no additional charge. Available as downloads, these feature packs boost productivity and reduce costs for customers by easing server deployment, helping to safeguard digital information, enhancing file and information sharing, and more.
- Automated Deployment Services. Windows Server 2003, Automated Deployment Services (ADS), is a powerful solution for rapidly deploying Windows server operating systems onto bare-metal servers across large, scaled-out installations. With support for script-based mass server administration, ADS also enables administrators to administer hundreds of servers as if they were one. ADS is an early deliverable of the Dynamic Systems Initiative (DSI).
- Identity Integration Feature Pack. Identity Integration Feature Pack (IIFP) 1a for Microsoft Windows Server Active Directory helps you reduce the cost of managing identity information. IIFP synchronizes identity information and allows you to easily provision and deprovision user accounts. Using IIFP, you can combine identity information for a given user or resource into a single, logical view. IIFP manages identities and coordinates user details across Microsoft Active Directory, Active Directory Application Mode (ADAM), Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server, and Exchange Server 2003 implementations.
- Windows Rights Management Services. Windows Rights Management Services (RMS) for Windows Server 2003 is information protection technology that works with RMS-enabled applications to help safeguard digital information from unauthorized use
both online and offline, inside and outside of the firewall. Combining Windows Server 2003 features, developer tools, and industry security technologies
including encryption, certificates, and authentication
RMS helps organizations create reliable information protection solutions.
- Windows SharePoint Services. Organizations can take file sharing and collaboration to a new level with Windows SharePoint Services, the new Web-based collaboration solution of Windows Server 2003. Windows SharePoint Services enables teams to create Web sites for information sharing and document collaboration, benefits that help increase individual and team productivity.
Easy to use wireless network management for small networks
The NETGEAR ProSafe 5-AP Wireless Management Software is an easy to use tool to simplify the set up and maintenance of small wireless networks. Supporting up to five access points, the WMS105 Software provides a single location to configure and upgrade the entire wireless network. Priced less than a single access point, the WMS105 software provides significant time savings and simplifies the deployment of a wireless network.
Deployment
Mimicking the set up process of a single access point, the easy to use WMS105 Software enables even novice users to adopt a centralized management architecture. With automatic discovery of all supported access points in the network, the WMS105 Software speeds the configuration of a multiple access point network.
Security
By centrally configuring all access points in the network, the WMS105 Software ensures identical wireless parameters and security settings throughout the coverage area so that clients, guests and unwanted intruders all get appropriate access to network resources. Setting up WPA2 encryption keys to keep traffic safe from prying eyes and MAC authentication lists to only allow approved devices on the wireless network can be done once and sent out to the entire network. When used with ProSafe Access Points, the WMS105 software can configure a guest SSID for the wireless network to allow visitors safe access to the Internet without allowing visibility to company files or resources. Additionally, 802.1x network authentication can be applied for further verification of clients
rights to be on the network.
Access Points
Supporting a wide portfolio of standard NETGEAR access points, the WMS105 Software enables customers to select the right access points for their needs, even mixing models to provide the right coverage, as well as an upgrade path as technology changes. The access points retain their standalone capabilities and do not require a conversion to be managed by the WMS105 software. Supported models include SOHO-class 802.11G access points as well as professional caliber dual band 802.11N access points.
Access Points Supported
- WNDAP350 ProSafe Dual Band Wireless-N Access Point
- WNDAP330 ProSafe 802.11n Dual Band Wireless Access Point
- WNAP210 ProSafe Wireless-N Access Point
- WG302v2 ProSafe Wireless Access Point 802.11g
- WG103 ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Access Point
- WN802Tv2 Wireless-N Access Point
- WG602v4 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point