Windows 2003 Web Server
A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Frances Rhea
Choosing Windows 2003 Web Server
Microsoft launched its latest web server April 24, 2003. Shortly thereafter it won an e-week award. It has improved security features that are due to its IIS 6.0 server. The Windows 2003 server claims to be faster and more reliable. Its cost saving and productivity benefits make it well suited as a deployment platform. It can be used in any business environment: not only as a web server.
Benefits of Windows 2003 Web Server
The Windows 2003 Server is a multi-purpose operating system. It can handle a variety of server roles depending on your business needs. It provides powerful tools for management and administration.
The Enterprise Edition
The Enterprise Edition was designed for the specific needs of larger businesses. This version has higher performance and supports high performance servers. It offers clustering of servers for handling greater loads which is often required by large businesses.
Data Center Edition
The Data Center Edition offers businesses the ability to deploy their high-end hardware that is used for "business critical" and "mission critical" applications. This is important where the highest level of scalability and availability are required. This version also supports server consolidation.
Small Business Edition
The Small Business Edition of Windows 2003 Server allows small businesses to get 20% more of their tasks done every day. It enables the customer to reach customers faster and provide better service to them. Business information is fully protected and a "Windows Server Network" can be set up rather quickly. Its centralized desktop application deployment is a one of its key features.
Web Server Edition
The Web Server Edition was designed to be a single purpose solution for Internet Service Providers, application developers, and businesses looking to deploy specific web functionality. This platform is targeted to the low-end and entry-level web server environments. Specific web functionality deployment is the underlying feature. This edition provides a specific platform for deploying web services and applications that are easy to setup and maintain.
The daily needs of the average users were foremost during its development. Client Access Licensees (CAL's) are not required and the cost is significantly lower than the other versions that are being offered.
Security
Microsoft claims that the new Windows 2003 Server is shipped in a secure manner. They indicate that the heightened sense of security is built into the default configuration; IIS is disabled by default thereby securing the software. The Web hosting company that purchases the package must turn on the server to serve web pages for their clients.
Conclusions
Since many users are already comfortable with the Windows environment, this new package should be easy to deploy and maintain. End users will feel right at home and not need additional training to work in this new environment thus saving additional costs for training. The administration is also simple and will not need additional personnel or training to accomplish their tasks. Overall, Windows has provided a new secure atmosphere that can benefit any small or large company.
