Vault Networks knows that you expect the technology you purchase to be a consistent enabler of business value. You want your system up, and you want it to be responsive. At the same time, you also demand security levels that meet the challenges of today's world.

Windows Server 2003 meets all the needs of today's businesses and it's backed by Microsoft Windows' more than twenty years of experience in providing innovative solutions for virtually every user's needs.

To help you reach your goals using a Windows dedicated server, Vault Networks offers the Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition and the Windows 2003 Web Edition.

Windows History

Microsoft offers two distinct lines of operating systems: one for the home user and the other for the professional IT user. Those operating systems developed with home users in mind are generally more eye catching, but have less functionality in terms of networking and security abilities. In contrast, the professional versions aren't quite as visually appealing, but they make up for it in better networking and security abilities.

The first version of Microsoft Windows, Windows 1.0, was released in November 1985. Though Windows is among the most successful operating systems today, it wasn't an immediate success. It took years of feedback from customers and the hard work of Windows' development teams to reach true commercial success with Windows 3.0 in 1990. Over the years, Windows has continued to further develop its operating systems along both the home user and professional user lines.

In February 2000, Microsoft released Windows 2000 for professional IT use. Then, in April 2003, Windows Server 2003 was released replacing Windows 2000, which is the version available through Vault Networks. Windows Server 2003 offers a number of new features, including improved security.

Windows 2003 Dedicated Server Advantages

One of the greatest improvements offered by Windows 2003 is the ability it gives users to take advantage of IIS 6.0. IIS 6.0 is faster, more secure, and more stable than previous versions of IIS. However, it isn't available on any versions of Windows prior to Windows 2003. If you're currently providing web-hosting services on an older version of IIS, you're sure to see immediate improvements in both performance and stability with IIS 6.0. With IIS 6.0, you'll:

• Be able to host thousands more websites on each of your Windows web servers.
• Enjoy much faster startup and shutdown times.
• See a 200% improvement in the speed IIS can serve static content up.
• Keep your server running better by isolating applications.

Windows 2003 also includes the .Net Framework that lets you take immediate advantage of Microsoft's latest development platforms. And, it allows you to run your .Net application code right out of the box. You can also start developing applications to utilize the XML web services right away.

Included with Windows Server 2003 are:

• Windows Server 2003 OS.
• 2 Administrative User Licenses.
• IIS 6.0 (FTP, SMTP, POP, HTTP server).
• Windows Media Server (available on the Standard Edition only).
• Front Page 2002 Extensions.
• DNS Server.
• Application Server.
• File Server.
• Active Directory (available on the Standard Edition only).
• All current Microsoft recommended security patches and upgrades.
• ASP.NET, which includes ASP.NET Developer Framework, Web Matrix, MSDE, and ASP.NET Starter Kits.

Key features of Windows 2003 Server are:

• Streaming Media Services: These services are built in and include a new Windows Media Player, Windows Media Encoder, audio/video codecs, and Windows Media Software Development Kit.
• Backups and Storage: Easier management and maintenance of disks and volumes; easier backups and restores; easier connection to storage area networks.
• Terminal Services: Allows you to deliver Windows-based applications, and even the Windows desktop, to almost any computer, even those that can't run Windows.
• Security: IIS 6.0 provides maximum web server security and comes with a built-in Internet Connection Firewall.
• Updates: Includes Microsoft Software Update Services and server configuration wizards.
• Microsoft.Net: Allows for a high level of software integration using XML Web services.
• Data Encryption: Allows you to secure data on hard disks or in transmission with Encryption features.
• Single Logon: Enable single logon to Windows 2000 and other supporting systems with Kerberos Authentication.

Windows 2003 Server Standard Edition

Windows 2003 Server Standard Edition improves upon many technologies introduced in Windows 2000 Server. Some of the improved technologies are support for bandwidth throttling and Plug and Play support. It also adds new technologies, like common language runtime and better security to help safeguard networks from malicious or poorly designed code. In addition, improvements to IIS 6.0, PKI, and Kerberos make it easier to secure Windows Server 2003.

Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition is also faster and more robust over unreliable wide area network (WAN) connections due to more efficient synchronization, replication, and credential caching in branch office domain controllers.

Windows 2003 Server Web Edition

The Windows 2003 Server Web Edition was designed for building and hosting Web applications, Web pages, and XML Web services. Like the Standard Edition, the Web Edition takes advantage of IIS 6.0, ASP.NET, and .NET Framework. However, it does not allow non-Web serving applications like the Standard Edition does.