Windows Server 2003 is a server operating system capable of handling a diverse set of roles in either a centralized or distributed fashion. A computer running
Windows Server 2003 can perform these roles and services:
- File and print server
- Web server and Web application service
- 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
Microsoft Server 2003 provides a platform for applications that can be purchased separately, including Project Server, Internet Security and Acceleration Server, and Microsoft Operations Management Server.
The R2 release includes such features as enhanced control over access to local and remote resources; a scalable, security-enhanced Web platform; seamless interoperability with UNIX-based systems; and more efficient storage management.
32bit and 64bit versions
The installation media for this product include two sets of CDs and can be used for either 32bit or 64bit systems.
English/Multilanguage Version
The installation media for the English/Multilanguage version include CD-ROMs for the basic English-language installation and additional CD-ROMs that can be used to install one or more additional language interfaces. The additional CD-ROMs are called a MUI pack.
Enterprise and Standard editions
The Standard Edition is appropriate for the everyday needs of organizations of all sizes, but especially small organizations and workgroups. The Enterprise Edition provides eight-way symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) support for high-performance servers; support for eight-node server clusters, and support for up to 64 GB of RAM.
Client Licenses
In addition to this server license, a Windows Server 2003 Device or User Client Access License (CAL) is required for each user or device accessing or using the server software, with the exception of anonymous Internet users. An example of such an exception would be unidentified users browsing the organization's public Web site. Alternatively, an organization can use a Windows Server External Connector License for a large number of authenticated external Internet users. In addition, if the server is running Windows 2003 Terminal Services, a separate Terminal Services CAL is required for each user or device accessing the services. See the Microsoft Servers and Operating Systems category for server licenses.
Installing this product requires a licence key and installation media. Within 14 days of placing your order, instructions for obtaining the licence key will be sent to your organisation's registered e-mail address and free installation media will be delivered to your organisation's registered address.