Windows Server 2003 R2 extends the Windows Server 2003 operating system, providing a more efficient way to manage and control access to local and remote resources while easily integrating into your existing Windows Server 2003 environment. Windows Server 2003 R2 provides a scalable, security-enhanced Web platform, seamless interoperability with UNIX-based systems and enables new scenarios including simplified branch server management, improved identity and access management, and more efficient storage management. Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition also delivers dynamic new licensing that allows customers to get even more value out of server virtualization. This page provides an overview of benefits, new features, and improvements in Windows Server 2003 R2.
Simplified Branch Server Management
Windows Server 2003 R2 allows you to maintain the performance, availability, and productivity benefits of a local branch office server while avoiding issues typically associated with branch office server solutions such as connectivity limitation and management overhead.
- More centralized management. Provides centralized management tools for file and print functions.
- Reduced remote administration. Minimizes local administration and local back up.
- Better WAN efficiencies. Enables faster data replication over wide area networks.
Improved Identity and Access Management
Windows Server 2003 R2 includes Active Directory Federation Services, which is designed to help administrators address identity management challenges by making it possible for organizations to share a user's identity information more securely across security boundaries. Windows Server 2003 R2 also provides UNIX password synchronization, which helps integrate servers running Windows and UNIX by simplifying the process of maintaining secure passwords.
- Greater user efficiency. Fewer user passwords, for both internal and partner-hosted web applications, through extranet Single Sign-On and identity federation.
- Enhanced IT efficiency. Centralized administration of extranet application access, fewer password resets, and the ability to delegate user management to trusted partners.
- Better security. Automated "shut off" of extranet access based on disabling a user's Active Directory account.
- Better regulatory compliance. Log user access to partner applications in external security domains.
- Improved interoperability with heterogeneous systems. Cross-platform Web Single Sign-On and identity federation using Web Services interoperability specifications and tools to manage and dynamically update user accounts and passwords across Windows and UNIX systems using Network Information Service (NIS). Also performs automatic synchronization of passwords between Windows and UNIX operating systems.
Reduced Storage Management Costs
Windows Server 2003 R2 includes new tools designed to provide a centralized view of storage; simplified storage planning, provisioning and maintenance; and improved monitoring and reporting.
- Better storage utilization. Provides storage utilization information through detailed storage reports.
- Better quota management. Monitors and controls disk space usage with directory quotas.
- Better file screening. Limits types of files allowed on servers with file screening.
- Simpler SAN configuration. Easily configures and provisions storage area networks (SANs).
Rich Web Platform
Windows Server 2003 R2 enables businesses to extend their infrastructure over the Web while reducing development and management costs through enhancements delivered with Windows Server 2003 SP1, x64 Editions, Windows SharePoint Services, .NET Framework 2.0, and Internet Information Services 6.0.
- Better performing web platform. Latest 64-bit and .NET technologies double the Web performance.
- Windows SharePoint Services delivers a cost-effective collaboration solution that can be deployed, configured, and managed quickly.
- ASP.NET enables fast development of rich, Dynamic Systems Initiative-ready Web Services and applications using the .NET Framework.
- IIS 6.0 delivers a more secure, high-performance Web server.
- x64 support enables better performance at lower cost.
Cost Effective Server Virtualization
Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition (EE) will allow you to run up to four virtual instances of Windows Server 2003 R2 EE on one licensed physical server or hardware partition, thereby decreasing the costs of server virtualization.
- Better virtualization value. Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition provides better value in server virtualization. Licensing policy changes now allow customers to run up to 4 virtual instances of Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition on one licensed physical server or hardware partition.
Seamless UNIX/Windows Interoperability
UNIX Interoperability components in Windows Server 2003 R2 allow you to reduce costs by integrating UNIX and Windows systems to deliver a complete solution. The integration of security and directory services, file and printer sharing and re-use of UNIX code and IT skills across platforms delivers a simplified infrastructure and allows UNIX or Windows IT staff to manage both systems from one place.
- Enable Cross Platform Management. UNIX administrators can manage both UNIX and Windows systems using many tools, utilities and scripts that you are using today with the Utilities and SDK Web Download, which includes shells and SVR-5 utilities. Windows administrators can use familiar Windows commands to manage UNIX systems, users, permissions and passwords.
- Integrate UNIX Applications. The Sub-system for UNIX-based Applications (SUA), is a source-compatibility subsystem for compiling and running custom UNIX-based applications on Windows Server 2003 R2. SUA allows for some parts of a UNIX application to be run on Windows, for instance building a Windows-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) for an existing UNIX-based application.
- Migrate UNIX Applications. SUA enables the phased migration of UNIX-based applications by allowing most custom applications to be re-compiled and run natively on Windows. Applications can be converted or re-written one component at a time, without significant end-user downtime or extensive cut-over times.
Robust security
Protect your network with the advanced security features of Service Pack 1. Use the Security Configuration Wizard to create security policies based on a server's role. Implement other features to protect against malicious code and activate security updates at installation.
Improved branch office server management
Improved file replication and centralized printer management removes the need for local administration and backup in branch offices.
Better identity and access management across security boundaries
Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) provides improved total cost of ownership (TCO) and better security when collaborating with partners or deploying internet-facing web applications.
Efficient storage setup and management
Easily configure and provision storage area networks (SANs).
Enhanced information worker productivity
Increase your team's ability to work together by using SharePoint sites to communicate information, discuss ideas, and collaborate on documents.
Increased operational efficiency through virtualization
Run up to four instances of the server software in virtual operating system environments. (Enterprise Edition Only)
Easy to Deploy, Manage, and Use
With its familiar Windows interface, Windows Server 2003 is easy to use. New streamlined wizards simplify the setup of specific server roles and routine server management tasks so that even servers without a dedicated administrator are easy to manage. In addition, administrators have several new and improved features designed to make it easier to deploy Active Directory. Large Active Directory replicas can be deployed from backup media, and upgrading from earlier server operating systems such as Microsoft Windows NT® is easier with the Active Directory Migration Tool (ADMT), which copies passwords and is fully scriptable. Maintaining Active Directory is easier with new features, such as the ability to rename domains and redefine schema, giving administrators the flexibility to handle organizational changes that may occur. In addition, cross-forest trusts let administrators connect Active Directory forests, providing autonomy without sacrificing integration. Lastly, improved deployment tools, such as Remote Installation Services, help administrators quickly create system images and deploy servers.
Secure Connected Infrastructure
Efficient and secure networked computing is more important than ever for a business to remain competitive. Windows Server 2003 lets organizations take advantage of existing IT investments, and extend those advantages to partners, customers, and suppliers by deploying key features like cross-forest trusts in the Microsoft Active Directory® service as well as Microsoft .NET Passport integration. Identity management in Active Directory spans the entire network, helping ensure security throughout the enterprise. It's easy to encrypt sensitive data, and software restriction policies can be used to prevent damage caused by viruses and other malicious code. Windows Server 2003 is the best choice for deploying a public key infrastructure (PKI), and its autoenrollment and autorenewal features make it easy to deploy smart cards and certificates across the enterprise.
Enterprise-Class Reliability, Availability, Scalability, and Performance
Reliability is enhanced through a range of new and improved features including memory mirroring, Hot Add Memory, and health detection in Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0. For higher availability, the Microsoft Cluster service now supports up to eight-node clusters and geographically separated nodes. Better scalability is provided with the ability to scale from a single-processor to 64-way Itanium 2 systems. Overall, Windows Server 2003 is faster with up to 140 percent better file-system performance as well as significantly faster performance for Active Directory, XML Web services, Terminal Services, and networking.
Lower TCO Through Consolidation and the Latest Technology
Windows Server 2003 provides many technical advances that help organizations lower total cost of ownership (TCO). The Windows Resource Manager, for example, lets administrators set resource usage (for processors and memory) on server applications and manage them though Group Policy settings. Network-attached storage helps consolidate file services. Other improvements include support for Non-Uniform Memory Access (NUMA), Intel Hyper-Threading technology, and multi-path input/output (I/O), all of which help "scale up" servers.
Create Dynamic Intranet and Internet Web Sites
IIS 6.0, the Web server included in Windows Server 2003, provides enhanced security and a dependable architecture that offers application isolation and greatly improved performance. The result: higher overall reliability and uptime. And Microsoft Windows Media® services makes it easy to build streaming media solutions with dynamic content programming as well as faster and more reliable performance.
Fast Development with Integrated Application Server
The Microsoft .NET Framework is deeply integrated into the Windows Server 2003 operating system. Microsoft ASP.NET enables high-performance Web applications. With .NET-connected technology, developers are freed from having to write tedious "plumbing" code and can work efficiently with the programming languages and tools they already know. Windows Server 2003 provides many features that boost developer productivity and the value of applications. Existing applications can be easily repackaged as XML Web services. UNIX applications can be easily integrated or migrated. And developers can quickly build mobile-aware Web applications and services through ASP.NET mobile Web Forms controls and other tools.
Work Smarter By Turning Your File Server Into a Powerful Collaboration Server
Windows SharePoint Services is a platform for creating large numbers of smart Web communities focused on information sharing and team productivity. It can scale to thousands of sites within an organization. It fully supports load-balanced Web farm and clustered database deployments. Site and server managers can enforce storage quotas using a sites per-server and users per-site criterion. Site usage can be monitored to detect and retire inactive sites. Security is granular, yet easily managed. Windows Rights Management Services (RMS) is a security feature of Windows that works with applications to help safeguard confidential and sensitive enterprise information-no matter where it goes.
Automate Operations with Script-based and Policy-based Management Tools
Expected to be available as an add-in component, the new Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) allows administrators to better deploy and manage policies that automate key configuration areas such as users' desktops, settings, security, and roaming profiles. A new set of command-line tools lets administrators script and automate management functions, allowing most management tasks to be completed from the command line if desired. Support for Microsoft Software Update Services (SUS) helps administrators automate the latest system updates.
Increase Document Protection and Availability via Intelligent File Storage
With the new shadow copy restore feature, users can retrieve previous versions of files instantly, without requiring costly assistance from a support professional. Enhancements to the Distributed File System (DFS) and File Replication service (FRS) provide users with a consistent way to access their files wherever they are.
Easy to Find, Share, and Reuse XML Web 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 UDDI (Universal Description, Discovery and Integration) directory for intranet or extranet use, making it easy to discover Web services and other programmatic resources. 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. Enterprise UDDI Services also helps companies build and deploy smarter, more reliable applications.
Please see Windows Server 2003 R2 Edition Comparison under Supporting Documents for further information.
Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition
Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition takes the best of Windows 2000 Server technology and makes it easier to deploy, manage, and use. The result is a highly productive operating system that is more secure, reliable, highly available, and scalable.
At a high level, Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition, provides support for:
- Advanced networking features such as Internet Authentication Service (IAS), the Network Bridge feature, and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).
- Four-way symmetric multiprocessing (SMP).
- 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM.
Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition
Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition differs from Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard Edition primarily in its support for high-performance servers and its ability to cluster servers for greater load handling. These capabilities provide reliability that helps ensure systems remain available even if problems arise.
At a high level, Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition provides support for:
- Eight-way symmetric multiprocessing (SMP). To increase server performance and capacity, you can add processors, an approach to increasing your network capacity known as scaling up. The enhanced support for SMP allows you to add processors that work together-that is, multiprocessor servers. Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition supports up to eight processors in a single system or partition.
- Eight-node clustering. Server clusters of up to eight nodes are available only in Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition and Windows Server 2003 R2 Datacenter Edition.
- Up to 64 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. By adding memory, a computer can work with more information at once. Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition includes enhanced memory capabilities that let you increase the memory available for server processing to as much as 64 GB of RAM.