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

Windows 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.

Service Pack 2 consolidates security enhancements and adds Windows Vista support and tools to facilitate more efficient use of shared resources in larger networks.

32-Bit and x64 Versions: The installation media for this product include two sets of CDs and can be used for either 32-bit or x64 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 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 Terminal Services, a separate Terminal Services CAL is required for each user or device accessing the services.

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.

Features:

Under the Software Assurance program, customers acquire the right to install any new release of products covered in the agreement during the term of their coverage.
Improved identity and access management features allow organizations to better manage user access rights and to extend their IT infrastructure to provide partners, suppliers, customers, and remote employees access to an increasing number of applications.
These feature packs can be downloaded at no additional charge to deliver targeted solutions: Automated Deployment Services, Identity Integration Feature Pack, Windows Rights Management Services, and Windows SharePoint Services.
R2 provides underlying technology to simplify integrating branch office servers into the larger enterprise IT environment.
The File Server Resource Manager and Storage Manager for Storage Area Networks (SANs) simplify storage management tasks.
The Internet Information Services 6.0 Web server enhancements include a built-in security advisor, improved debugging capabilities, and x64 support.

Requirements:

Hardware:

133-MHz (or higher) processor; 550-MHz recommended; up to four processors supported
128 MB or more RAM (256 MB recommended); maximum 4 GB
1.2 GB available hard-disk space for network installation; 2.9 GB for CD installation
CD or DVD drive

Related Products: The following servers and licenses are in the Windows Server family.

Windows Server 2008 servers (Standard)
Windows Server 2008 servers (Enterprise)
Windows Server 2003 servers (Standard)
Windows Server 2003 servers (Enterprise)(English/Multilanguage)
Windows Server licenses External Connector, Device CAL, User CAL, Terminal Services Device CAL, Terminal Services User CAL

Price: £26.00 + VAT