Windows Server 2003 operating systems take the best of Windows 2000 Server technology and make it easier to deploy, manage, and use. The result: a highly productive infrastructure that helps make your network a strategic asset for your organization. As of March 28, 2005, all Windows Server 2003 operating systems ship with Windows Server Service Pack 1 (SP1). Windows Server 2003 SP1 provides enhanced security, increased reliability, and a simplified administration to help enterprise customers across all industries.

In addition, in December 2005, Standard, Enterprise, and Datacenter editions of Windows Server 2003 R2 were released, offering Active Directory, storage, and branch office enhancements for customers.

Windows Server 2003 includes all the functionality customers need today from a Windows Server operating system to do more with less, such as security, reliability, availability, and scalability. In addition, Microsoft has improved and extended the Windows server operating systems to incorporate the benefits of Microsoft .NET for connecting information, people, systems, and devices.

Windows Server 2003 is a multipurpose operating system capable of handling a diverse set of server roles, depending on your needs, in either a centralized or distributed fashion. Some of these server roles include:

• File and print server.
• Web server and Web application services.
• 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.