: Windows Server 2003">
Executive Summary: Windows Server 2003
| Usability |
Excellent |
| Capability |
Good |
| Performance |
Good |
| Interoperability |
Fair |
| Manageability |
Excellent |
| Scalability |
Good |
| Security |
Good |
Noticeable—but not remarkable—manageability, directory, security and performance improvements are ahead for Windows 2000 Server customers who move to Windows Server 2003. Base pricing starts at $999, plus client access licenses. IIS customers, in particular, will want to investigate the much-improved IIS Web server in this release (Version 6.0). Staying on Windows 2000 Server, however, will be a very reasonable option for many—especially since Windows Server 2003s .Net Framework 1.1 libraries and Web service features are easily installed on Windows 2000. Organizations that didnt find Windows 2000 Server compelling in the first place will likely feel the same about the quite-similar Windows Server 2003. For more information, go to
www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/default.mspx.
(+) Significantly more secure defaults and permissions on new installations; redesigned IIS offers simpler security configuration, stronger security and faster performance; adds Active Directory cross-forest trusts and domain renames; built-in .Net Framework 1.1 and a UDDI server; Shadow Copies feature allows users to restore their own files from backups.
(-) Many security benefits apply only when the package is installed on a new server, not for upgraded servers; costly compared with free technology alternatives; very little Microsoft support for programmers using languages other than .Net; Shadow Copies feature requires a client-side extension.
EVALUATION SHORT LISTLinux 2.4-based distributionsNovell Inc.s NetWareSuns SolarisMicrosoft Windows 2000 Server 
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(-) Many security benefits apply only when the package is installed on a new server, not for upgraded servers; costly compared with free technology alternatives; very little Microsoft support for programmers using languages other than .Net; Shadow Copies feature requires a client-side extension.
EVALUATION SHORT LIST
