Understanding Windows Server 2003 Versions

The current version of Windows for network servers is Windows Server 2003. Windows Server 2003 builds on Windows 2000 Server, with many new features. Here are just a few of its new features:

A new and improved version of Active Directory with tighter security, an easier-to-use interface, and better performance.
A better and easier-to-use system-management interface: the Manage My Server window. On the flip side-for those who prefer brute-force commands-Windows Server 2003 includes a more comprehensive set of command-line management tools than is offered by Windows 2000 Server. Of course, the familiar Microsoft Management Console tools from Windows 2000 Server are still there.
A built-in Internet firewall to secure your Internet connection.
A new version of the Microsoft Web server, Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0.

Windows Server 2003 comes in several versions-four, to be specific:

Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition: This is the basic version of Windows 2003. If you're using Windows Server 2003 as a file server or to provide other basic network services, this version is the one you use. Standard Edition can support servers with up to four processors and 4GB of RAM.
Windows Server 2003, Web Edition: This version of Windows 2003 is optimized for use as a Web server.
Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition: Designed for larger networks, this version can support servers with up to eight processors, 32GB of RAM, server clusters, and advanced features designed for high performance and reliability.
Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition: This is the most powerful version of Windows 2003, with support for servers with 64 processors, 64GB of RAM, and server clusters, as well as advanced fault-tolerance features designed to keep the server running for mission-critical applications.

The pricing for Windows Server 2003 is based on the number of clients that will use each server. Each server must have a server license-and an appropriate number of client licenses. When you buy Windows Server 2003, you get a server license and (depending on the size of your network) a bundle of 5, 10, or 25 client licenses. You can then purchase additional client licenses 5 or 20 at a time. Table 7-1 lists the prices for the various types of Windows Server 2003 and client licenses.

Table 7-1: Windows 2003 Server Pricing
Open table as spreadsheet
Product	Price
Windows Server 2003, 5 clients	$999
Windows Server 2003, 10 clients	$1,199
Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition, 25 clients	$3,999
Client license 5-pack	$199
Client license 20-pack	$799
Windows Server 2003, Web Edition	$399