Upgrade Paths | Introducing Microsoft Windows Server(TM) 2003

You can upgrade to Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition, from the following versions of the Windows NT family of operating systems:

Windows NT Server 4.0 with Service Pack 5 or later
Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition, with Service Pack 5 or later
Windows NT Server 4.0, Enterprise Edition, with Service Pack 5 or later

Note

If you have a version of Windows NT earlier than 4.0, you cannot upgrade directly to the Enterprise Edition from it. You must first upgrade to Windows NT 4.0 and apply Service Pack 5 or later before upgrading to a product in the Windows Server 2003 family. If you have servers or clients that run Windows NT 3.51, you should install or upgrade to a newer operating system on all these computers, or retire them from operation. If you have more than one domain, this step is necessary for reliable logon validation. In any case, this step strengthens security and reduces the number of version differences between computers, simplifying management and troubleshooting.

The need to upgrade can be seen with even a quick glance at the enhancements, which include the following:

Active Directory.

The Active Directory directory service includes improved methods for finding and changing the location or attributes of objects, command-line tools, greater flexibility in working with the schema, application directory partitions, the capability of adding domain controllers to existing domains using backup media, universal group membership caching, and easier management. As directory-enabled applications become more prevalent , organizations can use the capabilities of Active Directory to manage even the most complicated enterprise-network environments.
Application services.

Advances in Windows Server 2003 provide many benefits for developing applications, including simplified integration and interoperability, improved developer productivity, and increased enterprise efficiency, all of which result in lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and better performance.
Clustering services.

Installation and setup are easier and more robust in Windows Server 2003 than in earlier versions of Windows, and enhanced network features provide greater failover capabilities and high system uptime. Clustering services have become increasingly essential for organizations deploying business-critical e-commerce and line-of-business applications.
File and print services.

Windows Server 2003 ensures higher reliability with new features such as Automated System Recovery (ASR), making it easier to recover your system, back up your files, and maintain maximum availability. An enhanced file system infrastructure makes it easier to use, secure, and store files and other essential resources. Employees benefit by always being able to access the resources they need or quickly recover files without costly assistance from an IT help desk, and businesses benefit from a reduced TCO.
Internet Information Services 6.0.

With Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0, Microsoft has completely revised the IIS architecture in the Windows Server 2003 product family to address the demanding needs of enterprise customers, Internet service providers (ISPs) and independent software vendors (ISVs).
Management services.

Windows Server 2003 provides centralized, customizable management services to reduce TCO and is easier to deploy, configure, and use.
Networking and communications.

Networking improvements and new features in Windows Server 2003 extend the versatility, manageability, and dependability of network infrastructures and expand on the foundation established in Windows 2000 Server.
Security.

The Windows Server 2003 operating system provides many important new security features and improves on the security features originally included in Windows 2000 Server, making it easier to secure a full range of devices. New security features include the IEEE 802.1X protocol (which makes it easy to secure wireless LANs from the threat of eavesdropping within your business environment), Encrypting File System (EFS), certificate services, and automatic smart card enrollment.
Storage management.

Windows Server 2003 introduces new and enhanced features for storage management, making it easier and more reliable to manage and maintain disks and volumes , back up and restore data, and connect to storage area networks (SANs).
Terminal Server.

The Terminal Server component of Windows Server 2003 provides organizations with a more reliable, more scalable, and more manageable server-based computing platform. It offers new options for application deployment and more efficient access to data over low bandwidth, and it enhances the value of legacy and new, lighter-weight devices.
Windows Media Services.

Windows Media Services is the server component of Windows Media Technologies used to distribute digital media content over corporate intranets and the Internet. In addition to traditional digital distribution services, such as file and Web services, Windows Media Services delivers the most reliable, scalable, manageable, and economical solutions for distributing streaming audio and video.

Windows Server 2003 also serves as the foundation for Microsoft .NET, a set of Microsoft software technologies for connecting your world of information, people, systems, and devices. Microsoft .NET enables an unprecedented level of software integration through the use of XML Web services: small, discrete, building-block applications that connect to one another ”as well as to other, larger, applications ”via the Internet.

.NET-connected software from Microsoft includes a comprehensive family of products ”clients that power smart devices, services, servers, and tools ”designed to support XML and incorporate Internet industry standards. Development becomes easier with Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and the Microsoft .NET Framework, which not only change the way applications can be developed but also make it possible to create new kinds of applications.

All of this combines for a compelling case for migrating from Windows NT Server 4.0 to the Windows Server 2003 family of operating systems.

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