Windows Server 2003 R2 extends the Windows Server 2003 operating system, providing a more efficient way to manage and control access to local and remote resources while easily integrating into your existing Windows Server 2003 environment. Windows Server 2003 R2 provides a scalable, security-enhanced Web platform and enables new scenarios including simplified branch server management, improved identity and access management, and more efficient storage management. This page provides an overview of benefits, new features, and improvements in Windows Server 2003 R2. Building upon the increased security, reliability, and performance provided by Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1), Windows Server 2003 R2 extends connectivity and control to local and remote resources. Organizations can benefit from reduced costs and increased efficiencies gained through enhanced management and control over resources across the enterprise. Windows Server 2003 R2 allows you to maintain the performance, availability, and productivity benefits of a local branch office server while avoiding issues typically associated with branch office server solutions such as connectivity limitation and management overhead.

Windows Server Enterprise 2003 x64 provides high performance for both 32-bit and 64-bit applications on the same system.

Extends value of Active Directory deployments to facilitate secure access across organizational and platform boundaries, to allow organizations to manage a single identity across partner, Web, and UNIX applications

Greater user efficiency. Fewer user passwords, for both internal and partner-hosted web applications, through extranet Single Sign-On and identity federation

Enhanced IT efficiency. Centralized administration of extranet application access, fewer password resets, and the ability to delegate user management to trusted partners

Better security. Automated shut off of extranet access based on disabling a user's Active Directory account

Better regulatory compliance. Log user access to partner applications in external security domains

Improved interoperability with heterogeneous systems. Cross-platform Web Single Sign-On and identity federation using Web Services interoperability specifications and tools to manage and dynamically update user accounts and passwords across Windows and UN

Better storage utilization Provides storage utilization information through detailed storage reports

Better quota management Monitors and controls disk space usage with directory quotas

Better file screening Limits types of files allowed on servers with file screening

Simpler SAN configuration Easily configures and provisions storage area networks (SANs)

Better performing web platform. Latest 64-bit and .NET technologies double the Web performance

Windows SharePoint Services delivers a cost-effective collaboration solution that can be deployed, configured, and managed quickly

ASP.NET enables fast development of rich, Dynamic Systems Initiative-ready Web Services and applications using the .NET Framework

IIS 6.0 delivers a more secure, high-performance Web server

x64 support enables better performance at lower cost

Simplified Branch Server Management - Extends connectivity and reliability to and from the branch office while controlling the total cost of ownership of branch IT infrastructure

More centralized management. Provides centralized management tools for file and print functions

Reduced remote administration. Minimizes local administration and local back up

Better WAN efficiencies. Enables faster data replication over wide area networks

Improved Identity and Access Management Windows Server 2003 R2 includes Active Directory Federation Services, which is designed to help administrators address identity management challenges by making it possible for organizations to share a user's identit

Better security. Automated shut off of extranet access based on disabling a user's Active Directory account

Reduced Storage Management Costs - Windows Server 2003 R2 includes new tools designed to provide a centralized view of storage; simplified storage planning, provisioning and maintenance; and improved monitoring and reporting

Provides better control over storage setup and lower management costs due to improved storage management features

Better storage utilization. Provides storage utilization information through detailed storage reports

Better quota management. Monitors and controls disk space usage with directory quotas

Better file screening. Limits types of files allowed on servers with file screening

Simpler SAN configuration. Easily configures and provisions storage area networks (SANs)

Rich Web Platform - Windows Server 2003 R2 enables businesses to extend their infrastructure over the Web while reducing development and management costs through enhancements delivered with Windows Server 2003 SP1, x64 Editions, Windows SharePoint Service