Contrary to popular opinion, OEM, or "Original Equipment Manufacturer", software is not "free" software. It is, in fact, software supplied to a computer systems builder, at a reduced price, from the software manufacturer, itself. As such, its distribution is subject to certain caveats. Legally, OEM can software can only be distributed with hardware; this is often in the form of a new computer, although smaller items, such as cables, also constitute hardware. In contrast to standard, retail software, OEM software is usually supplied with only basic packaging, no user manual, and limited – if, indeed, any – technical support.

Windows Server 2003 Features & Benefits

Windows Server 2003, originally codenamed "Whistler", and known for a long time as Windows .NET Server, is similar in look and feel to Windows XP, with some minor differences, and, obviously, with additional server capabilities. Installation of the software is straightforward, and, like Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 now offers the option of performing a "quick" format on disk partitions. The "Quick Format" option is much faster than a traditional format, but do bear in mind that it performs only high level formatting – in other words, it relies on the tracks and sectors already defined by previous formatting – and so is best suited to servers that have not previously contained sensitive, or confidential, information.

Unlike its predecessor, Windows Server 2000, Windows Server 2003 does require activation, although you do have a full 60 day period in which to complete the activation process. More importantly, by default, Windows Server 2003 is installed in "locked down" mode. Windows IIS, or "Internet Information Services", for example, is not installed by default; it can, however, be installed later via "Administrative Tools", or "Add or Remove Programs" in the Windows Control Panel. IIS was previously something of a weak link, in terms of security, providing an access point to a web server, and the network beyond, for hackers; the latest version, however, places control of web services firmly in the hands of the administrator.

Another plus point for Windows Server 2003 is the presence of several new, and enhanced, features for the deployment, and maintenance, of Active Directory. ADMT, or "Active Directory Migration Tool", as the name suggests, aids the process of upgrading from earlier server operating systems, such as Windows NT. Active Directory structures can effectively be restored from backup media, passwords copied, schema redefined, and domains renamed, so Windows Server 2003 has the flexibility to cope with organisational changes as they happen.

Conclusion

Windows Server 2003 is a worthwhile, feature rich, upgrade – even for Windows Server 2000 users, who will find the upgrade process very straightforward – and includes some important additional functionality that is not available in either Windows Server NT, or Windows 2000. The ability to rename domains, and so-called "cross forest trust" – the ability to manage trust, automatically, between multiple Active Directory forests – can be highly economical, in terms of time, and money, especially during a merger, or acquisition. The difference in price between the OEM version of Windows Server 2003 and the retail version can be very large, indeed, so if the absence of a manual, and limited technical support, is unlikely to prove a hindrance, Windows Server 2003 OEM may represent excellent value for money.

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Mark Waterson is an independent researcher and writer on software and technology themes.

Detailed information on Windows Server 2003 can be found at bluesolutions.co.uk, specialists in OEM software and software licensing from leading manufacturers for both PC and Mac platforms