Performance Windows 2000 Advanced Server example essay topic

Hardware Requirements for... Component Windows 2000 Server Netware 5.0 Server Linux Server Processor 133 MHz or higher Pentium or Pentium-compatible processor. Windows 2000 Server can support up to 4 CPUs, Advanced Server up to 8 CPUs and Datacenter Server up to 32 CPUs An IBM or IBM-compatible PC with Pentium processor. Out of the box, NetWare 5.0 can support as many as 32 processors. Intel-compatible x 86 Memory 256 MB RAM is the recommended minimum. A computer running Windows 2000 Server may hold a max. of 4 GB of memory 64 MB RAM (the number should be increased for better performance; 128 MB is recommended) 32 MB RAM Hard disk A hard drive supported by Windows 2000 with a min. of 1 GB of free space available for system files IDE or SCSI hard disk with at least 50 MB DOS partition and at least 550 MB NetWare partition.

A hard drive supported by Linux, such as an IDE or SCSI, with a min. of 500 MB free space NIC NIC not required to install the Windows 2000 NOS, is required to connect to network. A NIC that supports your network type and for which you have drivers available A NIC supported by Linux CD-ROM Required unless the installation will take place over the network A model that can read ISO 9660 formatted CDs is recommended Choose a drive listed on the HCL Pointing device A mouse or other pointing device found on the HCL Optional, but necessary if you want to use the GUI console Optional Floppy disk Not required Optional, but a 3.5" floppy disk drive is useful for installing the NetWare operating system license Linux requires 1/2 3.5-inch floppy disks to get started. Through my business experience of transitioning travel agency customers from an existing CRS to the Apollo system, I learned the significance of the customer's consideration of productivity gains, cost of implementation and vendor support in the decision-making process. The end result in any migration must be the user's ability to access and utilize applications with speed and reliability that result in efficiency improvements and productivity gains.

The selection of a network operating system is an important decision based on the needs of the organization and their business goals. Many factors must be considered to achieve a Return on Investment. After much consideration of features and benefits of the top three NOS (Netware, Windows 2000, and UNIX), I have based my preference of the Windows 2000 server on the following factors: applications, cost and support. Furthermore, the Windows 2000 server family is designed to meet the needs for all sizes of businesses.

Microsoft is creating a platform geared to e-commerce as well as improved capabilities for traditional markets. Value is seen when new advanced features enable better communication and ease of users. Through utilization of the enhanced features below, an organization may see an increase in efficiency and revenue. Advanced Features: o Enhanced Distributed Services - Active Directory TM simplifies management tasks, strengthens security and makes use of existing systems through interoperability. o Enhanced Reliability and Availability - through Distributed File System that makes it easier for you to find and manage data, and Enhanced Clustering Services which make applications and data available on multiple servers. o Enhanced Scalability - Symmetric Multi-Processing, Network Load Balancing, and EMA (Enterprise Memory Architecture) o Enhanced Interoperability - standard naming structure for directory information and LDAP Microsoft is a well-established supplier of user-friendly applications through utilization of GUI (Graphical User Interface). Cost of the migration to Windows 2000 could be significantly less due to the following considerations: Ease of use - GUI, less training required saves money due to loss of productivity while in training and transition.

Applications that offer speed, manageability, and reliability will contribute to the company bottom line in short amount of time. With Microsoft Consulting Services, a well-designed plan for the server migration will save money in reduced operational costs. Multi-Master Active Directory data stores and Delegation of Authority provide the tools required to perform centralized management which allows timely problem resolution. This resulted in one company reducing the number of domain servers saving $700,000.00 annually. Performance - Windows 2000 Advanced Server delivers industry-leading performance for less than half the cost of the most scalable UNIX-based solution. To successfully complete the migration to Windows 2000 and gain immediate proficiency, many avenues of support is provided through the following resources: o Product Support Services website with over 250,000 articles covering resolutions o Links, phone support and online email. o Microsoft Windows 2000 Server's Administration Companion guide, Microsoft Press. o Online training and classroom training (course 2200; Return on Intelligence Kit) o Step-by-Step instructions and How To guides on the web o MCS - Microsoft Consulting Services to plan the correct architecture for your organization.

Utilization of a combination of these resources will allow the users to become familiar with installation and instruction in a shorter amount of time. Network administrators generally choose a NOS based on their existing infrastructure and the compatibility. The top three NOS systems offer unique and thought-provoking features and benefits. Given the choice, I would invest in Windows 2000 primarily due to the enhanced features that will contribute to profitability, the manageable cost of the implementation which will be recouped from productivity gains, and the exceptional and well-known support provided by Microsoft that will provide a smooth transition. Others may consider different factors in their decision-making process based on the importance to the organization; nevertheless, thorough research of each NOS will result in the best-placed system..