How we did it and NetResults

How we tested the Released-to-Manufacturing (RTM) Windows 2003 Enterprise Edition.

We tested the Released-to-Manufacturing (RTM) Windows 2003 Enterprise Edition, in a lab network using three primary servers:

•  M: 20-gigabyte SCSI Disk; 100Base-TX. Server 2: Compaq DL380 (2-733 Intel Pentium III CPUs; 2-gigabyte DRAM; Smart Array 2 hard disk controller with three SCSI drives in Raid 5 configuration; Intel GBE network card). Server 3: Compaq DL580 (4-1.8-GHz Xeon CPUs; 4-gigabyte DRAM; Smart Array 5 hard disk controller with two 40-gigabyte SCSI drives in Raid 1 configuration); Emulex LP9802-F2 (dual 2FC Fibre Channel card) connected to a Fibre Channel-arbitrated loop.

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Additionally, for the SAN testing we used a JMR JBOD 0.5TB FC-AL array in a SAN connected to two UnitedLinux and a NetBSD server. Other servers and workstations on the network included two Compaq Proliant 700US Notebooks, IBM Thinkpad 600e, Apple Powerbook G4, Apple Mac G4, Compaq Prosignia 2450, Viewsonic Tablet PC, Compaq Tablet PC, Sony Vaio Notebook, Gateway 1000 Server running Windows NT Server, 2-ASUS WhiteBox Linux Servers and an Intel-based NetBSD Server.

The network consisted of an Allied Telesyn GBE with a Compaq 10/100 switch, SMC 24-port hubs and a DLink eight-port 10/100 switch.

Tests

Three general tests were conducted. The first consisted of a test of new Active Directory migration features that allow forest and tree resource management, import and export of directory partitions, and tests of MMS metadirectory features. We imported a database consisting of 500 user objects from NetWare 6.0, then used the subsequent database to manipulate and modify directory tree and forest partitions.

The second test consisted of a suite of performance tests as viewed by Spirent WebAvalanche Analyzer, which performed simulated Web transaction and TCP connections — first on each of the three server platforms under Windows Advanced Server 2000, then the identical hardware configuration under Windows 2003 Enterprise Edition.

The third series of tests was for the use of Microsoft's VDS/Virtual Disk Storage. We used the volume shadowing service to replicate the boot volumes of a test server, crashed the server by removing the volumes, then restored the volumes successfully to the server.

Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition 4.25 Rating Company: Microsoft Pros: Improved Web server performance; advanced directory services management; increased security/storage options. Cons: Some drivers are outdated; mismatched feature sets upset level upgrade path.
Windows 2003 Enterprise Edition Installation/integration 25%  4 Performance 25%  4 Management/administration 25%  5 Security 25%  4 TOTAL SCORE 4.25
Individual category scores are based on a scale of 1 to 5. Percentages are the weight given each category in determining the total score. Scoring Key: 5: Exceptional showing in this category. Defines the standard of excellence; 4: Very good showing. Although there may be room for improvement, this product was much better than the average; 3: Average showing in this category. Product was neither especially good nor exceptionally bad; 2: Below average. Lacked some features or lower performance than other products or than expected; 1: Consistently subpar, or lacking features being reviewed.

Back to main review: "New OS is faster, safer to manage"