The Barnes & Noble Review
Deploying a Windows Server 2003 network is 80 percent planning and preparation, and
20 percent implementation. Windows Server 2003: Best Practices for Enterprise
Deployments is indispensable for both the 80 percent and the 20 percent.
Nelson Ruest and Danielle Ruest introduce PASS, a systematic architectural
model for server construction and management. This model intelligently
organizes all the services the network must provide -- and, in so doing,
simplifies planning and makes it far easier to deploy Windows Server 2003
reliably. (Elements of PASS were first introduced in the authors' previous
book, Preparing for .NET Enterprise Technologies.)
The Ruests next walk you through designing enterprise network architecture,
and preparing for massive installations of Windows Server 2003. If possible,
they recommend using Windows Server 2003 migration as an opportunity to
implement a new network, using new principles and architecture. They present
a complete "Parallel Network Approach" for doing this with as little risk
and disruption as possible.
You'll find thorough chapters on both Active Directory and IP design;
preparing and building PC and user organizational unit infrastructure; and
designing network service infrastructure. The authors then turn to
implementing a "Castle Defense" security system based on multiple,
cumulative barriers to entry. After a full chapter of best practices for
improving resiliency, they walk through taking your new network into
production.
Each chapter is complemented by many downloadable tools: enterprise network,
Active Directory, and security design blueprints, server sizing exercises,
group policy documentation spreadsheets, print and terminal server
preparation process documents, and much more. If you're able to follow the
authors' reasonable approach, this book will be of immeasurable value.
Bill Camarda
Bill Camarda is a consultant, writer, and web/multimedia content developer. His 15 books include Special Edition Using Word 2000 and Upgrading & Fixing Networks for Dummies, Second Edition.
