Q: What type of migration is being offered?
A:  We are offering our customers the option to migrate from Windows 2000 Server to Windows Server 2003. Migration is not mandatory. You can choose to stay with Windows 2000 Server if you wish. However, migrating to Windows Server 2003 has definite advantages over staying with Windows 2000 Server. For details, please read this FAQ in its entirety.

Q:  Why is RapidSite offering this migration?
A:  This migration is being offered as a beneficial technology upgrade. Windows Server 2003 tightly integrates a number of functions that, in Windows 2000 Server, were add-ons. For example, .NET Framework is now integrated into Windows Server 2003.

Additionally, Windows Server 2003 is Microsoft's latest server offering, incorporating significantly enhanced performance, reliability and security.  Built from "the ground up" to incorporate ASP.NET, this web hosting platform has all the same customer features of our Windows 2000 Server platform (except for ASPmail support) while providing a flexible platform for the future.

Q:  If I choose to migrate, what would it cost me?
A:  It would cost you zero dollars: There is no price change or set up fee involved with the migration. The migration to Windows Server 2003 is completely free.

Q: When can I migrate from a Windows Server 2000 plan to a Windows Server 2003 plan?
A: Migration capability is now active. So, you can migrate (move to a same level plan) your Windows Server 2000 accounts at your convenience. Alternately, you can also upgrade to a different level Windows Server 2003 plan. As the migration process involves a server move, we suggest that you read our Windows Server 2003 Migration Checklist to make any necessary preparations prior to the migration.

Q:  Do I need to make any changes in my web site's code or applications?
A:  If you choose to migrate to Windows Server 2003, the following two areas may require your attention:

In addition to the two above-mentioned areas, there are some additional areas that may also require your attention. To get an full understanding of some of the technical issues that you should check before migrating, we suggest that you read our Windows Server 2003 Migration Checklist prior to migrating to Windows Server 2003.

Q: What functional issues should I know with regard to the implementation of Windows Server 2003?
A: The functional issues that you should know include the following:

Q: How would I benefit by choosing to go with Windows Server 2003?
A: Windows Server 2003 contains all of the functionality of Windows 2000 Server and more. For instance, Windows 2000 Server supports .NET Framework as does Windows Server 2003: the only difference is that on Windows Server 2003, .NET Framework is built-in. Other functions that are now integrated into Windows Server 2003 are:

Q:  Are your Windows Server 2003 plans covered by the 99.9% uptime guarantee?
A:  Yes.

Q: What new features are in Windows Server 2003?
A: Windows Server 2003 contains numerous new features and abilities that make it a more robust and flexible web hosting system. Windows Server 2003 contains improvements and additions for application services, security, and much more. Most of these improvements will be transparent to you as they apply to the our server-side of your hosting plan. In addition, you can now install components that fit the ASP.NET installation model that our servers allow.

For example, you can upload .NET assemblies (a form of Dynamic Link Library or DLL). To upload an assembly, just copy it to the /bin directory of the relevant IIS application. Visual Studio .NET offers the easiest method of uploading .NET assemblies as it uploads them automatically when you deploy your Visual Studio.NET project to the server. Additionally, .NET assemblies can also be uploaded through an FTP client or through Microsoft^® FrontPage.

Q:  Should I be worried that Windows Server 2003 doesn't support ASPmail?
A:  No. Windows Server 2003 contains a robust and flexible alternative to sending mail from ASP pages. Specifically, you can easily replace ASPmail functionality with CDO. CDO is built into Windows Server 2003. The transition from ASPmail to CDO is straightforward. For more information, read our Windows Server 2003 Migration Checklist.

Q: Where can I go for further information regarding Windows Server 2003?
A: Please visit our "Windows Server 2003: Technical Information" document for a list of useful Windows Server 2003 resources. That document is available in the Windows Hosting Specific section of the Technical Support area of the RapidSite Dealer Kit. Prior to migration, you should also take the time to read our Windows Server 2003 Migration Checklist.