The in-depth reference for network architects and administrators implementing enterprise directory services.

Get the focused, in-depth technical expertise you need to implement and optimize your Microsoft directory services infrastructure. As two Active Directory® experts guide you through advanced design and deployment issues for the Windows® Server 2003 environment, you'll develop a thorough understanding of the underlying concepts, architectural components, and real-world functionality of Active Directory directory service. Whether you're upgrading from Microsoft Windows NT® 4.0 or later, or performing a clean installation, you'll learn the best ways to exploit Active Directory capabilities for your organization-and deliver new levels of network performance and productivity.

Get the technical drill-down you need to:

Install, upgrade, or migrate to Active Directory
Learn essential design considerations for DNS
Design Active Directory structure-forests, domains, sites, and OUs
Manage Active Directory objects, including users and groups
Optimize domain controller data replication
Use group policies to deploy software and manage desktops
Implement authentication, Kerberos, and other security features and tools
Monitor Active Directory replication and domain controller performance, and manage the Active Directory database
Perform critical maintenance and plan for disaster recovery