Creating a Foundation for Authentication

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

When you deploy Windows Server 2003, you can create a foundation for secure authentication of users, computers, and services in your organization by creating accounts in Active Directory for all entities that require authenticated access to resources. Because a number of factors impact the authentication strategy that you deploy, you must evaluate the structure of your existing environment before you create the foundation for your authentication strategy.

For a worksheet to assist you in creating a foundation for authentication, see "Authentication Strategy Planning" (DSSAUT_1.doc) on the Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003 Deployment Kit companion CD (or see "Authentication Strategy Planning" on the Web at https://www.microsoft.com/reskit).

Figure 14.2 shows the process for creating a foundation for authentication.

Figure 14.2   Creating a Foundation for Authentication