Application Specification for Microsoft Windows Server 2003

Related Links • Certified for Windows Program • Certified for Windows Program Frequently Asked Questions • Windows Server 2003 Application Test Framework • Microsoft Datacenter Support Specification for ISVs • Application Specification for Windows 2000 Server Download AppSpec.doc 399 KB Microsoft Word file

Summary

This specification helps vendors and corporate developers build multi-user applications that run on any of the Windows Server 2003 family of operating systems, including Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, Enterprise Edition, and Datacenter Edition. These distributed applications may be client/server applications or n-tier applications. This specification is specifically targeted at the server component of a distributed application.

The requirements are focused on the key abilities critical to a well-run server environment: security, reliability, high availability, and supportability. Most, though not all, of the requirements in this specification focus on what the server component of an application should do and how it should behave. In a few cases this specification has client requirements that describe how client components that your application may have should behave when communicating with your server component.

To qualify for the Certified for Windows Server 2003 logo, your application must comply with this Server Specification. Distributed applications that have client components are eligible to carry both "Certified for Windows" and "Designed for Window" logos. Also, applications that are composed of client components designed to operate well hosted under Terminal Services and meet all applicable requirements can be certified for Windows Server 2003.

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