The Windows Server System Reference Architecture (WSSRA) is a program where industry leading partners in the areas of storage management, server hardware, networking, and services work together with Microsoft with the goal of architecting, developing, validating and documenting a set of reference IT infrastructures.

The qualification process involves Microsoft and its partners physically building and documenting actual instances of these infrastructures. Using these rigorously tested guidelines, customers can simplify core infrastructure implementations and reduce the time and cost associated with deploying enterprise class solution built on the Windows server platform.

CommVault software is the exclusive backup and recovery solution for the WSSRA reference configurations. Each configuration is subject to rigorous qualification process in order to ensure that the WSSRA standards are met and consistent throughout all current and future WSSRA infrastructure offerings.

Current Reference Architecture

Windows Server System Reference Architecture
Based on Windows Server™ 2003, WSSRA fully leverages new features such as IIS 6.0, enhanced clustering capabilities, and enhanced Active Directory® capabilities. WSSRA also includes .NET Framework guidance as well as certificate services guidance for implementing a public key infrastructure.

Previous Architecture Documents

Solution Accelerator for Microsoft Systems Architecture (MSA) Enterprise Messaging
The Solution Accelerator for MSA Enterprise Messaging provides referential and implementation guidance to enable a customer or solution provider to adequately plan, build, deploy and operate a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 enterprise messaging system that is secure, available, reliable, manageable, and cost-effective.

Microsoft Systems Architecture (MSA) 1.5: Enterprise Data Center
Based on Windows® 2000 Server, the MSA Enterprise Data Center (EDC) is a modular architecture based on industry best practices created in conjunction with product vendors, Microsoft product teams, leading consulting organizations, and customer feedback. The primary services provided by the MSA EDC include network connectivity, authentication and access control services, messaging, data, file, print, and Web access.

Microsoft Systems Architecture (MSA) 1.5: Internet Data Center
In order to provide services on the Internet in a secure and controlled manner, many organizations are building Internet data centers that exist as intermediate networks between the open Internet and the private, corporate environment. By following the recommendations in the Windows 2000 Server-based MSA Internet Data Center (IDC) documentation, an organization can quickly and efficiently build Internet applications that are suitable for its long-term Internet business needs.