Businesses that use Windows 2000 Server have an advantage, however, because Web services are integrated directly into the operating system. After starting with a simple design based on static Web pages, many businesses add variable information to their pages using dynamic content. Examples include putting the current date on your home page, or adapting how a page is displayed based on the capabilities of a user s browser. This type of content uses more advanced HTML code, which developers can create using a number of code-editing programs. ASP is a powerful feature that lets developers create Web pages that blend the Internet s easy access and rich content capabilities with the transaction and data handling strengths of traditional software.
Developers use ASPs as part of many of the solutions described below.
Create an Intranet By moving your internal business processes from paper-based systems to an intranet, you can dramatically streamline operations. Examples include moving payroll, benefits, and procurement functions to a Web-based environment. By making tasks available from a central Intranet location, and accessible from a common browser interface, employees can spend less time learning procedures or filling out forms. By maintaining information in digital form, your employees will spend less time handling routine paperwork and can have faster access to information, resulting in reduced labor costs, and improved efficiency. Web-enabling applications is an area where the Active Directory TM service in Windows 2000 is particularly helpful, as it provides a central location to store common information related to users, computers, and software applications.