Operating System for first production windows server code?

Question

I'm getting ready to purchase a server for me to deploy my first windows based (C# .NET) application but I'm not familiar with using windows for hosted applications. I have the choice of the following versions of windows:

• Windows Server 2003
• Windows Server 2003 Web
• Windows Server 2003 Enterprise
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows Server 2008 Web
• Windows Server 2008 Enterprise

Would one of these be better for deploying a C# .NET application?

EDIT:
There will be 3 applications deployed but each will basically be the same, they will be services that are driven from data being brought in from a website that will likely run on the same server.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/compare-roles.aspx

Answer 1

Unless you need huge amounts of memory, I'd suggest Windows Server 2008

Answer 2

Well, if you meet the requirements for Server 2008 Web, you should use that, because that is the cheapest. I would go with 2008 over 2003 because of IS.

Per edits: Since you've crossed out Web versions, I would go with 2008 Standard unless I needed some feature of Enterprise or Datacenter.

By the way, if you have an MSDN license, you can run any version of Server 2008 in a testing or staging capacity under that license. You can use that license to determine whether or not a particular version will be right for your application. Then, once you deploy to production, you pay your normal license fees for the version you chose.

Answer 3

Linux+Mono if your C# is at their supported level. It is free.

disclaimer: I advocate.

Answer 4

Ok, I am sure you dont need the enterprise editions as you are only running 3 web applications and maybe some backend DB CRUD operations.

That leaves us 2003 or 2008 Standard Editions.

Now it comes down to how you feel. Forgive this list if I missed anything major!

2003 PROS:

• Proven Track Record
• Known Vunerabilities (I am sure more could be found....)
• IIS6

2003 CONS:

• 5 Years old
• Nearing end of life
• Need to Ensure is SP2 (R2 SP2 is even better)
• Needs more work securing with default settings

2008 PROS:

• Enhanced Security (I am sure more vunerabilities will be found....)
• More locked down with default settings
• IIS7
• Native .NET 3.5 support
• SP2 now RTM

2008 CONS:

• New Operating System
• New code base
• Vista based UI (put as a con as some people dont like, wait till they try 2k8 R2!)

I would opt for 2008 Standard Edition as that is a stategic decision for the future.

NOTE: You can expand on this list I just added quickly off the top of my head