Microsoft has announced general availability of its
Windows Storage Server 2003 file and print server
software.
Windows Storage Server 2003 succeeds Windows Powered Network
Attached Storage (Nas). Microsoft licenses the product to suppliers
of Nas devices such as Hewlett-Packard, Dell, EMC and Iomega. Each
will deliver at least one Nas product based on the Microsoft file
server technology.
Windows Storage Server 2003 is available in an Enterprise
Edition for use in enterprise datacentres and Standard Edition for
use as a file and print server in a business department, branch
office or in small and medium-sized businesses.
The Microsoft storage software supports eight-node server
clustering, Distributed File System and Volume Shadow Copy for
point-in-time copies. Windows Storage Server 2003 scales from
160Gbytes to more than 40Tbytes.
Several storage hardware and software suppliers have announced
products around Windows Storage Server 2003. Among them are Dell
and Veritas Software.
Dell will offer the Microsoft software on its PowerVault 770N
and 775N systems for small and medium-sized companies at prices
starting at $4,999 (£3,136).
Veritas announced availability of its Storage Replicator for
Windows Storage Server 2003, a tool to replicate data in storage
systems based on the Microsoft software.
To support its storage push, Microsoft also unveiled a storage
information website for its customers, called the Microsoft Storage
Community. Users will be able to talk to experts, share information
and chat with Microsoft's technical staff.
Joris Evers writes for IDG News Service