Microsoft updates iSCSI storage

Microsoft is preparing to launch version 2.0 of its iSCSI software to improve Windows-based server connectivity to enterprise storage area networks (SANs).

Version 2.0 of Microsoft iSCSI is expected to be available for download next month.

Version 2.0 offers a new failover system for better data protection, improved load balancing and easier management. It also supports 64-bit computing.

Cisco, EMC, HP and Adaptec are among the companies whose storage systems support the software.

Analyst Gartner said iSCSI, which is a cheaper alternative to Fibre Channel, would be used to connect 1.6 million servers to SANs by 2007.