Initially, I was going to create CIFS shares on the EMC and push those out to the users, purely for the ease of use that comes with CIFS.  Then I got to thinking, in our previous/current environment the WSS 2003 server is providing much the same access to files and other tools allow for the monitoring of files and folders on the shares.

With this additional monitoring capability, which we already own, and more robust storage on the back end, maybe Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 is something to consider.  The only caveat here, at least for me, is that once the testing is over and the pony up phase begins, I will not reduce the footprint in the closet because there will need to be an appliance running Storage Server.

Since I am going to test things first using a virtual machine, I will leave the worrying about footprint and power and all of that until I get closer to knowing what makes the most sense.  In a decent sized virtual environment, with the right hosts I do think a virtual appliance version of WSS would be a nice thing to consider, but we’ll see how the testing goes.

© derek for Gestalt IT, 2011. | Virtually ready to test Windows Storage Server 2008 R2
Read more posts categorized as Storage

I had been planning on configuring a couple different CIFS servers (one for general file sharing, departmental files and things and one for home directories). Because these seem to be the fastest to implement and certainly to get out to the users, this might get things up and running sooner than other options.

However, I have also been considering configuring a Windows Storage Server to attach some iSCSI LUNs to and share out to the users that way. I realize that the Storage Server will have some overhead with it, but I will be able to continue using some storage monitoring tools we already own, and have an opportunity to get my hands on the latest iteration of Storage Server. Since a previous release of the product launched me into new and exciting experiences, it might be a good experience to check out the new version.

Waiting for licensing

Because the licensing for the applications to test this at work might be costly and take time to bring the appropriate approvals, my home lab might get me the first taste of things.

My current setup consists of a Windows Server 2008 R2 VM, A Windows Storage Server 2008 VM and a Windows 7 Enterprise client VM.

The storage will be VHDs inside the host server for now (maybe eventually additional storage will make it into the home lab).

Depending on testing

If the initial tests in my lab work out alright I might look into the additional licensing costs for Storage Server. Either way I am hoping to review the product once I get my feet wet.

If any of you have had a chance to take a crack at Windows Storage Server 2008 R2, what are your initial thoughts?  I would love to hear them in the comments.

© derek for Gestalt IT, 2011. | Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 and kicking tires
Read more posts categorized as All, Server Virtualization, Storage

Like Ibrix, which was acquired by HP under better circumstances last year, and ONstor, similarly scooped up by LSI, Exanet was best known for clustered NAS software. Their ExaStore software, bundled with IBM and Xyratex hardware, put up impressive scalability and performance numbers. Dell will likely leverage this software with their own hardware as a NAS complement to their leading EqualLogic iSCSI line. Exanet’s Xyratex-sourced DX line of Fibre Channel storage devices is unlikely to be at all attractive to Dell.

Rumors of a white knight for Exanet were widespread last year. Fujitsu Siemens Computers was said to be the front-runner in May, and Exanet’s name came up mid-year as HP and LSI made their moves. Dell was apparently willing to put up some money to gain access to Exanet’s NAS technology later in the year but the company’s investors reportedly scuttled that deal. Plan B for the folks in Round Rock seems to have been to wait it out and secure the technology from the now-moribund company. If Dell keeps the doors open, Exanet’s R&D center will become their first such facility in Israel.

The acquisition gives Dell a retort when HP presents their invigorated Ibrix line to enterprise customers. It is likely that Dell will follow HP with a software/hardware NAS bundle possibly featuring their PowerEdge blades. Back-end storage could come from many sources: Dell’s own PowerVault MD line, their EqualLogic PS iSCSI gear, or the Dell/EMC CLARiiON AX and CX lines. Exanet is known as a higher-end scale-out offering (think Isilon or HP’s PolyServe) rather than a general-purpose NAS.

Two key questions arise from Dell-owned NAS software:

1. Would Dell reduce their reliance on Microsoft’s Windows Storage Server, as used in their PowerVault NX300 and NX3000 NAS devices? I suspect not, since Exanet is not a low-end product and Windows-powered NAS has typically sold into a separate market niche. Rival HP has certainly continued pushing Microsoft-powered gear since buying Ibrix.
2. What does this mean for Dell’s relationship with EMC? The company only started selling the EMC Celerra NX4 last year, and a homegrown Exanet/PowerVault solution is not a drop-in replacement. Dell’s relationship with EMC continues getting deeper, and a split is unlikely in the near term.

At this point, this looks like a vote for Exanet’s technology and a reaction to HP’s PolyServe and Ibrix moves, not a statement against EMC or Celerra. Indeed, considering that Dell was merely investigating an OEM relationship before this all fell out, it doesn’t look like a strategic move at all for the company. Exanet will likely become a new line item, but Dell’s storage roster will look largely the same.

© Stephen Foskett for Gestalt IT, 2010. | Dell Scoops Up Exanet After All
Read more posts categorized as Exclusive, Featured, Storage, Top Story