subject: Windows Server 2008: One Stop Solution For Cost-effective And Reliable File Serving Requirements [print this page] Windows Server 2008 R2 provides a platform for network attached storage (NAS) appliances and fulfills file serving requirement in an effective and better way. It is built on Windows Server 2008 R2 operating system and optimized to cater better file serving. Its design and optimization makes it highly suitable to provide advanced storage solutions for small and medium-sized businesses as well as enterprise organizations. To ensure integrated file services and block I/O storage the server uses advanced technologies like deduplication and an iSCSI (Internet small computer system interface).
Being a NAS appliance this can be used to allow workstations and servers to access data at a very rapid pace. As it runs on Windows and already accommodates Active Directory permissions along with SharePoint, it is compatible with lot of other Windows features and devices.
This appliance can also be used by configuring it as an iSCSI agent. With this configuration, you can also allow servers running on Linux operating system and other Unix variants to get access to the file and data storage without requiring them to use the CIFS (common Internet file system) protocols. This is one of the reasons why this appliance is so easy to use even in assorted server environments.
To begin with, this is an ideal way to make a great deal of data storage available to workstations along with servers. Even though it is running via the network, the speeds is usually fast. It is even possible to configure this appliance as an iSCSI target also.
Windows Server 2008 R2 is an ideal server for NAS appliances and offers many benefits as under:
Easy and quick access to file services
The services offered by Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 are focused on to provide better and quick access to files that are typically distributed across LAN/WAN. Moreover, it also increases the efficiencies of storage management system. Irrespective of the platform (Windows/Linux), you will be able to access and manage the data quickly and with ease.
Centralized management of file services
The Windows Storage 2008 R2 has been designed in such a way to allow the client users to filter out unwanted data. It provides advanced management tools so that you can access and also manage data effectively. With the help of the tools provided with the Windows Server 2008, you enjoy centralized data management that in turn reduces the administrative overhead expenses. Moreover, through these tools you get highly important information on the file infrastructures.
Economical scalability and enhanced productivity
Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 offers you cost-efficient files management tools taking help of which you will be able to expand departmental IT services conveniently. Thus you can handle and manage the growing size of users without many hassles.
The infrastructure and the design of the appliance make conducive environment where you will be able to get faster results. Moreover, the search results are not dependent on the file formats as both Microsoft Office file formats and non-Microsoft formats including Doc, XLS, PDF and others are used with this file server. Thus it makes a perfect choice for every user looking for an ideal file searching and managing server bearing a stamp of Microsoft.
