Nas 2000s with feature release

[michael wood_4]

Hi,

Is it OK for me to reccommend a solution based on Exchange 2k3 db's and TL's installed on a NAS2000, and also use the same NAS for general file sharing aswell for Windows and apple clients ?

Thanks in advance

[Jon Paul]

Hi Michael,

Short answer: yes

There are actually 2 ways to host Exchange 2k3 DB and TL on a NAS system.
1. The feature pack provided free with the Service Release CD (current version SR3)
2. The iSCSI feature pack, not free.

Some things to consider:
- SR3 feature pack has a hard limit of 1500 mailboxes
- SR3 feature pack has performance which may not be desireable
- Latest release of iSCSI feature pack has an additional program (Application Storage Manager) which will assist in migrations and management of Exchange 2k3 DB and TL.
http://h18006.www1.hp.com/products/storage/software/inas/index.html

With both options the NAS server can be used to host the Exchange 2k3 DBs and share files to all the supported protocols.

The good news is that your customer can try the Free SR3 feature pack option and determine if it meets the business needs, then upgrade to the iSCSI feature pack if more features are required.

Hope this helps.

[michael wood_4]

thanks for that jon,

I wish to use the external NAS 2000. What is the best way to configure it for both Exchange and file sharing. Can i do somethibg with the dual bus architecture, and use 2 seperate ports of the raid controller, one for exchange and one for File share ?

Thanks in advance

[Jon Paul]

Hi Michael,

First, the external 2000s is shipped with a single bus SCSI JBOD. So unless you have made special arrangements you will not have the dual bus option.
But, yes the Dual bus SCSI JBOD is split down the middle with 7 drives available to each of the SCSI ports.
I'm not sure what would be the best way to configure the system for your installation. I do not have the expertise in the Exchange arena to answer those questions. Sorry.