Windows 2003 Storage Server

[René Tessier]

All my systems are running Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Server 2003, Standard Edition, but some in the OS Description say Windows 2003 Storage Server while others Service Pack 2, Build 3790 Multiprocessor Free.

They are all connected either to a MSA 1500 using FC HBA's or directly attached to MSA 30.

What is Windows 2003 Storage Server giving me on top of the normal OS?

[Jon Finley]

This is the OEM Supplied OS for your NAS device. It was previously referred to as Windows Powered Network Attached Storage (NAS).

Try the following from MS for more info:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/wss2003/productinformation/overview/default.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/wss2003/productinformation/topten/default.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/wss2003/productinformation/FAQ/default.mspx

Jon

[acec]

no license need to purchase

[Timothy Cusson]

You get many high performance I/O and file sharing features.

HP ships "special" ProLiant Storage servers, such as a DL380-G5. It comes with Microsoft Windows 2003 Storage Server operating systems.

The HP ProLiant Storage servers are packaged for high performance I/O. They usually include high end RAID controllers with more cache memory and the battery backed write cache, extra cooling fans and more main memory. Also, they can be ordered with up to 9 TB of direct attached storage or they can used as front ends for SAN storage.

The Microsoft 2003 Storage Server operating systems are also configured for high performance I/O and files sharing. Many unnecessary options are removed such as media player. Multiple files sharing protocols are installed, such as AppleTalk, NFS. Also, a custom GUI is provided to streamline file sharing rights and policies.

One caveat: You must download "special" storage server only driver updates from HP and Microsoft. You should not install the standard Microsoft service packs; you should not install the standard HP Product Support Packs.

The current ProLiant Storage server Service Release is version 6.90. Make sure you select Microsoft 2003 Storage Server as the operating system.