Many organizations can enhance file sharing services by integrating Network Attached Storage (NAS) into their Windows environments. Dell EqualLogic PS Series iSCSI SANs matched with Dell PowerVault NX3000 NAS Gateways, powered by Microsoft Windows® Storage Server™ 2008 deliver seamless interoperability, solid reliability, and simple-to-manage file and print services at a compelling total cost of ownership. Distributed file system support includes DFS-N and DFS-R.

Together, Dell and Microsoft provide customers with a powerful, yet flexible and easy-to-use NAS solution that automatically scales as storage capacity requirements increase over time. All NAS and SAN features are included with every PS Series storage array – there are no client software license keys to buy or manage, and no per-server charges.

Build a High Availability Enterprise File Sharing Environment

Complete local and remote protection
PS Series products deliver a robust platform for local and remote data protection. As part of the unique, all-inclusive software package of PS Series arrays, local snapshots and remote recovery sites can be set up directly from the management interface in a few simple steps. Instant previous versions file recovery improves efficiency for users on Windows client systems, Windows XP, and Windows Vista via Shadow Copies for Shared folders. In addition, backup and anti-virus software can be installed on the gateway.

Multiple connectivity options
EqualLogic PS Series iSCSI SANs offer multi-protocol NAS connectivity including NFS, CIFS/SMB, AFP, FTP, and HTTP. Also, the Dell EqualLogic line supports Microsoft’s iSCSI Software Initiator or Dell certified hardware offload solutions for gateway iSCSI connectivity.

Simple SAN integration
EqualLogic Host Integration Tools (HIT) allows Microsoft Simple SAN integration right out of the box. The first iSCSI SAN offering to achieve Microsoft Simple SAN designation was the EqualLogic PS Series, which includes a tool kit for installation of multiple Microsoft applications: iSCSI Software initiator; MPIO; Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) snapshots (enabling server-less backups with popular backup products including solutions from Symantec, CommVault, and Computer Associates); and Virtual Disk Service (VDS) integration with Microsoft Storage Manager for SANs.

Improved performance and efficiency with simple management
The Dell EqualLogic / Microsoft solution supports Single Instance Storage (SIS) to eliminate data duplication, easy Boot from SAN, and automatic load balancing across all storage resources for optimal performance. Storage tiering and pooling enables you to deliver targeted service levels while minimizing costs.