Microsoft Releases Storage Server R2

Microsoft on Tuesday made available through OEMs Windows Storage Server 2003 R2, a special version of the company's operating system optimized for file and print servers that comes with the Microsoft Distributed File System. The new release brings 64-bit support and other advanced management features that shipped in Windows Server 2003 R2.

Dell, IBM, HP and Fujitsu are among those OEMs who have deployed Windows Storage Server in their devices. Microsoft also announced on Tuesday support in R2 for the iSCSI standard, which was co-developed by the Redmond company and IBM. The technology will allow for software-enabled Storage Area Network (SAN) booting of Windows Server 2003.