Microsoft shows storage commitment

Microsoft has unveiled Windows Storage Server 2003, the latest version of the system formerly known as Windows Powered Network Attached Storage (NAS).

The product is available in Enterprise and Standard editions. Enterprise Edition is a highly scalable file storage server that Microsoft said meets the data availability and performance needs of enterprise data centres.

Standard Edition is a file and print server, suitable for enterprise departments, branch offices, and small and medium-sized businesses.

Windows Powered NAS currently holds 41 per cent of the Nas appliance unit share, more than any other operating system, according to analyst IDC.

Charles Stevens, corporate vice president of Microsoft's Enterprise Storage Division (ESD), predicted that it will continue to gain market share.

"There is a huge demand for the product and it has done very well in the UK and European markets, and indications are it will continue to grow," Stevens told vnunet.com.

"We have secured from nothing to 44 per cent market share over the last three years, and that shows Microsoft's commitment to the storage space."

Eighteen months ago, Microsoft created the ESD division and announced it was serious about storage at the entry level.

The software giant has also partnered with vendors such as EMC to strengthen its position in the storage space.

Windows Storage Server 2003 will be available through original equipment manufacturers, including Dell, Fujitsu Siemens, Iomega, MaXXan Systems and NEC.

Software vendors like CommVault Systems, Computer Associates, Legato Systems, Quest Software and Veritas will provide support.

Stevens said the partnerships would give Windows Server customers a wide variety of software solutions for essential storage requirements, such as server consolidation, business continuity and back up.