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Windows 2012 as a san for esxi 5?
Posted on 2013-05-30
Hi -
I'm thinking of using windows 2012 as an inexpensive dedicated iSCSI san. I don't have the budget for SAN specific hardware.
I'm looking at upgrading an iSCSI SAN I have, replacing drives with higher density, better performing drives. While I'm doing this I'm looking at changing my OS / Delivery mechanism.
I'm currently using SanMelody with a 4tb license on top of windows 2008. I was looking at moving to SanSymphony v, but I'm wondering about using windows 2012 to directly make the storage available through it's iSCSI initiators.
Why the change?
I don't need the virtualization of the storage that I currently get from San Melody. I don't need to over subscribe the storage space, nor do I need the virtual pools. I cannot benefit right now from mirrored sans that it offers, only have the one storage san. Datacore products ride on top of windows, and use the windows iSCSI initiator. Why not cut out the middleman?
The storage on the windows san would look like this -
Raid 1 for the OS
Raid 1+0. 3 hardware arrays at 4 disks with 1tb drives each for 6 tb of storage total, 1 hot spare.
I use openfiler for my backup storage servers, but I haven't been thrilled with the iSCSI throughput and while I'm comfortable with linux I'm leaning to windows 2012.
I've been looking at starwind, but if windows 2012 meets my needs, why buy more?
As with everyone I'm trying to hit the sweet spot of storage, performance, price and reliability, and doing it on a very small budget.
Thanks in advance for all ideas and recommendations.
Take Care,
Dylan