A look at storage in Windows Server 8

A look at storage in Windows Server 8

Frequent TechTarget contributor and Microsoft MVP Brien Posey introduces some of the storage features and changes in Windows Server 8 in this video.

Posey is working with a pre-beta developer

    Requires Free Membership to View

    Login

    When you register for SearchSMBStorage.com, you’ll also receive targeted emails from my team of award-winning editorial writers. Your company has different needs from that of an enterprise, and it’s our goal to keep you informed on the hottest topics, the latest news and the biggest challenges that are unique to your job.

    Rich Castagna, Editorial Director

    By submitting your registration information to SearchSMBStorage.com you agree to receive email communications from TechTarget and TechTarget partners. We encourage you to read our Privacy Policy which contains important disclosures about how we collect and use your registration and other information. If you reside outside of the United States, by submitting this registration information you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. Your use of SearchSMBStorage.com is governed by our Terms of Use. You may contact us at webmaster@TechTarget.com.

preview of Windows Server 8, and he notes there could be changes before the software hits the market, but the beta version gives a good sense of what Microsoft is planning for the future.

Disk management console

Windows Server 8's disk management console will offer an option to create a VHD (virtual hard disk file) or attach a VHD.

According to Posey, “Ever since Windows NT first debuted, the disk management console has been used to control physical disks… In Windows Server 2008, you could attach an iSCSI drive that would show up as a physical disk, but virtual hard disk files have never shown up as physical disks before.”

Server manager

Server manager will offer “pools” that allow users to overlay virtual hard disk files of up to 16 TB onto physical storage. It also allows the creation of pools that span multiple physical storage devices in order to combine storage space.

“Windows Server 8 is actually showing these as physical disks, even though they’re actually virtual disks that exist within our storage pool,” explained Posey during the demonstration.

According to Microsoft, the upcoming version of its Windows Server software will allow developers to use the same tools to build applications for on-premise and cloud use, virtualize work environments, stronger security and other offerings.

Watch the video below to learn more about storage changes in Windows Server 8. For proper viewing, click 720p and view video fullscreen.

About the author: Brien M. Posey, MCSE, has previously received Microsoft's MVP award for Exchange Server, Windows Server and Internet Information Server (IIS). Brien has served as CIO for a nationwide chain of hospitals and was once responsible for the Department of Information Management at Fort Knox. You can visit Brien's personal website at www.brienposey.com.

 

This was first published in November 2011

Disclaimer: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.

Back to top