Windows Server With Unix

December 7, 2005: Lurking within the latest Microsoft server update, Windows Server 2003 R2, is an addition that could change the battlefield for server management. The Seattle-based giant has embedded an entire Unix subsystem, database, NFS and even Unix- based Identity Management. R2 is being released to manufacture as we go to press.

Despite calling R2 a 'minor' release, Microsoft is fighting on several fronts here:

• Linux: the inclusion of a Unix subsystem is a direct attack on the increasing ROI arguments regarding Linux migration.
• Virtualisation: Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 will see a lower-cost, four-VS (Virtualised Server) platform aimed at small to medium-sized business and branches.
• Storage Management: the release of Windows Storage Server 2003 R2 with tools for provision and configuration of Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) or Fibre Channel storage area networks.

  Unix Subsystem
  The idea of including a UNIX system within a Windows-based server can be as a direct move to demolish CIO's reasons to move to Linux. As Microsoft points out in its almost 2,000-word press release for this 'minor' release: "IT professionals can transfer UNIX-based tools and application code they are already familiar with to the Windows platform and provide cross-platform authentication, file sharing and identity management. As a result, customers will retain the value of their investments in UNIX applications, be able to update UNIX code with Windows technology, and avoid expending time and effort on application rewrites."

  In short, R2 offers ICT operations the opportunity to ensure that their existing Windows-based infrastructure, training and knowledge do not have to change in the fact of sometimes faster, smaller and, of course, cheaper by dint of their Open Source nature, tools. Also, why would you migrate to Linux if your Windows servers are already capable of many of the key selling factors that the Open Source solution provides?

  Virtualisation Realities
  The inclusion of a cut-priced virtual server license (until June 30th 2006 at least). Virtual Server 2005 R2 (US$99 not US$199) enables sys-admins to run four virtual servers on top of Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition and Windows Server "Longhorn" Datacenter Edition on one machine simultaneously. Virtualisation to most CEOs means, "lower cost" and "faster return on investment". Microsoft is gnawing away at the debate still rages about which Virtualisation model is the most appropriate. Basically, if you are a branch or an SME, if you've got Windows 2003 servers in place, R2 will enable you to get a taste for virtual servers without massive expenditure on retraining and new software.

  Storage Management
  Also included in R2 is a new set of storage management tools within its Storage Server 2003 R2 addition. Storage Server enables Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) or Fibre Channel storage area networks configuration and provision. It will also act is a dedicated file and print server with new features including single instance storage, full text search and built-in document collaboration using SharePoint.

  Which area of R2 would benefit you most?

  Related Article:
  Microsoft ramps up storage offerings