In this excerpt from "The Shortcut Guide to Exchange Server 2007 Storage Systems," author Jim McBee leads you through the process of implementing an iSCSI SAN storage system for Microsoft Exchange 2003 or Exchange 2007 using Windows Server 2003 and the Microsoft iSCSI Initiator software.
McBee begins his tutorial by explaining the fundamentals of iSCSI technology and terminology and diagramming the possible design options you can use when deploying iSCSI SAN storage. He then provides detailed instructions and screenshots to help you set up and connect an iSCSI SAN storage system to your network. Finally, he walks through how to move your Exchange 2003 or Exchange 2007 databases and logs to iSCSI SAN LUNs.
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This chapter will introduce the concepts of an iSCSI-based SAN storage system and discuss how to implement iSCSI from the Windows Server perspective when using the Microsoft iSCSI initiator. Understanding not only the implementation of iSCSI but also some of the concepts surrounding SCSI in general will help you to better understand how this works in your environment. Important topics in this chapter include:
- Understanding the basics of iSCSI
- Installing and configuring the Microsoft iSCSI initiator
- Possible network designs for iSCSI implementations
- Moving Exchange data and logs to iSCSI logical units (LUNs)
- Hardware solutions and compatibility
There are few important pieces of information to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to make sure you have the latest updates to the Windows OS, including the newest version of the iSCSI initiator software.
Second, you want to ensure that you are precisely following any guidance provided to you by your iSCSI SAN vendors. Best practices for configuring the iSCSI initiator (and other hardware) will vary from one vendor to another, so make sure you are using the practices that are best for your hardware and software.
ISCSI SAN STORAGE FOR MICROSOFT EXCHANGE
Home: Introduction
Tip 1: A basic primer on iSCSI storage architecture
Tip 2: iSCSI SAN storage design options for Microsoft Exchange Server
Tip 3: Setting up Windows iSCSI initiator support for a Microsoft Exchange SAN
Tip 4: Connecting Windows Server and Microsoft Exchange to iSCSI SAN LUNs
Tip 5: Moving Exchange Server databases and logs to iSCSI SAN LUNs
