A Microsoft Windows-based IP SAN requires iSCSI initiator software on the server end and iSCSI targeting software on the storage end. Nimbus Data Systems, a small IP SAN storage company, has released free iSCSI targeting software called MySAN that can be combined with Microsoft's free iSCSI initiator to create a free IP SAN with existing server and storage hardware.

Complete the IP SAN Equation, For Free

The Nimbus MySAN software offers IT managers, particularly in smaller shops, an excellent opportunity to develop their understanding of IP SAN capabilities without any new investment in hardware or software. All that is required is an existing Ethernet-connected Windows server with a minimum of 20 gigabytes of free storage space.

The Microsoft iSCSI Software Initiator is available as a free download. With the initiator installed, a Windows server (or Windows XP PC) can be configured to channel SCSI storage traffic encapsulated in IP over Ethernet (iSCSI) to external...