iStorage Server is a network based storage virtualization software powered by KernSafe Technologies. Being a powerful, full-featured and software-only iSCSI Target, iStorage Server is an IP SAN solution that can quickly convert existing Windows computer into IP SAN. Storage media of iSCSI Target can include existing storage devices such as the entire hard disks or partitions, CD-RWs, tapes and USB storage devices, as well as disk image file or CD image files including ISO9660(,iso)
Citrix XenServer™ is the only enterprise-class, cloud-proven virtualization platform that delivers the critical features of live migration and centralized multi-server management at no cost. XenServer is an open and powerful server virtualization solution that radically reduces datacenter costs by transforming static and complex datacenter environments into more dynamic, easy to manage IT service delivery centers.
This article demonstrates how iStorage Server works under XenServer. Such powerful combination will expand the application scope of your virtual server, thereby enabling WINDOWS server to expand the storage of your virtualized server. It also allows you to directly use the storage devices of the existing Windows server for XenServer. With IP SAN solution provided by iStorage Server, you may set up operating system, install application and server software, as well as store data required by your virtual machines. Your XenServer storage can be expanded in the following 3-most-commonly-
•Use Virtual Image File Disk Device to create a file-based virtual storage device for XenServer. This allows quick data migration and backup. You may also try iStorage Server’s Mirror ( RAID-1) function for backup.
•Directly use the physical disk or partition of Windows server. This enables you to make good use of resource. No additional configurations, just add the storage media to iSCSI Targets.
•Use CD/DVD/RW bridge device or Virtual CD/DVD to map physical CD/DVD drives or CD/DVD image files (iso, .bin, .mdf, .cdi, .b5i, .nrg, .ccd, .sub, .img, .raw) on your Windows server to CD/DVD devices on Xen virtual machine.
Here we’ll create an image file disk to expand XenServer storage, using a wizard to demonstrate how to configure your XenServer so as to use iSCSI storage provided by iStorage Server. The 3 steps are suggested as follows:
1. You need a server running XenServer. If not, install a one. For how to obtain or install XenServer, please contact the XenServer supplier.
2. Create in iStorage Server an Image file disk. This will be used to expand your XenServer storage. For how to create iSCSI Target by using iStorage Server, please refer to iStorage Server User Manual.
3. Configure XenServer to use the iSCSI device created by iStorage Server.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.kernsafe.com/
