Windows Server 2012 has some nice storage management features, notably ODX, which reduces server and network overhead, and Trim/Unmap, which reclaims unused storage space. But, writes Wikibon Lead Analyst and Cofounder Dave Vellante in his latest alert, overall it is insufficient to support software-led storage, a key part of IT infrastructure virtualization and the use of commodity, “plain vanilla” storage, and support a hyperscale computing model.

Wikibon’s recent study of Windows Server 2012concludes that trad

itional arrays from the leading vendors provide better value, particularly for SMBs, than the Windows Server 2012/Hyper-V v3 combination running commodity arrays. The best value are traditional arrays that can access the limited but strong storage features that have been included in Windows Server 2012.

On the other hand, Vellante says the progress in the new version is encouraging and shows that Microsoft is moving in the right direction and includes some compelling function. In the near-to-mid term, he says, users should either investigate alternative software-defined offerings or stick with array-based storage management systems that integrate with Windows 2012.tional arrays from the leading vendors provide better value, particularly for SMBs, than the Windows Server 2012/Hyper-V v3 combination running commodity arrays. The best value are traditional arrays that can access the limited but strong storage features that have been included in Windows Server 2012, as shown in the cost comparison chart to the right.

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