Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 Overview

Personally, Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 provides a much needed boost to the NAS industry.  Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of solid platforms out there, but none seem to really integrate themselves into our corporate infrastructure the way we would like.  With WSS 2012 R2, that is over.  The OS runs like a server and is easy to manage like a NAS.  WSS 2012 R2 is a breath of fresh air.

While all this seems exciting, there are some things that still need to be considered by new users.  First, management of a WSS storage device requires more attention than that of some other NAS operating systems out there.  As this is Windows, there are frequent updates.  In contrast, there are far fewer firmware updates released by other NAS manufacturers.  That can be interpreted as good or bad.

Having a NAS (for some of you) that runs Windows Server operating systems means that your storage device may become a bigger bull’s eye when opened up to the outside world (Microsoft’s market share).  There are plenty of users looking for a NAS that don’t have much Windows Server experience and if you fall into this group, this NAS isn’t for you.  Hardening your WSS device is more complex than you may think and requires some careful planning.  Additionally, Microsoft does recommend that some sort of Anti-Virus solution be installed.

Two quick guides on Server Hardening:

• Why you should avoid manual ‘server hardening’
• Server Hardening: Windows Server 2012