iSCSI Initiator Users Guide for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
iSCSI Initiator enables you to connect a host computer that is running Windows® 7 or Windows Server® 2008 R2 to an external iSCSI-based storage array through an Ethernet network adapter. You can use Microsoft iSCSI Initiator in your existing network infrastructure to enable block-based storage area networks (SANs). SANs provide iSCSI target functionality without investing in additional hardware, and they enable the use of iSCSI storage devices in home and small offices.
iSCSI SANs and iSCSI storage devices are popular for a variety of reasons. They offer the ability to do the following:
Leverage existing investments in Ethernet infrastructures and expertise
Leverage existing investments in IP protocol
Offer dynamic capacity expansion
Simplify SAN configuration and management
Centralize management through storage consolidation
Provide scalable performance
Provide higher storage utilization