Introduction to File Server Resource Manager

  • Article

Applies To: Windows Server 2008

With the increasing demand on storage resources, as organizations rely more heavily on data than ever before, IT administrators face the challenge of overseeing a larger and more complex storage infrastructure, while at the same time, tracking the kind of information available in it. Today, managing storage resources not only includes data size and availability but also the enforcement of company policies and a very good understanding of how existing storage is being used, allowing for sound strategic planning and proper response to organizational changes.

File Server Resource Manager is a suite of tools that allows administrators to understand, control, and manage the quantity and type of data stored on their servers. By using File Server Resource Manager, administrators can place quotas on volumes, actively screen files and folders, and generate comprehensive storage reports. This set of advanced instruments not only helps the administrator to efficiently monitor existing storage resources, but it also aids in the planning and implementation of future policy changes.

By using File Server Resource Manager, you can perform the following tasks:

  • Create quotas to limit the space allowed for a volume or folder and generate e-mail and other notifications when the quota limits are approached or exceeded.

  • Automatically generate and apply quotas to all existing subfolders and any new subfolders in a volume or folder.

  • Create file screens to control the type of files that users can save, and send notifications when users attempt to save blocked files.

  • Define quota and file screening templates that can be easily applied to new volumes or folders and reused across an organization.

  • Schedule periodic storage reports that help identify trends in disk usage, or generate storage reports instantly, on demand.