Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.1 and 3.2: Interoperability with Third-Party iSCSI Initiators

  • Article

Applies To: Microsoft iSCSI Software Target

This topic provides information about interoperability and support for using Microsoft iSCSI Software Target with non-Microsoft iSCSI initiators. The Microsoft iSCSI Software Target is supplied only as part of an offering from an OEM vendor (that is, the company whose name is on the product). End-user customers MUST seek support from their OEM vendor or reseller.  If necessary, the OEM vendor can initiate a support request with Microsoft

Version and Platform Supportability

The following are version and platform supportability details for Microsoft iSCSI Software Target:

  • Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.1 is installed by default on Windows Unified Data Storage Server 2003 and is available as an optional add-on to Windows Storage Server 2003 R2.

  • Microsoft iSCSI Software Target V3.2 can be preinstalled by the OEM on Windows Storage Server 2008. It is also available as an optional add-on to Windows Storage Server 2008 R2.

  • Microsoft iSCSI Software Target versions 3.1 and 3.2 are interoperable with iSCSI initiators that comply with the standard iSCSI protocol. At the request of certain OEM vendors, Microsoft has tested discovery, log-on/log-off, and I/O of the following non-Microsoft iSCSI initiators to determine interoperability with the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target:

    • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10

    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5

    • QLogic QLE4062C-SP, firmware 3.00.01.24

Note

Microsoft conducted these interoperability tests at the request of certain OEM vendors. Microsoft has not approved any of the iSCSI initiators listed above by way of any formal Microsoft logo or certification program, nor should this statement be construed to represent Microsoft’s promotion or support of the iSCSI initiators listed above.

Support

The OEM vendor is the customer’s primary contact for the resolution of all iSCSI initiator/iSCSI target interoperability issues. Microsoft is committed to working with OEM vendors to resolve interoperability issues involving the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target, but Microsoft is not responsible for resolving any issues caused by non-Microsoft iSCSI initiators. The following policy will govern the reproduction and resolution of issues involving the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target:

  • Interoperability Issues Involving the Non-Microsoft iSCSI Initiators Listed Above

    Microsoft will work with the OEM vendor to reproduce interoperability issues involving the non-Microsoft initiators listed above, and to resolve ONLY those issues directly caused by the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target. Microsoft will not resolve interoperability issues caused by non-Microsoft iSCSI initiators.

  • Interoperability Issues Involving Non-Microsoft iSCSI Initiators NOT Listed Above

    Microsoft is committed to working with OEM vendors to resolve interoperability issues involving any non-Microsoft iSCSI initiators that are not listed above. Each OEM vendor, however, will be solely responsible for reproducing any such interoperability issues on its premises and allowing Microsoft to perform remote analysis. Moreover, Microsoft will ONLY resolve interoperability issues directly caused by the Microsoft iSCSI Software Target.