Interoperability with Non-Microsoft iSCSI Initiators

Applies To: Microsoft iSCSI Software Target

This topic provides information about interoperability and support for using Microsoft iSCSI Software Target versions 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 with non-Microsoft iSCSI initiators. Microsoft iSCSI Software Target is supplied only through an OEM. End-users must seek support from their OEM vendor or reseller. If necessary, the OEM can initiate a support request with Microsoft.

Version and platform supportability

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 it is available as an optional add-on to Windows Storage Server 2003 R2.

  • Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.2 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 3.3 can be downloaded from the Microsoft Download Center to run on Windows Server 2008 R2.

  • Microsoft iSCSI Software Target versions 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 are interoperable with iSCSI initiators that comply with the standard iSCSI protocol. (For details of known issues, see Microsoft iSCSI Software Target 3.3 Implementation Notes. At the request of certain OEMs, Microsoft has tested discovery, log-on and log-off, and I/O of the following non-Microsoft iSCSI initiators to determine interoperability with 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 OEMs. Microsoft has not approved any of the iSCSI initiators listed through a formal Microsoft logo or certification program. This testing should not be construed to represent promotion or support by Microsoft of the iSCSI initiators listed.

Support

The OEM is the customer’s primary contact for the resolution of all iSCSI initiator and iSCSI target interoperability issues. Microsoft is committed to working with OEMs to resolve interoperability issues that involve Microsoft iSCSI Software Target, but Microsoft is not responsible for resolving any issues that are caused by non-Microsoft iSCSI initiators. The following policy governs how Microsoft will work to reproduce and resolve issues that involve Microsoft iSCSI Software Target:

  • Interoperability issues that involve the non-Microsoft iSCSI initiators that are previously listed

    Microsoft will work with the OEM to reproduce interoperability issues that involve the non-Microsoft initiators previously listed, and to resolve only those issues directly caused by Microsoft iSCSI Software Target. Microsoft will not resolve interoperability issues caused by non-Microsoft iSCSI initiators.

  • Interoperability issues that involve non-Microsoft iSCSI initiators that are not previously listed

    Microsoft is committed to working with OEMs to resolve interoperability issues that involve non-Microsoft iSCSI initiators that are not previously listed. However, each OEM is solely responsible for reproducing interoperability issues on its premises and allowing Microsoft to perform remote analysis. Moreover, Microsoft will resolve only interoperability issues that are directly caused by Microsoft iSCSI Software Target.