A new MMC, File Server Resource Manager, provides quick access to quota, file screening (SIS filters), and storage report management. The storage reports management tool allows for automated reporting on various volume, file, and user statistics -- a useful feature for busy admins.

The combination of OEM-supplied hardware and Windows Storage Server R2 is a good mix of performance and platform flexibility. Storage Server R2 is an all-around good performer, and I found that it integrates well with existing DFS structures. Some of the benefits, such as the DFS differential replication and SIS, are only available on Storage Server R2, giving it a leg up on Windows Server 2003 R2, but overall, it is a fine way to add useable storage to your network.

Company: Microsoft,http://www.microsoft.com

Verbal Score: Excellent