Currently we virtualize our Windows Servers using XenServer. We are aware Snapshots are available but really don't need that level of DR. We do however, like to take exports of a few select servers from time to time. For these servers, we typically have a C: (OS) and E: (Data) partition.
The E: partition contains a large amount of data. When we do an export, this is included in the export which means, the time to complete is dramatically longer and the storage required is also dramatically increased.
The ideal would be to connect to the storage natively in Windows which means, XenServer would only be exporting the C: (OS) content.
I must stress a limit we face, currently, the only type of storage we can get is over NFS (CIFS and ISCSI are not available).
We face a few limitations with NFS that we've seen :
1. Mount of filesystem is only available per user
2. Mount is disconnected after session is over
3. Once mounted and creating a test folder, we're unable to see "Sharing" or "Security" tabs.
We believe the following URL gives us a solution for #1 and #2 but I believe #3 is a showstopper and our only option would be to get CIFS or ISCSI (or abandon altogether).
http://support.zadarastorage.com/entries/23139498-How-to-access-NFS-shares-from-Windows-OS
If anyone has an answer for #3, it would be appreciated!
Ed Gray