Microsoft Exchange users have a new way to cut their hardware load in half with the help of HP storage systems.

HP this week announced support for a new Exchange Server 2003 feature pack that allows administrators to store Exchange databases and log files right on a NAS (network attached storage) system. Customers have traditionally needed a separate storage box for this data, but HP now says only a single NAS system running Windows Storage Server 2003 can handle general storage and Exchange functions.

"General availability of the Windows Storage Server 2003 feature pack with support for Exchange Server 2003 on HP StorageWorks NAS demonstrates the concept of 'integrated innovation,' helping customers do more with less across the Windows Server system," said Marcus Schmidt, a senior product manager at Microsoft.

HP will offer its StorageWorks NAS 2000s and 1200s systems with the Microsoft software. The two companies are also expanding their "Easy-as-NAS" channel program from EMEA to the US, HP said. Both HP and Microsoft work to train resellers on NAS technology and offer various promotions. ®

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