Preparing for VCP: Free iSCSI SAN Software to use with VMware

There are some nice free and open-source iSCSI servers that you can use as your SAN storage with VMware ESXi.   These iSCSI servers are also great for getting a free SAN platform for preparing for VCP.   Two free SAN software solutions include:

• OpenFiler - a free open-source iSCSI server than can be used as your SAN storage for VMware ESXi and can leverage advanced ESXi features.

• Supports NFS, SMB (Windows), iSCSI and HTTP file sharing.
• Modified version of Linux that provides an iSCSI target for iSCSI initiators.

• StarWind ia an iSCSI target that converts any WIndows server into a SAN.
• Provides features such as deduplication, snapshots thin provisioning and supports CDP (continuous Data Protection) and VSS.