Updated: July 9, 2020 (February 20, 2006)
Analyst ReportUnix Services Support Migration
Windows Server 2003 R2 incorporates the functions of Services for UNIX (SFU), a free feature pack that enabled Windows servers to use Unix-compatible file-sharing and directory protocols and to run Unix applications. With these services incorporated into the server OS, Microsoft will discontinue development of SFU as a separate product. The move simplifies deployment of Unix-compatible Windows servers, which will benefit mixed Windows-Unix shops and Microsoft partners trying to migrate customers to Windows. However, slowing Unix migrations and the rise of virtualization technology could make Unix compatibility less important for Windows than it has been.
Network, Application Compatibility in Windows Server
Major features of SFU that ship with Windows Server 2003 R2 include the following:
File sharing. Windows 2003 R2 includes client and server for Network File System (NFS), a file-sharing protocol widely used on Unix. This enables a Windows server to host files for use by Unix clients and to access files hosted on Unix servers.
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