StarWind is an advanced, full-featured software-only iSCSI Target for Microsoft Windows (both commercial and free versions). StarWind enables anyone to quickly install and configure an IP SAN solution that delivers immediate benefits allowing storage to be consolidated, virtualized and centrally managed. StarWind is an ideal choice for any sized business. StarWind is a hardware-independent, cost-effective and scalable storage management solution that enables the benefits of Storage Area Networking such as enhanced disaster recovery and increased regulatory compliance and does not consume additional resources on application servers. StarWind does not require any additional hardware, it utilizes the existing Ethernet and IP network infrastructure and leverages existing storage hardware. StarWind's volume snapshot feature allows simple scheduled or on-demand snapshots of critical data for backup. If necessary all backed up data can be retrieved at once, or individual files can be retrieved as needed. StarWind's unique ability to virtualize and share physical storage hardware also eliminates the need to have an expensive DLT, AIT or LTO tape or high-capacity Blu-Ray or HD-DVD burner.