Microsoft has dubbed Windows Server 2012 a true "Cloud OS", and the enhancements to Hyper-V included in this release certainly give that claim credence.  One of these new features is the ability to run Hyper-V workloads on SMB file-based storage.  More specifically, using the SMB 3 protocol released with Windows Server 2012 (and soon available on other NAS appliances from leading vendors).  The ability to use file storage provides a good option for administrators looking to deploy the virtualization platform without the added complexity of managing a traditional storage array.

Deploying Hyper-V over SMB is a very simple process.  The first step is using Server Manager (or PowerShell) to create a new SMB 3 file share, granting the necessary permissions.
<ol>
	<li>In the "File and Storage Services" section, select "Shares", the "Tasks" drop-down menu, "New Share".</li>
	<li></li>
</ol>
&nbsp;