Sans Digital unveils two AccuRAID 4U subsystems
updated 10:35 pm EST, Wed February 2, 2011
Offers up to 192TB raw capacity, 24 bays
The new AccuRAID AR424I and AR424IR high-performance storage servers from Sans Digital are iSCSI RAID 24-bay machines that come with either a 4-channel single controller (upgradeable) or 8-channel redundant controller, as well as up to 900MB per second read and write performance over Gigabit Ethernet (performance charts after the jump). They support up to 192TB raw storage capacity in a single 4U machine and are positioned as economical and competitive alternatives to Fibre Channel SAN products.
By using Ethernet topology, mid-sized businesses or enterprises can avoid paying for more expensive FC switches and HBAs, instead using IP SAN technology. The machines support data centers and/or virtualization environments such as VMWare, Microsoft's Hyper-V and Citrix, along with LACP support for the 802.3ad Gigabit Ethernet connections and Snapshot ability. Windows Volume Shadow Copy, Windows MPIO and SCSI-3 Persistent Target for clustering are also supported. Both models have redundancy features such as dual controllers, power supplies and cooling fans.
The AR424I features a single controller, but is designed so that a redundant controller can be added later (the AR424IR already has the second controller). Both support SAS and SATA hard drives and utilize cable-less backplanes to allow a perfect fit of their JBOD expansion units, ensuring good signal paths and interference or degradation resistance.
The two offerings are priced at $8500 (AR424I) and $13,000 (AR424IR) , with additional expansion units (up to three) also available.
