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Storcase's InfoStation SATA is the first RAID enclosure PC Magazine has seen that offers both Ultra ATA and Serial ATA options. Designed for multiple storage environments, it offers high performance and a 3Terabyte (TB) capacity with currently available drives.
The InfoStation is a 12 bay, 4U 19in. rack mount system with an Ultra ATA/100 or Serial ATA backplane (specified on ordering) connecting to the host system via dual Ultra160 SCSI channels. The drives connect to the backplane through a proprietary connection intended to improve their reliability.
The InfoStation can be managed locally through a serial connection by either a Java-based, easy-to-use Data Master Storage Manager GUI, or through a terminal emulation program like HyperTerminal. Alternatively, InfoStation can be configured via the front panel.
A maximum of four arrays can be created, each containing up to eight partitions - the next point release will allow you to create multiple arrays simultaneously. Performance was impressive in our tests, with an 81 per cent improvement over a PCI-based Serial ATA RAID array (see Figure 1), but you should bear in mind the cost difference.
Redundancy comes in the way of two hot-swappable power units and fans. The environmental status of these and other system parameters can be monitored via the free browser-based utility InfoMon. The InfoStation can be configured to send email, fax, page or SMS alerts to system administrators via a modem when out-of-bounds conditions occur. Remote management of up to 16 InfoStations is possible using the modem. It can also be rebooted remotely, but the ability to shut down the system remotely is missing. There's an additional 5.25in. bay at the top of the InfoStation for an optional backup tape drive.
Storcase's InfoStation SATA provides a solid enclosure with good performance and flexibility. However, don't forget the cost of the drives which, although slightly cheaper than SCSI, is still a significant additional cost.
Contact: Storcase (01932) 738900
www.storcase.com
Specifications:
- System requirements: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP, Red Hat Linux 7, Sun Solaris
- Form factor: 4U Rack mount or Tower
- Onboard memory: 128MB PC133 SODIMM (maximum 512MB)
- Number of drive bays: 12 Serial ATA or Ultra ATA/100
- Maximum capacity: 3TB
- Raid levels: 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10
- Array configuration: Up to 4 arrays and 16 LUNs
- Warranty: 7 years RTB (fans & power supply 3 years)
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