Compaq expands ProLiant server line with RAID and storage area network options
Compaq ProLiant servers now include several high-end storage options, including a RAID array and a workgroup-sized storage area network. Compaq also has upgraded its data-replication software to work over distances as great as 40 kilometers between sites.
By Patricia Daukantas
GCN Staff
Compaq ProLiant servers now include several high-end storage options, including a RAID array and a workgroup-sized storage area network. Compaq also has upgraded its data-replication software to work over distances as great as 40 kilometers between sites.
The Smart Array 4200 controller, based on 64-bit RISC architecture, has four Ultra2 SCSI channels, each of which can support up to 14 disk drives, said Ron Noblett, engineering director of Compaq's server storage division.
When configured with 56 18G drives, the controller has a capacity of slightly more than 1T.
The $2,200 Smart Array 4200 transfers 320 megabytes/sec and is compatible with previous Smart Array products.
The components can be housed in the new StorageWorks Enclosure 4200, Noblett said. Each enclosure accepts up to 14 1-inch disk drives and works with Compaq's Alpha servers and those with Intel chips. Prices are $2,560 and $2,340 for rack and tower models, respectively.
The StorageWorks RAID Array 4000 has dual array controllers and hubs. When one controller is in use, another remains on standby for protection against failure.
Noblett said the new array has higher fault tolerance and availability than its predecessor, the Fibre Channel Storage System. Designed for cluster environments, the StorageWorks array works with Microsoft Windows NT and Novell NetWare network operating systems. A base configuration costs about $17,000.
The StorageWorks Data Replication Manager software works over long distances via an optical link extender from Finisar Corp. of Mountain View, Calif., which must be purchased separately.
Its 40-kilometer maximum separation between remote data storage sites compares with 10 kilometers for standard Fibre Channel links, Compaq spokeswoman Karen Quatromoni said.
Under the hood
The software runs on OpenVMS clusters and on Intel systems under Windows NT. Support for Tru64Unix, SunSoft Solaris and NT on AlphaServers will follow later this year. The software is $20,800 per controller.
Quatromoni said Compaq's SAN package, the StorageWorks Enterprise Backup Solution, is sized for workgroups or small departments and works only with ProLiant servers.
It comes with seven Fibre Channel ports and smaller tape libraries than other SAN bundles.
The SAN package includes Compaq's Fibre Channel host adapters and tape controllers, SCSI tape libraries, and other SAN software from Computer Associates International Inc. and Veritas Software Corp. of Mountain View, Calif.
Compaq also is releasing Ultra2 Universal disk drives in 9.1G and 18.2G capacities, priced from $590 to $976.
The company's Rack 9000 cabinets, starting at $1,295, hold current and older Compaq and third-party equipment.
Contact Compaq at 800-780-7967.
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