Fujitsu introduces new disk array subsystem; Achieves world's fastest data transfer speed of 20 MB sec

Business Wire, March 1, 1995

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 1, 1995--Fujitsu Limited has developed a large-capacity disk array subsystem with high reliability and greatly improved cost-performance. Comprising a file control unit (F1710A) and disk array unit (F6493), the subsystem can be used with the company's M Series global servers and VP Series supercomputers.

The new subsystem, which employs advanced RAID technology to assure high reliability and features an original parallel access function developed by Fujitsu, achieves a data transfer speed of 20 MB/sec - the fastest in the industry - and a four-fold reduction in read/write time. The F6493 disk array unit utilizes 3.5-inch disk drives with MR heads to reduce space and power requirements. The F1710A/F6493 subsystem offers a price/storage capacity ratio more than 1.5 times greater (with 60 GB configuration) than Fujitsu's previous generation disk subsystem (F1700/F6427).

The introduction of the new disk array subsystem will help consolidate Fujitsu's leadership in the Japanese storage system market and further increase its profile in overseas markets as well. The company is targeting 100 billion yen in storage system sales in fiscal 1995.

Shipment of the F1710A/F6493 subsystem in Japan is scheduled to begin by the end of June 1995. The monthly rental fee starts at 1.34 million yen. The company forecasts sales of 20,000 F1710A/F6493 subsystems in Japan and selected international markets over the next three years.

F1710A/F6493 Disk Array Subsystem Product Highlights

High-speed processing

- Fujitsu-develops spindle synchronization technology helps achieve disk transfer speed of 20 MB/sec

- File control unit's internal processing capability increased 3.4 times over previous model

- Read/write time between file control unit and disk unit one-quarter that of previous model

System stability improved

- In the event of a disk failure, subsystem operation continues with no performance degradation

- Adoption of RAID technology, non-disruptive maintenance and concurrent replacement enable non-stop operation

- Duplication of all power supply, fan and pathing further improves reliability

Space and power requirements reduced

- Use of 3.5-inch disks with MR head makes possible per disk array unit capacity of 181 GB (expandable to 725 GB)

Existing assets protected

- Compatible with previous models (F6425, F6427, F6429)

CONTACT: Fujitsu News Center

Robert Pomeroy, 212/764-4814