Storage: AIWA RAID TECHNOLOGY Among First to Offer Web-based RAID Storage Management Software

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, July 13, 1998

AIWA RAID TECHNOLOGY Inc. Monday announced ArrayView II, its next generation storage monitoring software.

Designed for use with AIWA's MicroArray III disk array, ArrayView II is among the first RAID management software products to support remote monitoring capabilities over the Internet using the TCP/IP network protocol.

ArrayView II is designed as a standalone, 100 percent Java certified application and Java applet web browser utilizing Sun Microsystems' Java programming language. With the software's Java interface, a system administrator can view RAID systems from any location throughout the world. ArrayView II leverages the universal nature of the Web -- simplifying compatibility, remote access, installation and maintenance.

"With ArrayView II, IS managers can monitor multiple RAID devices on multiple hosts from anywhere, at any time," said Ron Clouthier, director of marketing, AIWA RAID TECHNOLOGY. "Its universal access capabilities allow network administrators to detect problems, prevent potential system downtime and monitor attached storage devices more easily than ever."

Because it utilizes only the host server SCSI interface connection, unlike some competitive RAID monitoring applications, ArrayView II is compatible with a variety of network topologies supported through the host server including Ethernet, Token Ring and FDDI. As a result, ArrayView II provides superior ease of use and network connectivity. An alternative implementation requires three separate connections: a SCSI interface for the system control and data path; a network management interface (limited to an Ethernet 10/100 connection); and an RS232 interface for accessing the specific RAID controller configuration and control management menus from the embedded RAID controller.

ArrayView II allows users to monitor all aspects of a disk array system, either locally or from a remote site. An easy-to-use graphical user interface provides a series of tool bar buttons and context tab menus for selecting the desired function along with graphical frame screen representations of system information and status. If any component (such as a drive, fan or power supply) fails, ArrayView II depicts the problem graphically on the screen for quick identification.

ArrayView II also provides pager and email notification options, and a complete disk array activity log, which can be viewed or downloaded. On-line help for ArrayView II is available in HTML format using the product's Web browser interface. In addition, ArrayView II allows the system administrator to remotely set or change the disk array password to ensure secure access to the system.

"AIWA RAID TECHNOLOGY is unique in its ability to provide customers a 'one-stop shop' for integrated RAID-based storage solutions," said Clouthier. "ArrayView II was entirely developed in-house by our team of software engineers. In addition, we design and manufacture our own RAID controllers and enclosures, eliminating the need for customers to source components from multiple suppliers or integrate systems themselves."

The ArrayView II applet allows network administrators to monitor RAID devices configured on an NT server or Windows 95 system using any client with browsers supporting Java 1.1 (e.g. Netscape 4.04 and Internet Explorer 4.01). ArrayView II software is included at no charge with AIWA's MicroArray III disk array subsystem. Existing AIWA customers can upgrade to ArrayView II by downloading a free copy of the software from the company's FTP Web site.

ArrayView II conforms to Sun Microsystems' Java programming language, JDK 1.1.4, and is available now with support for servers running under Windows 95 or Windows NT platforms. Later releases of the product will provide support for NetWare, SCO Open Server and Macintosh OS platforms.

AIWA RAID TECHNOLOGY is a wholly owned subsidiary of AIWA Co. Ltd that designs, manufactures, markets and supports leading-edge RAID-based storage solutions. AIWA's award-winning product family continues to set new standards in design innovation, features and performance. As a founding member of the RAID Advisory Board, AIWA has the expertise to deliver RAID solutions for today's most challenging applications. With headquarters in Boca Raton, Fla., AIWA RAID TECHNOLOGY maintains a regional marketing and sales office in Irvine. FMI: www.aiwaraid.com.