LAND-5 Introduces Linux Network Attached Storage; iCEbox StoragePod propels Linux Into the Enterprise Storage Arena - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Jan 31, 2000

LAND-5 Corp. Wednesday announced the Linux-based iCEbox StoragePod, a network attached solution offering up to 4.5TB of instant network RAID storage.

Providing high-availability, high-performance, and transparent file access by Linux, UNIX and Windows NT clients, the iCEbox StoragePod can be installed in under 30 minutes without disrupting existing network users. Designed expressly for mission-critical environments, the StoragePod offers an ideal answer when additional network storage is required. The product will be demonstrated at the upcoming LinuxWorld Expo in New York, February 2nd through February 4th (Booth No. 131).

LAND-5 development activities have resulted in enhanced Linux RAID software with user-friendly interfaces offering considerable functionality. Performance

optimization has been addressed as well. The end result is a powerful, cost-effective alternative to traditional hardware-controlled RAID solutions. The practical ability to use a Linux solution for continuous access to critical online information is now a reality.

The iCEbox StoragePod contains a streamlined Linux OS that enables client accessibility to both SMB and NFS files in native format with full locking implementations. RAID levels 0,1,0 1,4 and 5 are supported, as are enterprise level functions such as Network Information Services, quotas and sophisticated security features. Dynamic local and remote RAID management is available through a user-friendly Internet browser interface.

"The iCEbox StoragePod gives system administrators a cost-effective method of immediately increasing network storage," explained Al Kernek, LAND-5's vice president of marketing. "It acts like a large chunk of instant storage that can be simply plugged into an existing network. Moreover, people will be surprised by the StoragePod's aggressive price/performance positioning. For example, users receive the performance equivalent of, say, a Network Appliance product at a fraction of the cost."

The iCEbox StoragePod includes a powerful thin server that offers external connections to a multi-port 10/100 Ethernet, a Gigabit Ethernet port or a fibre channel LAN, while a choice of fast Ultra2 or fibre channel disk drives supports internal transfer rates up to 200MB per second.

Versatility and scalability are two important features of the iCEbox StoragePod. Up to eighteen 9GB, 18GB or 36GB disk drives can be installed in a 10.5" rack-mountable enclosure, while additional storage enclosures can be added to build data capacities totaling over four terabytes.

The iCEbox StoragePod is engineered for extreme fault-tolerance and redundancies. Redundant, automatic load-balancing power supplies are linked to independent power sources. An advanced cooling design keeps he chassis between 5-10(degrees)F of ambient room temperature. Optional hot spares are supported. Fans, power supplies and drives are all hot swappable.

Installation of the iCEbox StoragePod can usually be completed within 30 minutes. User-friendly screens guide system administrators through management, security and RAID storage set-up. A DHCP agent automatically finds and sets the IP address and subnet address. NIS facilitates fast user set-up. Administrators can slow set "quotas" to limit the size of user storage files.

LAND-5's ICEbox StoragePod come with three-year parts and labor warranty. Also included is a toll-free technical support number and Express RMA Program that expedites replacement parts overnight. Fully integrated systems populated with LAND-5 disk drives qualify for LAND-5's Extreme ServICE program, which includes free first-year onsite support. Optional "First Aid Kits" with spare components are available, as well as 7 X 24 service upgrade programs for mission-critical applications.

List price for an iCEbox StoragePod with three 9GB Ultra2 disk drives starts at $8,040. Availability is February 2000.

LAND-5 Corp. is a network storage technology company. Since its inception in 1994, the company has evolved from a small, award-winning research and development firm to a rapidly growing manufacturer and marketer of high-performance storage area network and network attached storage solutions. The company has dedicated considerable resources to enhancing Linux RAID software as a practical alternative for the enterprise market. LAND-5 headquarters are located in San Diego, CA. FMI: http://www.land-5.com.