IBM Introduces Low Priced Entry-Level Storage Server

Enterprise Networks & Servers, Oct 2004

IBM has unveiled an entry-level disk server with advanced features to help support business continuity, priced under $3,000 for mid-sized businesses. The new IBM TotalStorage DS300 is designed to give mid-size clients a simple, reliable and affordable option to transport data through standard Internet protocols.

With the introduction of the DS300, IBM becomes the first tier-one storage vendor to offer clients a storage system based on the iSCSI storage protocol. Using iSCSI, clients can create a storage area network (SAN) with existing Gigabit Ethernet networks.

iSCSI technology can help improve the management of a SAN by allowing IT administrators to leverage existing skills and networks that clients use on the server side. The DS300 storage server comes with features that include Ultra320 SCSI drives, battery backup cache, and redundant hot-swappable power supplies in a 3U form factor.

In conjunction with the DS300, IBM also introduced the TotalStorage DS400, a 2GB Fibre Channel storage system in a 3U form factor. Both storage servers can be managed with ServerRAID management tools.

The IBM TotalStorage DS300 and DS400 storage disk products are among more than 100 offerings that make up the IBM Express Portfolio of solutions for mid-sized businesses. The portfolio offers hardware, middleware, services and financing, all tailored specifically to the needs of mid-size businesses.

"Today's customers are placing a high emphasis on innovative technology that is easy to use and delivers high value," said Rich Lechner, vice president, IBM Storage Systems. "IBM's new systems deliver a combination of advanced technology at an extremely attractive entry price. Our tight integration with our Intel-based servers makes installing and managing a complete system infrastructure with IBM easier than ever."

IBM also announced the TotalStorage DS Family which the company describes as the most extensive disk family from any one vendor. By combining the new entry level systems with IBM's midrange disk systems and the Enterprise Storage Server into a single product family, the company now offers small businesses through large enterprises a broad range of products to address clients' needs.

Also as a component of the new DS family, the company announced the IBM TotalStorage DS4000 mid-range disk systems series (formerly the IBM TotalStorage FAStT Storage Server series). This new series of products includes the product line's latest storage firmware - the DS4000 Storage Manager V9.1. The software is a Web-downloadable performance upgrade that provides new enhanced remote mirroring and copy functions, called Global Mirror and Global Copy, to help customers mirror data both synchronously and asynchronously. This DS Storage Manager software's Enhanced Remote Mirroring feature can help protect the information stored on the DS4000 subsystem through real-time data replication.

The company also announced the IBM TotalStorage Storage Switch for first time external SAN users. The 2006-L10 is designed as a cost effective, enhanced Fibre Channel loop switch for xSeries storage applications and is a storage companion for DS400, DS4000 Series and Ultrium 2 tape library deployments.

www.ibm.com