D-Link DSN-2100 xStack

This xStack SAN Array can be implemented as a block-based solution for data backup and recovery, to replace direct attached storage drives, or to provide an entry-level nearline storage solution. The DSN-2100 is based on the same System-on-a-Chip (SoC) design found in larger arrays such as D-Link's DSN-3000 series, but housed in a smaller chassis with eight hot swappable drive bays. It utilises a 10Gbit iSCSI SoC solution capable of supporting up to 8TB of raw capacity using 1TB hard drives. The DSN-2100 is capable of handling over 80,000 I/Os per second. It implements four 1GbE ports and supports IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation Groups (LAG) for full offl oad capability so that all four ports can be grouped together, totalling up to 425MBps bandwidth. It will auto-detect a failed drive and rebuild with a spare drive in the drive pool and has a built-in IP-SAN device manager to allow administrators to oversee the storage pool, volumes and RAID.

Distributed by: Bluechip Infotech, Edsys Computers, Ingram Micro, Lan 1, Pacific Datacom, Page Data Products and Synnex

RRP: $10,349

Acronis Snap Deploy 3

This aims to enable IT managers to quickly and easily configure and deploy multiple computers simultaneously, providing a hassle-free experience for businesses adding new computers. Instead of configuring each individual machine and then installing the applications, customers use the software to quickly install a standard, identical image - including the operating system and all applications - on every machine. Image configurations created by Acronis Snap Deploy can be installed from an optical disk or multicast simultaneously to tens or hundreds of computers over a local area network. With the separately licenced Acronis Universal Deploy add-on, IT managers can configure new systems with different hardware and still use the original saved image. Device drivers and the hardware abstraction layer can be automatically or manually selected as needed to ensure proper booting of the computer. Acronis Snap Deploy 3 is available for workstations and servers.

Distributed by: Manaccom, Datastor, SAN Systems and Infotronics

RRP: $124.99 for the server version; $24.99 for the workstation version

Hitachi SMS100 with SimpleDR

The SMS100 has a wizard-based graphical user interface set-up and auto-configuration software that enables administrators to unpack the system and have it fully operational in minutes. The unit plugs into any home or office using a standard power outlet and scales from under 1TB to nearly 9TB of capacity with no on-site IT support required. The SMS100 provides non-stop data availability via a plug-and-play disk slot. In the event of a disk failure, an automatic online notification from the management console is sent to Hitachi, who ships a free replacement drive. When the new drive arrives there is no need to remove or return any existing drives. The SMS100 allows users to upgrade to a new Hitachi Simple Modular Storage system when more capacity is required, while the patent-pending Hitachi Auto-Migration feature will copy all existing data and licences to the new system. Optional software includes Hitachi ShadowImage Replication for backups and TrueCopy Extended Distance software for asynchronous copying between SMS devices.

Distributed by: Acer and Lynx Technologies

RRP: $5295