 "IBM Unveils Entry Level Storage Solutions")
IBM has unveiled a new storage system specially designed for the small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The offering called IBM System Storage DS3000, is an entry-level disk arrays with integrated management software which is aimed at providing smaller businesses with an economical solution for their storage needs.
The DS3000 Series comprises of IBM System Storage DS3200 and IBM System Storage DS3400. Both products offer an entry-level single controller model and a dual controller model for maintaining data-availability.
The DS3200 system is a direct-attached storage (DAS) solution that offers support for clustering and provides 3 Gbps SAS connection to the host. The DS3400 system can be used either as DAS or in a SAN configuration. It claims to accommodate 4 Gbps Fibre Channel connectivity.
IBM said that both systems are capable of supporting 12 SAS hard disk drives for 3.6 terabytes, and up to three EXP3000 enclosures for greater than 14.4 terabytes of capacity that can allow the storage systems to scale up to 48 hard disk drives.
A key feature of the DS3000 series is the Storage Manager software, which allows customers to set up and manage their data resources in just six steps. This can be particularly useful for smaller organizations that do not have access to high end IT expertise that is often required to set up a storage network.
“Small and medium businesses are faced with managing a rising tide of feature-rich e-mail and greater file-print requirements, while large enterprises are implementing new applications, including video security and digital imaging. These customers need an entry storage product that can grow to meet their needs,” said Jim Gargan, vice president and business line executive, IBM.
The IBM System Storage DS3000 Series will be available from January 30, 2007.