Dell intros networked storage for SMEs

Dell has introduced its first networked storage system for small and medium sized businesses, the EMC AX100.

Whereas most storage area network (SAN) systems require a Fibre Channel network, by using iSCSI technology Dell enables businesses to incorporate the SAN into existing IP networks, which, the company says, can cut the cost of a complete entry-level SAN by up to 50 per cent.

Previously the reserve of large enterprises, SAN systems have markedly fallen in price in recent months whilst take up amongst SMEs soars. Growth rates are estimated at around 50 per cent over the past couple of years. As desktop computers are capable of handling more and more data at speed, such as video, so the need for networked storage grows.

The EMC AX100 comprises a 2U Dell/EMC AX100i array with up to two controllers and up to 12 SATA drives, providing storage capacities from 480GB to 3TB. It plugs into a standard Ethernet switch or Ethernet port on a server. Data rates are a maximum 300MB per second.

It supports Dell PowerEdge servers and variety of Compaq, HP and IBM servers with two or more processors, running Windows 2000 Server (Std/Adv Svr), Windows Server 2003 (Std, Ent, DataCtr, Web), RedHat Adv Svr 2.1, 3.0, or Netware 5.1, 6.0 and 6.

‘Small organisations and workgroups that viewed SAN technology as too complex or expensive in the past can now easily deploy and enjoy the benefits of networked storage such as increased staff productivity, improved backup, utilisation and manageability,’ according to Darren Thomas, vice president and general manager of Dell Storage.

Prices start at £3,300. Further information can be found at www.dell.co.uk/storage.