Snap Does Block and File

Snap Appliance has unveiled a unified software platform that supports both block and file architectures, moving into territory pioneered by Network Appliance .

The Quantum spinoff debuted its GuardianOS version 3 at this week’s Storage Networking World conference in Phoenix, Ariz., adding iSCSI support for “a balanced approach to data management that ensures the right information resides on the right platform at the right value.”


Snap Server 15000

“Unified storage offers a compelling advantage of a common management tool for both block and file storage,” says Gartner analyst Pushan Rinnen.

“The vast majority of company data is not critical, and therefore, should not require a top dollar long-term investment,” states Snap CEO Eric Kelly. “In fact, our customers are demanding an alternative, and we are delivering on it.”

The new OS also introduces Snap Server Manager (SSM) for centralized device management of thousands of distributed Snap Servers. Snap says the Java-based SSM automatically discovers all Snap Servers across an entire enterprise network to allow OS upgrades, server configuration, and monitoring activities from a single console.

GuardianOS also includes a new feature called Instant Capacity Expansion (ICE) for scalability and on-demand provisioning without requiring backup and restore of data or RAID rebuilds.

The new OS additionally integrates BakBone’s NetVault storage management software for data protection and virtual tape library capabilities as well as Computer Associates’ eTrust Antivirus software, among other security and protection features.

Snap is giving its entire installed base of GuardianOS-powered Snap Servers access to the new version through a software upgrade starting at $699 per unit.

All new shipments of the company’s departmental and enterprise Snap Servers will come standard with the new Linux-based OS, including the newly announced $34,990 Snap Server 15000, which scales from 5TB to 29TB.

The 15000 consists of a high-performance networked-attached storage (NAS) controller and allows the addition of up to seven Snap Disk 30SA expansion arrays. Snap says the 15000 is ideal for near-line storage and accelerated backup applications. By backing up to the 15000 and then archiving to tape, “organizations can significantly reduce delay while providing rapid restores,” according to the company.

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