LSI Introduces Enterprise SAS Storage For SMBs

December 7th, 2006: Enterprise-class gear is increasingly being retooled to bring advanced data protection capabilities to smaller players, and it is with SMBs in mind that LSI Logic has launched its new family of SAS storage systems.

The first systems to be released will be the Engenio 1333 and 1331. These feature SAS-to-SAS external RAID arrays for a shared DAS (Direct Attached Storage) infrastructure and are available in both single and dual controller models.

LSI says that the new systems enable growing businesses to take advantage of shared storage including consolidation, unified management, data protection features and the increased efficiency these services offer.

The systems use Simplicity Storage Manager software for management tasks, enabling, according to LSI, intuitive, task-based management structure that cuts the complexity of installation, configuration, management and diagnostic tasks while enabling deployment of advanced data protection strategies. The company says that once installed, Simplicity allows storage systems to be discovered and configured in fewer then 10 mouse clicks.

“SMB customers have a diverse set of storage requirements, but the need for affordable external storage that is easy to deploy, manage and scale is consistent across the market,” said Tony Prigmore, senior analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group. “With the introduction of its new family of Engenio systems, LSI has not only made external storage a viable option, but one that addresses a spectrum of applications through the use of SAS technology.”

Further catering for SMBs, The 1331 and 1333 systems employ a modular design, enabling SMBs to scale storage to meet their growing needs. Capacity ranges from a 2-drive configuration with 146GB of storage to a 48-drive configuration offering 14 TB of storage using 300GB SAS drives.

 “LSI is the only company in the industry to deliver an end-to-end SAS portfolio that addresses every segment of the market, including the SMB space,” Phil Bullinger, senior vice president, Engenio Storage Group, LSI Logic. “For SMB customers who need to grow beyond internal storage, our new enterprise-class external solutions provide powerful and scalable options.”

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