Network Appliance, JNI Unveil InfiniBand Storage Solution

Network Appliance JNI

The FAS900 series of NAS appliances from Network Appliance, based here, connect to InfiniBand networks via JNI's InfiniStar IBP-1x02 HCA module, which is based on a Mellanox processor. "We believe Network Appliance is the first OEM to announce InfiniBand for clustering," said Shaun Walsh, general manager of JNI's InfiniBand Group. "They run the InfiniBand protocol and get an increase in performance and bandwidth."

JNI early next year plans to offer solution providers new programs related to its InfiniBand adapters, said Walsh. The company currently offers adapters based on the Mellanox silicon, but in the future it plans to support IBM silicon as well, he added.

"As with any technology transition, VARs will lead the way. These will be complex installations," Walsh said.

Network Appliance's FAS900 appliances, introduced last week, are the company's first appliances to feature Fibre Channel connectivity, making them suitable for both SAN and NAS applications.