SAN Device Grows With Storage Needs

The IP-based NSMs are based on Intel processors and ATA disk drives. Customers are also required to purchase LeftHand's sophisticated SAN/iQ software, which helps combine all storage resources into virtual pools. SAN/iQ allows users to allocate storage space without disabling access to the SAN or shutting down any hardware. Creating or resizing a volume using the software takes only minutes, and users can divide available storage space based on the needs of individual applications.

LeftHand Networks offers two NSM models, and the installation of each can be custom-fit to a company's budget. The 1U four-bay NSM 100 has a storage capacity of 500 Gbytes and costs $6,000. LeftHand's SAN NSM 200, which CRN Test Center engineers reviewed, is a 2U-unit containing eight drive bays. It costs $14,500 when loaded with eight 160-Gbyte drives for a total of 1.2 Tbytes of storage. The unit can also be loaded with eight 250-Gbyte drives for a total of 1.8 Tbytes of storage space. The SAN/iQ software costs an additional $3,500.

The NSM 100 is ideal for smaller sites that only need to add storage in half-terabyte increments, while the NSM 200 is better suited for larger sites. With up to 1.8 Tbytes of storage capacity, the NSM 200 offers far greater capacity along with a higher-density form factor.

The units can be configured to meet particular customer needs through the SAN/iQ software. The NSMs' cluster capacities are virtually unlimited, and performance and capacity scale dynamically.

Each NSM 200 NAS device features dual redundant network connections, eight hot-swappable disk drives and dual hot-swappable power supplies. The configuration can also support a hot spare NSM that will automatically join the cluster if an active module fails. The software can be configured to notify an administrator if the hot spare is activated.

Disaster-recovery features include replication, in which the LeftHand SAN device writes multiple copies of data across the NSMs using two- and three-way replication technology. A SAN application called Remote IP Copy creates duplicate data volumes quickly over long distances. This feature provides affordable off-site backup and data protection, not to mention speedy recovery if necessary.

Setting up the LeftHand SAN NSM 200 is easy. After installing the Centralized Management Console, users configure each unit with an appropriate IP address. Next, an Automated Ethernet Block System (AEBS) driver is installed. Another option involves using Microsoft's iSCSI initiator to create either an AEBS or iSCSI volume.

After everything is set up, an administrator logging into the unit will see any new NSM drives listed as "available NSMs." The SAN/iQ software then lets users create management groups, clusters and volumes.

LeftHand sells 100 percent through the channel. Their Advantage Partner Program includes three levels: agent, VAR and distributor. Partners receive varying amounts of sales and technical training and co-marketing support. A dedicated partner Web site provides online opportunity registration, pricing information, product literature, white papers, sales tools and logos. Margins average 25 percent to 30 percent. LeftHand's standard one-year warranty includes next-day, on-site support.CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
>LEFTHAND SAN NSM 200

COMPANY: LeftHand Networks
Boulder, Colo.
(866) 4-IPSANS
www.lefthandnetworks.com
DISTRIBUTORS: Westcon Group, Promark, Bell Microproducts
TECH RATING:

CHANNEL RATING:

Note: Vendors can earn up to five stars for technical merit and five for their channel program. If the average of these two scores is four stars or greater, the product earns CRN Test Center Recommended status.