Utilizing the 64-bit file system of OS X, Xsan lets you create and share volumes of up to 2000TB of storage. Multiple computers can access data on the SAN simultaneously, making it an excellent solution for networks that have intensive data access requirements.
Hardware Redundancy
Xsan uses one system connected to the SAN, referred to as the metadata controller, to manage access to the shared storage. The metadata controller is automatically reassigned to another computer in your network in the event of a hardware failure or if the machine is powered down, ensuring constant access to your data.
Simple Setup and Management
Apple's Xsan Admin software allows you to easily setup and manage your SAN. It lets you set user and group quotas as well as the ability to categorize files and folders for specific classes of storage. Xsan supports notification via e-mail or pager if a problem is detected, letting you address the issue as quickly as possible.
Xsan Tuner
The Xsan Tuner program allows you to optimize your network's performance. It features settings for standard UNIX read and writes as well as for those made by Apple's Final Cut Pro video editing suite.
Windows, UNIX and Linux Compatibility
Using a compatible Fibre Channel switch you can access data using Windows, UNIX and Linux systems that use the ADIC StorNext File System. This lets you integrate the Xsan into a network that has non-Macintosh computers.
Simple Pricing Structure
Apple's pricing structure is simple to understand. You are not charged for adding storage to your SAN as is the case with other SAN software. You simply buy a license for each computer that will run the Xsan program, making it easy to determine the costs of setting up your SAN.
Application
SAN Server
Compatibility
Apple Macintosh Computers
System Requirements
Computer: Intel or PowerPC G5 Mac
Operating System: Mac OS X v10.5; Mac OS X Server v10.5
Memory: 2GB; Additional 2GB per hosted volume
Hardware: Apple Fibre-Channel Card
SAN Requirements
Switched Ethernet LAN
RAID Storage System
Fibre-Channel Switch