The Xsan SAN Data Storage Consolidation and File Sharing Software from Apple allows you to set up an enterprise-level Storage Area Network (SAN) using Apple Xserve RAID computers. You can link multiple Xserve RAIDs together using Fibre Channel switches and computers in your network running OS X with Xsan installed will be able to address them as a single volume. This gives users in your network access to terabytes of data at Fibre Channel speeds. This is an excellent choice for users in performance intensive environments who require access to the large amounts of data stored on your Xserve RAID servers.
High Performance Storage Networking
Utilizing the 64-bit file system of OS X 10.4, Xsan lets you create and share volumes of up to 2000 TB 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.