Active Storage Reveals ActiveSAN Configurations and Pricing

Active Storage Inc. announced configurations and pricing for ActiveSAN, the metadata controller appliance for Xsan and StorNext networks. Active Storage also announced plans to conduct live ActiveSAN demonstrations for the first time at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show.

"We were amazed by the incredible response to the ActiveSAN announcement, and inundated since by requests," said Alex Grossman, CEO of Active Storage, Inc. "Clearly, ActiveSAN addresses a pressing need for Xsan users."

"Approaching NAB, the anticipation is deafening from users telling us they need an enterprise-class metadata controller solution that is easy to deploy and maintain. ActiveSAN is the only product that fulfills that need, so leading facilities already started planning their workflows around it," continued Grossman. "We’ve also started planning ways to make it easier than ever to migrate intelligently and quickly."

In addition, Active Storage has collaborated closely with Quantum Corp., the maker of StorNext, to address the needs of current Xsan users moving from Apple Xserve metadata controllers. Migration strategies from Xserve-based Xsan networks to ActiveSAN were carefully crafted, including implementation of Access Control Lists (ACLs) for permission control, and the use of extended attributes. ActiveSAN is a product that not only enhances current Xsan deployments, but also makes new deployments easier.

ActiveSAN systems will ship in matched metadata controller pairs for high-availability – two 1U ActiveSAN appliances configured and optimized with quality components. ActiveSAN systems are designed to meet the needs and budgets of any-sized Xsan and StorNext deployment. All configurations of ActiveSAN are Innerpool ready.

Active Storage metadata appliance installation tools remove the complexities of the underlying Linux setup and StorNext tuning, and get customers up and running in minutes.

ActiveSAN configurations are designed for video workgroup SANs and priced to be cost-effective, yet offer the performance and reliability. Only ActiveSAN includes the ActiveSAN Admin management suite to make simple deployment possible.

Active Storage has developed configurations for Mac-only Xsan client configurations and for heterogeneous configurations for Mac, Linux and Windows clients. Mac-only configurations can be upgraded to heterogeneous client use at any time. Mac-only ActiveSAN systems use existing or new Xsan client licenses.

Through Dec 31, 2011, Xsan-only ActiveSAN configurations can support up to two StorNext FX clients as Xsan clients, provided the FX clients have current client maintenance agreements.

• ActiveSANX8: Up to 8 Xsan or 6 Xsan and 2 StorNext FX clients ($23,499 US MSRP)
• ActiveSANX20: Up to 20 Xsan or 18 Xsan and 2 StorNext FX clients ($25,999 US MSRP)
• ActiveSANXUNL: Unlimited Xsan and 2 StorNext FX clients ($28,999 US MSRP)

An ActiveSAN heterogeneous configuration supports an unlimited number of StorNext and Xsan clients. StorNext client licenses are available for Windows and Linux and must be purchased separately from Active.

• ActiveSANQUNL : Unlimited Xsan and StorNext clients ($33,999 US MSRP                                                        

Additional client license details are available.

All configurations are delivered Innerpool ready and in pairs. Each appliance includes Linux OS, StorNext with high-availability, dual channel 8Gb fibre channel card, ActiveSAN Admin software, ActiveStats software (when available), and a 3-year warranty with 24/7/365 phone and email support.

ActiveSAN is a server-based appliance that incorporates Active Storage product design and the performance and reliability of an Intel Nehalem server platform in a 1U rack form factor. ActiveSAN leverages the Linux operating system and the Quantum StorNext SAN file system. It features an Active Storage-designed user interface and management suite for ease of use in deployment and management of the operating system and StorNext. ActiveSAN will be demonstrated at the NAB 2011 convention in April, with delivery of systems in the second quarter of 2011.