Hitachi Data Systems has finished upgrading its mid-range TagmaStore AMS storage system with the release this week of the top of the line model.
The AMS 1000 offers users the ability to create up to 32 logical cache partitions in a maximum16Gb of cache, as well as offers support for any two protocols internally without relying on external servers or adapters.
“It gives the customer the tools to take full advantage of tiered storage,” said Kevin Sampson, Hitachi Data Systems’ director of product marketing.
“For the customer in the mid-range it’s the only device they ever need. They could put NAS on it, SAN on it, attach iSCSI, and with the scalability and performance it’s hard to outgrow.”
“This gives the channel partner the opportunity to go after accounts where the customer may have been looking at enterprise storage,” he added.
The AMS 1000 replaces the Thunder 9585V, which Sampson called “a real workhorse for us.” Holding up to 218 TB of data, it can be used as main storage for up to 1,000 servers, or as standalone system for off-site backup.But it’s not for those with small chequebooks: Prices start at US$80,000. Sampson said an “average” system with 18TB of storage and an 8G cache will cost close to US$130,000.
Like all Hitachi systems, it is managed through the company’s HiCommand Suite, which has just been upgraded to version 5.0. New features include an improved graphical user interface with a shared toolbar showing all of the software’s modules, improved readability and consistent layouts and patterns of monitors.
A new Global Link Availability Manager is said to eliminate many of the problems associated with multipath data management in heterogeneous storage environments, such as Windows, Unix and open source systems.
The AMS 1000 competes against such heavyweights as EMC’s CX-700 line, IBM’s DS 4800 and Hewlett-Packard’s EVA storage, according to Tony Asaro, senior analyst at the Enterprise Strategy Group. The AMS 1000 will be a good competitor, he said.
He likes the system’s modular architecture, which differs from some competitors’ fixed architecture. The cache partitioning capability, which allows fine-tuning on the fly, will also appeal to buyers.
“Hitachi has brought capabilities and features that make it extremely competitive,” he said.
Sampson noted that while AMS 1000 has eight Fibre Channel ports, customers can order mixed ports supporting any two storage protocols, including NAS, SAN or iSCSI.
The system also allows non-disruptive movement of data across tiers of storage, meaning data can move across 250GB, 400GB and 500GB SATA drives.
It also includes RAID-6 capability, which gives the ability to rebuild a data volume if a disk fails while continuing to store data at the same time.
While performance has been significantly enhanced over the previous model, Hitachi says the price has stayed the same.
Other models in the AMS line are the single rack 200 and 500. For tiered storage all models need an added network controller or Hitachi’s Universal Storage Platform.
To help VARs sell its systems Hitachi recently issued new quoting tools to partners, Sampson said, which will speed their ability to bid on deals.
Also sent to partners are new sales guides emphasizing how features of all models compare. “We’re trying to get away from one-size-fits-all” marketing material, he said.
