Today, Hitachi, Ltd. announced the release of a "small rack-mount type" disk array
device "DF 400" for an open system. This small and low-priced model will be
available from June 9.
The cabinet size has been condensed to 38 percent, and the minimum configuration
price reduced to 62 percent of the current model (*1). It is capable of mounting a
maximum of 11 disks per device, and the maximum capacity can be expanded up to 357
gigabytes(GB) (*2) to be most suitable for the environments of a high end Windows
NT(R) system and Microsoft(R) Cluster Server.
In addition, all the "DF 400" models have their conformance to SAN (storage area
network) enhanced, such as support for a Fibre Channel Fabric Switch connection
which increases efficiency in data transfer.
(*1) When it has a configuration of device capacity 8.3 gigabytes(GB) (RAID5), cache
32 megabytes(MB) and is compared with a DF400 vertical rack-mount type.
(*2) When a RAID0, 36 GB disk is mounted.
As a result of the improved performance of server machines, there are increasing
frequent cases rapidly where a key business, traditionally performed by a high end
UNIX, is handled by a midrange-class UNIX server, a Windows NT(R) system, or a
Microsoft(R) Cluster Server. There are increasing needs for disk array devices to be
connected to such systems, and thus high data processing performance
and high fault tolerance are demanded.
We have been introducing disk array devices in the market since 1993, and their
performance and reliability of them are evaluated highly. Our proven track record is
evident, such as in 1998, when the Hitachi disk array device "DF 350" and high end
machine "DF 400" for an open system acquired the top share in the domestic market.
[Nikkei Watcher on IT Business, "Domestic market research on open- system-type
external disk arrays (on shipped capacity basis)", 4/2/1994]
The current release of the "small rack-mount" modelis capable of mounting a
maximum 11 disks per device, and the maximum capacity can be expanded up to 357
gigabytes. In addition, a flexible system configuration is possible by mounting
multiple host interface ports capable of directly connecting with a maximum of four
servers. It can also be used as a floor-standing type by adding a dedicated kit.
Moreover, a Fibre Channel Fabric Switch connection is newly supported, which has
further facilitated connection with plural hosts and improved data transfer rate.
Conformance to SAN, in which the market is expected to expand, has been enhanced.
Support for the zoning feature (a security function by port) of the Fabric Switch enables
it to limit access to those from a predetermined port, and prevent any unauthorized
access. If a newly supported 36 GB disk drive is mounted and the dedicated rack is
fully mounted, it will implement a large capacity of maximum 1.7 terabytes(TB)
(RAID0 configuration).
All the models of the "vertical rack-mount type," "horizontal rack-mount type" and
"cabinet type", already on the market for some time now, support a 36 GB disk drive in
addition to enhanced conformance to SAN.
If the "horizontal rack-mount type" is fully mounted on the dedicated rack, it will
implement a large capacity of maximum 4.2 TB(*3) and become most suitable for
processing large data volume as in a data warehouse.
(*3) When a RAID0, 36 GB disk is mounted.
<Price (excluding tax) and Shipping date>
Product name Price (excluding tax) (Note) Shipping date
Small rack-mount type 3,725,000 yen June 30, 1999
Note: Price of hardware for reference in the case of the following configuration.
* Host interface: SCSI
* RAID level: RAID5 (2D+1P)
* Device capacity: 8.3 GB, cache memory: 32 MB
* No optional mounting
* Rack price not included
<Trademarks>
- UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed
exclusively through X/Open
Company Limited.
- Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT are ether trademarks or registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
- Other products and company names herein may be trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
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