SANBlaze Introducing SAS Expander and Two Removable HDDs or SSDs

SANBlaze Technology, Inc. announced the release of its SB-RTM431, a new AdvancedTCA (ATCA) Rear Transition Module (RTM) featuring a SAS expander and two removable SAS, SATA or SSD disk drives that fit wholly within the RTM thermal footprint. The SB-RTM431 will be the only RTM on the market that provides a deterministic cooling environment for serviceable disk drives.

"All of the competing RTM designs that we’ve seen leave as much as 50% of the drive hanging outside the chassis, where temperature and airflow are not controlled. Users cannot control how hot the disk drives get," said Steve Looby, director of product management at SANBlaze Technology. "Our new RTM is the first to introduce an innovative FRU mechanism that fits wholly inside the RTM assembly. I’m certain that once others see it, it will be the new norm for the industry."

SANBlaze Technology is offering the SB-RTM431in conjunction with its ATCA1000, a 10Gb iSCSI and NAS storage blade. With the new RTM, the ATCA1000 boasts 6 fully serviceable disk drives (four on AMC modules and two on the RTM). SANBlaze is also working with several OEM to adapt the new disk FRU designs into other proprietary RTM designs. The SB-RTM431will be available in sample volumes in June 2009. Pricing varies depending on disk drive technology and capacity.