Fujitsu Introduces Two New Entry-Level FC RAID Systems

Fujitsu America, Inc. standardizes its global storage portfolio under the ETERNUS brand name and introduces the ETERNUS DX60 and DX80 entry-level RAID storage systems. These new storage systems deliver new features such as reduced power consumption, simplified management and improved redundancy that meet growing demand from mid-sized enterprises. The Fujitsu CentricStor virtual tape system and the FibreCAT TX entry-level tape systems are renamed ETERNUS CS and ETERNUS LT, respectively.

Fujitsu ETERNUS DX80

ETERNUS DX Key Features
Both ETERNUS DX systems offer high availability, reliability and speed at an affordable price point. The two models have redundant components and the ETERNUS DX60 offers 4 Gigabit-per-second FC technology and the ETERNUS DX80 offers 4 or 8 Gigabit-per-second FC technology. Both models feature new functions that ensure greater availability and significantly faster recovery, including eight snapshots (which can be extended to 1024) to enable rapid backups. ETERNUS DX systems are easy to install and manage. The ETERNUS DX80 also features easy-to-activate encryption to prevent unauthorized access to confidential data. Both systems include the EcoMode function, based on MAID (Massive Array of Idle Disks) technology, that allows disks that are no longer needed (such as disks planned for daily backups) to be shut down to conserve energy a a capability designed to contribute to green data centers.

A Green Approach to Reliability and Availability
The ETERNUS DX60 and DX80 protect the integrity of data on the disk and in the cache with Data Block Guard, a function that detects data corruption. In addition, the systems have a CacheProtector feature which writes the contents of the RAID controller cache to flash memory if a power outage occurs. Unlike traditional batteries, a capacitor recharges within minutes, allowing the cache to be used again very quickly. This means that the system remains protected in the event of a power failure and can deliver full performance again once power is restored. The systems also have a new ‘Redundant Copy’ function, which reacts at the first signs of a disk failure and copies the disk in question automatically. This dramatically reduces recovery times.

Backup to a Suitable Medium
The ETERNUS DX60 and DX80 are equipped with high-performance SAS and large capacity Nearline SAS disk drives. Together with solid state drives, which will be available later this year, this offers an extensive set of data management options. Data can be saved on the appropriate medium according to the service levels involved to meet requirements such as cost, speed, access time, lifespan and easy usage. With the RAID migration feature, data can be moved dynamically between different RAID groups and hard disks.

The ETERNUS DX60 and DX80 models are suitable for a wide range of applications, including storage consolidation and critical company applications, such as access to databases or e-mail, archiving, and backup to disk. They are also ideal for use in virtual server environments under VMware VSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V.

The systems will succeed the FibreCAT SX60 and SX80 and the ETERNUS2000 systems. The ETERNUS DX models have four ports and can connect to as many as 128 servers in SAN mode. Currently, these models are equipped with a FC interface, but they will also be available with iSCSI and SAS interfaces in the near future. Clients have the option to continue to purchase the ETERNUS2000 for iSCSI and SAS capabilities until released under the ETERNUS DX brand.

Dave Egan, SVP of Storage, Fujitsu America, said: "Popularity in North America has helped propel the ETERNUS name into a global brand, and we are pleased to unify the Fujitsu global storage portfolio under that name. At Fujitsu America, the new ETERNUS DX systems offer our channel partners and our SME clients data-center quality, reliability and flexibility out of the box, particularly in vertical markets such as education, financial services, government, healthcare, manufacturing, retail and telecommunications."

Richard Villars, VP Storage Systems and IT Strategies, IDC, said: "Organizations, today, need an IT partner that delivers a broad range of reliable yet innovative storage solutions to help them deal with rapid data growth and fast evolving information management needs. The globalization of Fujitsu’s storage portfolio under the ETERNUS brand will allow the company to more effectively deliver a broad set of storage, backup and data protection solutions to its customers around the world."

Pricing and availability
The DX60 and DX80 will be available worldwide from Fujitsu America and
from authorized partners as of July 1, 2009. Entry configurations will
be available starting at less than $6,000.