Tegile Supports Microsoft Server Message Block 3.0

Tegile Systems, Inc. announced its support for the Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) 3.0 network storage protocol with plans to develop storage systems leveraging several of the technology’s key features.

SMB is a storage and network file-sharing protocol implemented in Windows that allows applications on a computer to read and write to files and to request services from server programs in a computer network. The latest version of this protocol provides customers with efficient file servers for server applications, such as Hyper-V, resulting in increased throughput, lower latency and improved CPU utilization. 

Tegile will deliver systems supporting SMB 3.0 by September of this year.

“SMB 3.0 is a transformative technology that makes Hyper-V a more viable alternative to VMware,” said Eric Burgener, research director, IDC’s storage practice. “With their SMB support, Tegile offers a flash-optimized, unified storage solution for Hyper-V customers, better enabling the mixed workload consolidation that wrings the most value out of flash-based arrays.“

In addition to SMB 3.0 protocol support, other new features include:

• Offloaded Data Transfer (ODX): functionality that will allow Zebi arrays to transfer data within or between compatible storage devices without having to first pass through a host computer. This feature frees up server resources while speeding up the process of moving or copying files.
• SCVMM Integration: Tegile arrays can connect with the VM Manager within the Microsoft Operations Console to monitor the health and availability of VMs through a central location, as well as gaining an overall view of an enterprise’s virtualized environment and servers.
• Multichannel: increases the network performance and availability for file servers through simultaneous dynamic network connections to provide increased throughput, network fault tolerance and massive data bandwidth with low overhead.

“SMB 3.0 looks to be a viable option that will provide us functionality at a more attractive price point. Tegile’s support of SMB 3.0 ensures that we will still be able to leverage the reliability, scalability and cost-effectiveness of our Zebi arrays while gaining the benefits of improved utilization and efficiency of our network resources.” said Clayton Haywood, senior network administrator, Johns Hopkins University.

Zebi arrays are designed to make server virtualization easier, faster, more reliable, more scalable and less expensive than standard HDD-based arrays. By combining Tegile’s MASS technology with DRAM, solid-state flash, multi-core Intel processors and high-speed Ethernet or FC, they enable higher capacity and higher performance so customers can manage more machines without sacrificing capacity, reduce or manage costs, and eliminate wear leveling problems and data integrity issues while delivering five time more IO/s with lower latency.

“Customers are excited about the new and improved functionality that the SMB 3.0 protocol provides for their Windows-based network storage infrastructures and Hyper-V deployments,” said Brian Hillger, director server and tools marketing, Microsoft Corp. “Windows Server with SMB 3.0 enables Tegile to develop interoperable solutions that take advantage of many features that help enable a breadth of implementation options.“

“Tegile is all about helping organizations solve their storage challenges, whether in virtual server, database or VDI environments,” said Rob Commins, VP marketing, Tegile. “By supporting new storage protocols like Microsoft SMB 3.0, we ensure that our customers have the greatest number of ways to balance performance, capacity, features and price of their network storage infrastructure through the deployment of hybrid Zebi arrays. We look forward to delivering systems with support for SMB 3.0 later this year.“