History (1994): First RAID-5 for IBM Mainframes From Encore Computer

Encore Computer Corp. (Fort Lauderdale, FL) announced the first member of its Infinity Storage Product Family, the SP20, a RAID subsystem for IBM and other 3990-3390 or 3380 compatible mainframe environments.

Two models, the SP20-1 and SP20-2 are available. With the SP20-2, Encore has established a suggested list price of $3.9/MB. This product is targeted at the mid-range traditional mainframe storage marketplace. Both Infinity SP20 models are scheduled for volume shipments in 3Q94.

Kenneth G. Fisher, Encore’s COB and CEO, stated: “The Infinity SP20 is Encore’s first entry-into the storage marketplace. To penetrate this market aggressively, Encore is setting a new standard for pricing. It is just the beginning of the Encore storage offerings.”

The SP20 is built with multiple RISC-based processors, 7,200rpm 3.5-inch HDDs and selectable RAID capabilities. It can be configured from 48GB to 440GB of storage. The SP20 is delivered with a built-in cache, which is expandable up to 1,024MB. Cache Fast Write, Sequential Data Striping and Concurrent Copy are also included. DASD Fast Write is supported with Encore’s Non-Volatile Storage option. The subsystems are connected via 2 to 8 OEMI parallel channels with additional connectivity options including Ethernet and other LAN-WAN interfaces currently in development.

If the company keeps its word, it could be the first one to make a RAID-5 available for mainframes.

IBM postponed until end of June its announcement, and StorageTek, has still not officially announced the availability of its product. Recently, Encore announced a large storage product agreement with Amdahl Corp.

This article is an abstract of news published on the former paper version of Computer Data Storage Newsletter on issue 76, published on May 1994.