Enterprise Strategy Group Validates LeftHand Networks SAN/iQ on HP ProLiant DL380 Servers6 June 2006
LeftHand Networks(R), a provider of complete iSCSI storage area network (SAN) solutions built using patented storage clustering technology, has validated open iSCSI SANs combining LeftHand's SAN/iQ software and HP ProLiant DL380 servers through an independent lab review conducted by the Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG).
LeftHand Networks' SAN/iQ software is gaining popularity and traction across the market, rapidly approaching the 4,000 user license milestone. The extensive ESG review focused on the core features and benefits of iSCSI SANs built using SAN/iQ software and HP ProLiant DL380 servers. It tested key innovative technologies and applications, including open iSCSI support, clustered architectures, thin provisioning, scalability, availability, snapshots and remote replication.
"The LeftHand Networks SAN/iQ software bundled on ProLiant DL380 servers is an attractive solution that delivers tremendous performance benefits and operational value to its users, including simplified storage management and a low total cost of ownership," said Brian Garrett, technical director for ESG Lab. "It's one of the best SAN-based solutions we've ever tested, and we've test a lot of great solutions."
SAN/iQ software scored high marks for its thin provisioning capabilities, which eliminate stranded capacity issues. It reduces the frequency and cost of capacity for new storage purchases, and allows more servers to share a common storage pool.
"Thin provisioning radically alters the economics of acquiring and owning storage," said Tony Asaro, senior analyst with ESG. "Because thin provisioning saves money by eliminating the wasted cost of stranded storage, SAN/iQ users can cut the cost of initial storage capacity significantly and keep benefiting from the efficiencies that thin provisioning provides over the long term."
In a recent ESG survey, 45 percent of respondents had to buy additional storage because of unusable stranded storage. Thirty percent are planning to buy additional storage in the next 12 months because they cannot access stranded storage.
Scalability is another feature touted by the ESG study. Each server node added to the SAN/iQ storage cluster adds to bandwidth, capacity and performance. HP ProLiant DL380 servers clustered with SAN/iQ distribute data across all storage modules on the network and eliminate any single point of failure.
"The economics of a clustered network storage system are compelling with the potential of significantly reducing capital and operational costs," continued Asaro. "With LeftHand Networks' SAN/iQ software, customers simply need to add another node, which costs far less than buying a whole new system, its associated software and additional maintenance charges. LeftHand Networks is the leader in clustered SAN storage."
The full ESG lab review is available online at http://www.lefthandnetworks.com.
Channel and Customer Support
"Mid-tier enterprises and branch offices face many of the same storage challenges as large enterprises, but have fewer IT and financial resources available to satisfy their needs," said Gary Gammon, vice president of marketing for enterprise storage at Bell Micro. "By utilizing ProLiant DL380 servers and LeftHand Networks' SAN/iQ software, it's now possible to assemble a storage network that best suits the performance, capacity and availability requirements of our customers on one of the most widely distributed server platforms."
"The open architecture of SAN/iQ software leverages billions of industry R&D dollars and maximizes choice," said Kelly Fish, CDW storage engineer. "It also provides investment protection by enabling users to leverage familiar and cost-effective hardware in new ways. The HP ProLiant DL380 has been used primarily as a server or a NAS device. Running SAN/iQ software on the HP ProLiant DL380 enables customers to use the platform as a backend storage device. This combination also boosts efficiency and productivity by streamlining the number of disparate technologies deployed within the network."
"Reckson Associates has a long history using HP ProLiant DL380 servers within our IT environment," said Philip Bryan, vice president of information technology for Reckson Associates. "Bundling SAN/iQ software with HP servers creates exactly the storage capabilities we need on a platform that doesn't require a large investment in additional hardware and training. It delivers a return on investment at a minimal cost."
iSCSI SANs powered by HP ProLiant DL380 servers and LeftHand Networks' SAN/iQ software are delivered as configured solutions exclusively by select LeftHand Networks and HP channel partners, including Bell Micro and CDW.
About LeftHand Networks
LeftHand Networks pioneered IP-based storage area networks (SAN) in 2001. SANs built using LeftHand's SAN/iQ(R) software are uniquely able to distribute and protect data across a cluster of industry-standard storage servers. The company's patented architecture increases data availability, allows users to start small and grow the SAN seamlessly, and simplifies management. The LeftHand SAN is ideal for primary storage and server consolidation, centralized backup, and disaster recovery. For more information, contact LeftHand at info@lefthandnetworks.com.
Source: prnewswire
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