New company ANStor64 is named after its flagship product, a software "disk-on-module" that plugs directly into the IDE port of a standard server converting it (the server) into a storage appliance. The ANStor64 OS module is sold in three flavors: A NAS module, an iSCSI module, and a combo module that provides both NAS and iSCSI capabilities supporting "same time" use (both capabilities can be used at the same time) scenarios where, according to the vendor, multiple iSCSI initiators on different volumes are supported while maintaining NAS (CIFS or NFS) performance.

ANStor64 OS was previously only available from ANStor64's parent company (Cutting Edge) as part of a custom storage platform; where it was known as "EdgeWare."

The module itself is based on the Linux kernel, and supports both AMD Opteron and Intel Xeon 64-bit processors as well as 32-bit Intel processors. The module is targeted solely to OEMs, VARs, etc. who would use the product in the creation of their own storage appliances or perhaps resell it directly to those looking to build their own storage appliance with standard hardware. The resulting appliance is then managed and operated through a Web based GUI (HTML/JavaScript) exposed by the module. Multiple ANStor64 servers can be managed via a single console.

Key features of the products include the ability to serve as both an iSCSI initiator and an iSCSI target, as well as the aforementioned support for multiple iSCSI initiators on different volumes. Block-based replication is also supported; as is synchronous mirroring, remote replication, and error recovery levels 1 and 2. Multiple point-in-time snapshots are supported; and dual ANStor64 servers can be deployed sharing the same virtual IP address with IP failover support.

As a NAS appliance, the product can use either local storage, or can serve as a NAS head to SAN storage.

Other features include RAID support (support for AMCC 3ware and Areca RAID controllers is integrated, and driver support is offered for "most other hardware RAID controllers;" additionally, software RAID support is offered at levels 1, 10, 5, and 6); LDAP client support enabling user or group authentication in an LDAP environment; and IPSec support for iSCSI encryption.

The appliance cannot yet serve as a native SAN target; the vendor notes that this functionality is planned for the end of this calendar year.

ANStor64 is expected to be available by the end of June. Expected pricing is $1,200 for the NAS version, $750 for the iSCSI version, and $1,500 for the combo version.

Contact ANStor64 for further information.

product submission by EITPlanet Staff

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