ECONOMICS

PROMISE Technology announced that PROMISE SANLink, the first Fibre Channel to Thunderbolt adapter providing rich media professionals with native high-speed access to their shared Fibre Channel SAN digital assets is now available throughout the world through the PROMISE global network of distributors and value added resellers. Previously available only at the Apple store this dramatic expansion of availability is in direct response to the overwhelming demand being generated by the media and entertainment markets and creative professionals communities.

PROMISE SANLink recently captured the Pick Hit 2011 award for outstanding achievement and creative technology innovation. The award was announced by Broadcast Engineering at IBC 2011 in Amsterdam. The prestigious Pick Hit Awards are the industry's longest-running product technology awards for broadcast and production.

SANLink provides a dual 4Gbps Fibre Channel link that can be used to connect to external Fibre Channel storage or to an Xsan or StorNext network using a high-speed Thunderbolt port. Each adapter features full-duplex capable FC ports that automatically detect connection speed and can each independently operate at 1, 2 or 4Gbps. Two Thunderbolt ports are provided with SANLink that enable daisy-chaining to other Thunderbolt peripherals, such as monitors, to be connected through SANLink up to 6 total devices.

Thunderbolt enabled System on a Fibre Channel SAN PROMISE SANLink is fully compatible with Thunderbolt technology that ships on the new MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac and MacBook Air. SANLink requires zero software install and simply works out-of-the-box with full hot-plug capability. No longer are Mac notebooks and desktops locked out of the SAN and limited to having to use a system with a PCIe slot for a Fibre Channel HBA card.

SANLink and VTrak storage subsystems SANLink is the perfect companion for any Fibre Channel SAN Infrastructure. The dual ports offer performance to edit high definition uncompressed video supporting multiple simultaneous uncompressed HD streams. Sporting rock solid compatibility with PROMISE VTrak RAID subsystems, SANLink works with both VTrak x10 and x30 series storage subsystems providing a powerful connectivity solution. Like VTrak storage subsystems, SANLink is fully qualified for Mac OS X, Xsan and Final Cut Pro solutions providing creative professionals opportunity to access, edit and manage their media files like never before.

Pricing and Availability PROMISE SANLink is generally available through the global network of PROMISE distributors and value added resellers and from the Apple Store and Apple Authorized Resellers. SANLink is available for $799.