ENTERTAINMENT

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- BlueArc(TM) Corporation, developer of the SiliconServer Architecture and a leader in high performance, highly scalable network attached storage (NAS), unveiled today a new solution for deploying and consolidating enterprise storage. BlueArc's Multi-Tiered Storage (MTS) solution is the first of its kind to enable the enterprise to deploy and manage high performance, moderate performance, general purpose, near-line and archival data in a single, seamless NAS platform. "Online data inherently drives greater business value than that which is maintained in offline, or even near-line systems," said Roger W. Cox, chief analyst, Disk Storage Platform Systems for Gartner. "Storage users wish they could have all their data available online, but they can't afford the cost of Fibre Channel/SCSI based disk array systems. The development of disk array storage systems that encompasses both Fibre Channel and ATA drives -- a multi-tiered storage solution -- is a watershed for the storage industry." Previously, NAS was bought and deployed as a "one size fits all" solution, regardless of application type and requirements. With the introduction of MTS, BlueArc has given customers the ability to seamlessly integrate and manage various types of storage in a single BlueArc SiliconServer Storage System, effectively tailoring the storage solution to meet their unique requirements. As a result, the optimal blend of performance, capacity and cost can be achieved without having to acquire and maintain multiple storage systems. Moreover, by reducing the need for additional servers and other storage devices, MTS allows enterprises to significantly reduce storage management complexity within the data center. "With BlueArc's MTS, we can deploy a more efficient and cost-effective storage system," said Lyman Potts, chief operating officer for Fios, Inc. "We were one of the early adopters of BlueArc's technology, and have expanded our use of their system over the past two years. The level of technical support we receive from BlueArc is exceptional. Their technical engineers are always available when we need them, resulting in expanded throughput and efficiency. Our BlueArc SiliconServer gives us the flexibility to upgrade our system with the most appropriate media for our specific applications, without having to acquire and maintain multiple servers. This high performance online storage provides superior operational efficiency that benefits us as well as our customers." Based on BlueArc's SiliconServer Architecture, which incorporates both Snapshot and Accelerated Data Copy (ADC) technologies, BlueArc MTS allows data migration and backup processes to occur in tandem with normal business process and minimal system overhead. As such, the SiliconServer continues to be the only NAS solution allowing for true 24x7 system utilization. In addition, MTS enables the BlueArc system to be utilized as a virtual tape library, whereby online backup data can be maintained in a BlueArc SiliconServer Storage System utilizing cost effective archive storage. In this configuration, many days, months or even years of data can be maintained online, allowing failed systems to be restored in minutes in the event of a disaster recovery situation. "The introduction of MTS is all about driving low cost alongside maximum flexibility and scalability," said Jeff Allen, senior vice president of Marketing for BlueArc Corporation. "Other solutions stress price, but only BlueArc MTS delivers without hidden overhead or imposing restrictions or minimums on what tiers must be deployed. With MTS, customers get more than a low-cost solution, they are empowered to pick and choose what they need by application, when they need it, and at the same time achieve greater scalability and faster access to their data."