Storage Hardware and MatrixStore

Storage technologies change especially over the life span of a typical archive.

A “foundation” feature of an effective archiving solution is the ability to encompass new technologies. And without the upheaval of big migrations and ditching the hardware you are currently using.

I’ve had a number of questions regarding the demise of Apple’s Xserve RAID array and what this means for MatrixStore. What alternatives are available? What about customers with an existing investment in Xserve RAID hardware? Here’s a brief rundown:

MatrixStore virtualises the hardware. If the operating system on the MatrixStore node can see the storage device, MatrixStore can use it. The Promise RAID array Apple is selling as a replacement for the Xserve RAID is a good option. Any other storage array supported by OS X is also an option. Nexsan offer a range of arrays for OS X for example. (the configurator on our home page now configures the Promise RAID)

Mixing existing Xserve RAID arrays with the Promise RAID, or any OS X supported array, in the same archive is a valid option. Some customers are looking to deploy the higher performing Promise arrays into their Xsan and redeploying their Xserve RAID units previously in their Xsan out to expand their MatrixStore. Both are valid options.

OS X provides a standardised platform that has allowed us to release MatrixStore as a download. It’s less well known that MatrixStore also runs on Linux. In fact Linux was MatrixStore’s initial development platform. This means a MatrixStore Archive can be built on any server attached storage arrays that are supported under Linux …. which includes a vast range of low-cost commodity disk. Please drop me a note [email me] if this is of interest to you as we’d be happy to work with you on a MatrixStore setup on the Linux hardware of your choice.

Being able to encompass new technology hardware (that’s vendor independent) into your growing archive is really important. It’s up there with standard data formats as the two “biggies” to ensure longevity and access to your archive as applications, vendors and hardware change through the years.