Xsan 2 has a redesigned administration interface for configuring and managing a SAN file system. Administrators can select presets for different workloads to optimize transfer behavior across file types, from uncompressed HD video to small files. The new MultiSAN feature lets a single workstation access multiple SANs simultaneously, such as separate production and broadcast storage in a newsroom.
Xsan 2 is integrated with Mac OS X Leopard and uses Spotlight to search across multiple SAN storage systems. It works with Leopard Server’s Server Assistant for SAN configuration. Leopard Server services including iCal Server, Mail Server and Podcast Server can use Xsan cluster file systems to improve performance and scalability and reduce the impact of a server failure.
For the first time, Xsan is qualified for third-party RAID storage. Alongside Apple Xserve RAID, Xsan 2 supports Promise Technology RAID systems configured and optimized for Xsan, Mac OS X Server and Apple’s professional applications.
Pricing and availability
Xsan 2 is available through the Apple Store and Apple resellers for €999 including VAT per node.
Apple qualified Xsan 2 for use with Xserve, Mac Pro and Apple Fibre Channel PCI-X cards. It requires Mac OS X 10.5 or Mac OS X Server 10.5 and supports qualified Fibre Channel switches from vendors including Brocade, QLogic and Cisco, plus RAID hardware such as Xserve RAID and Promise VTrak E-Class subsystems.
