SGI Announces Multiplatform Support For High-Performance Data
Sharing
New Integrated Solution Combines the Performance and Scalability of a SAN
With the Connectivity and File Sharing of Network-Attached Storage (NAS)
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SGI (NYSE: SGI) today announced the immediate availability of SGI(R) CXFS(TM) 2.1 shared filesystem software for multiplatform storage area network (SAN) environments -- now with support for Sun(R) Solaris(R) and Windows NT(R) operating systems. CXFS is the leading component of SGI's mission to create highly scalable storage architectures for managing the most demanding data environments. SGI has also introduced a turnkey SAN solution -- SGI SAN Server(TM) 1000 -- that integrates CXFS software with proven SAN hardware infrastructure to deliver seamless file sharing across platforms running different operating systems.
Customers engaged in significant engineering, scientific and creative endeavors rely on SGI for modular solutions to solve the largest, most complex data management challenges requiring massive scalability and the highest throughput. These users have data-intensive workflows that involve using very large files on multiple computing platforms, requiring a high-performance solution such as CXFS for unified access to that data. For example, CXFS enables a team of users designing a car running Solaris, Windows NT and SGI(R) IRIX(R) OS-based servers and workstations to have simultaneous and direct access to the same design file -- which could be several hundred gigabytes in size -- at near-local disk speeds while preserving data integrity. SGI is the only company with the technology and expertise to provide technical and creative customers this level of shared data access for multiple platforms with this level of performance.
And, because CXFS allows customers to store files in one place while allowing multiple computers to simultaneously access these files at near-local disk speeds, customers can eliminate or dramatically reduce the expensive and time consuming practice of replicating files in order to improve data access speeds. As a result, customers who use CXFS enjoy significantly improved productivity and asset utilization.
"Efficient data access is critical to the success of today's scientific, engineering and media computing applications where large amounts of data are produced," said Paul McNamara, vice president of products and platforms at SGI. "With this announcement customers can, for the first time, receive the breakthrough data access and asset utilization benefits uniquely provided by CXFS in environments that not only run IRIX, but Solaris and Windows NT as well."
How CXFS Works
CXFS enables multiple computers running different operating systems SGI IRIX, Windows NT, and Sun Solaris to directly access a single shared, 64-bit filesystem within a SAN, allowing all systems in the environment to simultaneously access the same file at local or near-local disk speeds. CXFS also provides massive scalability, throughput, availability, ease of management and low total cost of ownership for storing, accessing and managing data in a high-performance, multiplatform SAN environment. CXFS improves data workflow by providing customers the performance and scalability of a SAN with the file sharing and connectivity of network-attached storage (NAS), addressing two fundamental challenges in data management: fast access to information and seamless multiple operating system integration.
CXFS makes it possible for system administrators in technical and creative environments to manage their data-intensive workflow more efficiently and cost-effectively than other solutions on the market. By implementing CXFS, customers can:
* Reduce costs by centralizing and consolidating storage
* Reduce data duplication
* Lower administration costs
* Remove local area network bottlenecks
* Improve the application workflow
Storage needs continue to increase across a wide range of industries, so the benefits of implementing a global SAN filesystem have significant relevance to other markets. This presents an opportunity for SGI to collaborate with strategic partners such as Hitachi (see today's announcement, "Hitachi and SGI Form Alliance to Extend Data Sharing Software For Storage Area Network [SAN] Environments") and expand beyond its traditional audience to solve some of the toughest problems in other industries.
SGI Simplifies SAN Deployment with New SGI SAN Server 1000
A SAN is a high-speed network that interconnects different kinds of data storage devices with associated computers on behalf of a larger network of users. Choosing and integrating the various hardware and software components that make up a modern SAN can be daunting. SGI SAN Server 1000 is a fully integrated SAN solution that eliminates this complexity by simplifying deployment of a SAN. SGI SAN Server 1000 is specifically designed to deliver an easy-to-use turnkey SAN system that leverages the file sharing and high-performance data management capabilities of CXFS to provide computers running different operating systems in a SAN environment access the same file simultaneously.
SGI SAN Server 1000 provides a complete SAN solution out-of-the box, featuring:
* CXFS 2.1 shared SAN filesystem software for simultaneous access to data
in multi-OS environments
* A Brocade(R) Fibre Channel switch at the heart of the SAN
infrastructure
for optimum data availability
* A state-of-the-art high-performance 2Gbit Fibre Channel RAID for high-
speed access to critical data
* SGI services to ensure a simple and complete installation
The SGI SAN Server 1000 system's compatibility with existing devices in multiple-operating-system environments and its built-in high bandwidth capabilities greatly improve the application workflow and availability of stored files. The SGI CXFS SAN filesystem delivers performance up to 10 times faster than other standard network filesystem do, thereby improving both availability and productivity for optimal performance in a SAN environment. SGI SAN Server 1000 configurations scale up to 29 terabytes of storage, with the filesystem supporting up to 9 billion individual files. The filesystem is capable of growing up to 18 million terabytes with individual file sizes up to 9 million terabytes, ensuring that as disk capacities grow, your investment in SGI SAN Server 1000 is protected.
SGI offers a complete family of integrated data management solutions with multi-OS shared-filesystem support with CXFS, storage consolidation and management, backup, high availability, and hierarchical storage management. Additionally, to ensure a fully functional high-performance data-sharing solution, SGI Professional Services offers integrated solutions that enable customers to optimize their hardware investments, including a suite of product-focused implementations, system management services and customized consulting
Leading Partners Embrace CXFS and SGI SAN Server 1000 Technology LSI Logic Storage Systems, Inc., a technology leader in high-performance, highly scalable storage for the open enterprise, has been a key OEM partner of SGI for several years. SGI SAN Server 1000 is the first in a series of integrated solutions that combine LSI Logic's storage platforms and SGI data management and server capabilities to address customer needs in high- performance computing environments.
"We are very excited about working with SGI as they develop more tightly integrated solutions," said Flavio Santoni, vice president of sales and marketing, LSI Logic Storage Systems, Inc. "Both of us have strong technology that delivers great value for customers who rely on performance-intensive applications. SGI SAN Server will reduce storage management complexity for these customers by supporting heterogeneous operating system environments."
Pricing and Availability
SGI CXFS 2.1 is supported on SGI IRIX, Sun Solaris and Windows NT operating systems. CXFS for Windows NT starts at $1,800 (U.S. list) for up to two processors and scales up to four processors. CXFS for Solaris starts at $4,200 (U.S. list) for up to two processors, scaling up to 108 processors. CXFS for IRIX starts at $3,500 (U.S. list) for up to two processors and scales up to 512 processors. SGI SAN Server 1000 is available in July starting at $173,000 (U.S. list) and includes 730GB of storage and support for up to 6 CXFS clients. SGI SAN Server 1000 configurations scale to 29TB and up to 14 CXFS clients.
SGI CXFS and SGI SAN Server 1000 are available through authorized SGI sales channels. Attractive financing options are available through SGI Solutions Finance. Created to complement industry-leading SGI systems, software and services, SGI Solutions Finance is dedicated to providing creative financial solutions, exemplary service and competitive pricing to customers. For more information on these or other SGI solutions and services, customers can call +1-800-800-7441 or visit the Web site at sgi.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the SGI SAN Server 1000 and SGI CXFS 2.1 that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely unduly on these forward- looking statements, which are not a guarantee of future performance. Such risks and uncertainties include the acceptance of applicable technologies by markets and customers and the ability of the Company to manage a complex set of engineering, marketing and distribution relationships, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's most recent SEC reports, including its reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q.
About SGI
Celebrating its 20th year, SGI, also known as Silicon Graphics, Inc., is the world's leading provider of high-performance computing, complex data management and visualization products, services and solutions that enable its technical and creative customers to gain strategic and competitive advantages in their core businesses. Whether being used to design and build safer cars and airplanes, discover new medications and oil reserves, better predict the weather, entertain us with thrilling movie special effects or provide mission- critical support for government and defense, SGI systems and expertise are empowering a world of innovation and discovery. The company, located on the Web at sgi.com, is headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., and has offices worldwide.
Silicon Graphics, SGI, IRIX, Origin and the SGI logo are registered trademarks and CXFS and XFS are trademarks of Silicon Graphics, Inc., in the U.S. and/or other countries worldwide. Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Sun and Solaris are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
QUOTE SHEET
SGI CXFS SAN File System Receives Customer Acclaim
"The increased capacity and performance of the new storage architecture allowed LONI to accommodate thousands of scans in the database and to readily recompute atlases of various subpopulations, providing increased sensitivity to differences between populations. CXFS has allowed us to carry out multiple projects simultaneously using the same data on different systems, tremendously increasing our productivity while reducing nonproductive waiting time and system downtime."
Dr. Arthur Toga, director of research at the UCLA LONI (Laboratory of Neuro Imaging).
"The SGI high-speed Fibre Channel storage area network, combined with its CXFS filesystem, provides simultaneous shared access to our stored data, essential at FNMOC because all of our models rely on the same database of weather and ocean observations. CXFS enables multiple systems to access the same files while maintaining strict data integrity, allowing us to focus on our core business-weather and ocean prediction-and not on the details of data management. The SGI CXFS architecture, working with our cluster of SGI Origin 3800 servers with 664 processors, provides us with the efficiency, reliability and flexibility we need to satisfy growing customer requirements."
Mick Clancy, chief scientist and deputy technical director of the U.S. Navy's Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC) in Monterey, Calif.
"The combination of the SAN and CXFS gives Eclair the peformance of a local disk with the advantages of network storage. The return on investment is so fast that CXFS justifies the changeover to the SAN all by itself. It used to take several hours to import a single complete shot. We can now do it in 10 minutes. We are able to work more interactively and respond more quickly to our clients."
Philippe Soeiro, Laboratoire Eclair.
Leading Partnerships Embrace SGI SAN Server 1000 and CXFS SAN File
System Technology
"CXFS combines the capabilities of the mature SGI XFS filesystem with multiplatform and multihost support on a single volume, bringing a whole new level of usability to storage area networks."
Gregg Williams, senior systems engineer at James River Technical, Inc. James River Technical, an authorized SGI Solution Provider, provides highly specialized technology solutions in the data management, enterprise security and systems management arenas and serves a diverse, nationwide client base.
"We are pleased that SGI has chosen to standardize its new SAN Server 1000 on Brocade switching infrastructure. Brocade is working with SGI to deliver pre-configured solutions that simplify and accelerate the deployment of SANs. Solutions like these help customers further optimize their IT resources and reduce the total cost of ownership of their storage environments."
Jeffrey Brooks, Brocade |
