Storage solution maker 3ware announced at Macworld Expo San Francisco that they will bring to market a Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) storage area network (SAN) solution to allow Mac users to equip their network with storage that runs across existing TCP/IP Ethernet lines.
The NSU can provide an extra 600 gigabytes of storage to either individual Mac or networks, giving graphics and film professionals to ability to store up to 48 hours of streaming digital video.
“We understand the storage needs of talented professionals in the graphics and movie industries and are delighted to provide 3ware’s NSU to these Apple customers. With 3ware’s NSU, they will benefit from a high performance storage solution that is easy to implement and maintain,” said Beau Vrolyk, president and CEO of 3ware. “Our product is being rapidly accepted among the Mac customer base — from iMac customers to those using the Power Mac G4 and iBook users, as well as those working with other Mac products, or using a mix of operating systems. 3ware is an easy choice for people who want storage at their own pace, under their own rules, while leveraging existing Gigabit Ethernet IT architectures.”
By providing large high-speed storage that uses existing ethernet infrastructures, businesses can immediately have the benefit of an integrated direct-connect RAID device without needing to commit to new proprietary systems or incur other hardware expenses. 3ware says their NSU is far less management-intensive than competitive fibre-channel solutions, and further noted that multiple operating systems will be supported seamlessly.
The 3ware NSU products for Mac will be available through 3ware’s channel partners at suggested retail prices beginning at US$17,000, and will be available in Q1, 2001.