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Press Release
Z-Force
and Rackable Systems to Provide High Density, Best Value NAS Solution
for High Compute Data Centers
- Up to 72TB as a Single File System in a Single
44U Rack -
NAB2003, LAS VEGAS, NV., April 7, 2003 — Z-force, Inc.,
the inventor of the "file switch," and Rackable Systems,
Inc. (http://www.rackable.com/) a leading provider of rack mount high-density
compute server and storage solutions, today announced the world's highest
density and best value NAS solution - with up to 72 terabytes (TB)
of NAS storage, two Z-Force file switches and gigabit Ethernet networking
infrastructure in a single 44U cabinet. In addition, Z-force announced
it has named Rackable Systems as a "Platinum Reseller Partner." As
a Platinum Reseller Partner, Rackable Systems will bring similar high
density, low-cost and scalable NAS solutions to its extensive customer
base in the high-performance computing markets.
"Z-force and Rackable Systems together illustrate how the powerful
capabilities of NAS aggregation can be delivered in a very dense rack
and at a very low cost," said Duke Lambert, vice president of
sales, Z-force, Inc. "With Rackable Systems' growing leadership
position in high-performance computing and their innovative approach
to rack-mounted solutions, they are an ideal reseller partner for Z-force."
"Rackable Systems and Z-force solutions are a powerful combination,"
said Tom Barton, president and CEO, Rackable Systems. "This demonstration
proves that it's finally possible to deliver SAN-like capacity and
scalability with all the benefits of a file-based system to customers
in the high-performance computing arena."
At NAB2003, Z-force and Rackable Systems will demonstrate a highly
scalable NAS system using industry-standard components and Z-force
file switches in a Rackable Systems cabinet. The technology demonstration
proves that by implementing a NAS Array within Rackable Systems' patent-pending
high-density racking technology, data centers can now enjoy the high
capacity and performance of "big box" NAS and SAN solutions,
at the lowest cost per megabyte and in the smallest amount of space.
This capability is critical in environments where real estate is at
a premium. Companies frequently co-locate their data centers and pay
per square foot of occupied data center space. As a result, they need
very high capacity, scalable and dense storage solutions.
In addition, because the Z-force file switch enables the creation of
NAS Arrays, using industry-standard, off-the-shelf building blocks,
data centers now have a solution available that brings them the economic
advantages of commodity computing. As a result, the cost-per-megabyte
of a Z-force/Rackable Systems solution can quickly drop below even
tape-based solutions making digital storage an option for customers
who, in the past, could only afford to use tape solutions for their
high-performance storage needs.
Specifications of the Z-force/Rackable Systems NAB2003 Demonstration
The Z-force/Rackable Systems demonstration at NAB2003 was designed
to prove the concept of a highly scalable NAS system and includes the
following components:
- 2 Z-force file switches
- 6 NAS devices, each serving 2.4TB of capacity
- 8 Xeon processor compute servers to drive load
- 2 standard gigabit Ethernet switches
- Rackable Systems 22U cabinet
This demonstration will show Windows and Linux-based access to a single
8TB file system through two Z-force file switches and growing the file
system to 12TB with no downtime. Due to the high density of Rackable
Systems' technology, a single 44U cabinet can support a NAS system
that scales up to 72TB including the NAS devices, two Z-force file
switches and all the associated L2 switching fabric. This single-rack,
single NAS file system is comparable in cost to tape-based solutions.
About Z-force's Reseller Program
As a Z-force "Platinum Reseller Partner," Rackable Systems
will offer its customers customized NAS solutions, by building NAS
systems that meet their specific capacity, performance, space and cost
requirements. Rackable Systems is renown for its world-class mechanical
design, with servers featuring a broad range of innovations that lead
to better density, better thermal management and easier serviceability.
The company's back-to-back chassis design allows it to fit twice as
many CPUs into a given space as its competitors. Rackable Systems has
gained traction with such high-profile customers as Electronic Arts,
Google, Inktomi, Sony America, Tellme, Webex, and Yahoo!, as well as
many government and scientific computing customers. Z-force's reseller
strategy is to partner with the leading resellers in a variety of targeted
vertical markets. Rackable Systems joins Rorke Data1 as one of Z-force's
first "Platinum Reseller Partners." Z-force's reseller program
includes two certification levels:
Platinum Reseller Partner: Resellers who build and market
NAS Arrays, train staff and their channel, carry inventory and
provide post sales support
Reseller Partner: Resellers who help Z-force to identify
sales opportunities and manage the sales process
Companies interested in joining the Z-force reseller program should
inquire via email to:
sales@z-force.com
About Z-force
Z-force, Inc.'s new "file switch" technology is revolutionizing
network attached storage (NAS)
by bringing incrementally scalable performance, capacity and manageability
at dramatically reduced price points to NAS. Z-force was founded in
1999 and has offices in Laguna Hills, Calif. and Santa Clara, Calif.
For more information, visit: www.z-force.com.
ABOUT RACKABLE SYSTEMS
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in San Jose, California, Rackable
Systems leads the industry in large-scale data center deployment solutions.
Through innovative design, patented technology and commitment to customer
service, the company offers a broad line of server products that can
be rapidly deployed in data centers and other demanding IT environments.
Serving leading-edge technology companies, universities and research & development
organizations, Rackable Systems' customers include Biogen, Cold Springs
Harbor Laboratories, Deutsche Bank, Electronic Arts, Lawrence Livermore
Labs, nVidia, SLAC, Sony America, Tellme, Webex and Yahoo!.
To learn more about Rackable Systems, visit (http://www.rackable.com),
call 408-240-8300 or write to info@rackable.com.
Rackable Systems is a registered trademark
of Rackable Systems®, Inc. All other trademarks are property
of their respective holders.