Sun shows off first modular StorageTek storage arrays

Sun has launched its first modular StorageTek arrays, with two mid ranged models aimed at the medium sized enterprise with plans for growth.

The lower end Sun StorageTek 6140 has two models. The 2GB cache model scales to 32 terabytes in 64 3.5 inch drives - entry level has a five drive 365 GB configuration. The 4 GB cache model scales to 56 terabytes in up to 112 disk drives in up to seven trays. Each tray holds from 5 to 16 drives.

Sun says testing by the vendor-independent Storage Performance Council (SPC) show the StorageTek 6140 array set the world record for SPC-2 price/performance and delivered the best performance in its class.

"It's obvious why modular storage has become an attractive data center option," said Paul Giroux, vice president of storage at Sun Microsystems.

"Sun is taking it to the next level with a family of modular storage arrays that exceeds the rigorous requirements of business-critical applications and surpasses the performance, density and flexibility of existing modular systems. This is just one example of the value Sun StorageTek delivers customers - watch for additional developments in short order."

The latest storage arrays from Sun offer 4GB Fibre Channel support and allow users to mix SATA-2 and Fibre Channel disks on one tray. These are the fruit of Sun's $4.1 billion takeover of StorageTek in June 2005

"This range is very good for Sun. There is no doubt that the integration with StorageTek cost it in various markets but modular arrays are really important for it," said Eric Sheppard, programme manager for European Storage Systems at IDC.

"I haven't heard of a whole lot of suppliers who are mixing Fibre Channel and SATA drives and we'll see if there is demand in the market for it. But there absolutely is a need for are these capacity optimised drives - users proved more than willing to adopt these."

"Every supplier is looking at the S end of the SMB market and, again it will be interesting to see if there is much take up of the lower end configurations of these arrays," Sheppard added.

UK pricing has yet to be announced but US pricing starts at $25,000 for the 6140 and $85,000 for the 6540. Sun StorageTek Common Array Manager software is included.

Both systems offer: RoHS (European Union's Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) compliance; Four GB/s ec Fibre Channel (FC) array; Eight 4GB FC ports; Application-oriented management and Switched drive connectivity.

They will go head to head with the EMC Clariion CX3-20 and CX-80.