Bringing RAID Blades to the High Density Server Market

Adaptec, Inc. Wednesday announced the Adaptec 2005S, a revolutionary form factor RAID controller that uses the rapidly growing “server blade” model to simplify RAID deployment in high-density rack-mount servers and full-form-factor PC servers.

The Adaptec 2005S is a key component of the company’s “RAID Everywhere” initiative, which launched in August 2000.

Adaptec, Inc. Wednesday announced the Adaptec 2005S, a revolutionary form factor RAID controller that uses the rapidly growing “server blade” model to simplify RAID deployment in high-density rack-mount servers and full-form-factor PC servers.

The Adaptec 2005S uses notebook technology in the form of an SO-DIMM connector in place of a standard PCI slot as a way to reduce the cost and size of the RAID controller.

Adaptec’s own Embedded RAID Logic (EMRL) technology enables the 2005S to take advantage of the server platform’s on-board SCSI channels. This approach reduces power consumption by up to 75 percent and cost by up to 40 percent over traditional single-channel controllers.

The product operates at 2 watts, a particularly key feature for tightly enclosed rack-mount environments, according to the vendor.

The controller provides full RAID 0, 0+1, 1, 5, 0+5, and JBOD-level configuration capabilities in addition to advanced RAID features. It is available in 8 MB, 16 MB, and 48 MB cache memory configurations.

The Adaptec 2005S comes packaged with Storage Manager Pro, Adaptec’s RAID management software that ships on all Adaptec RAID controllers. This platform approach enables IT personnel to manage multiple Adaptec RAID products using a single software management interface.

“High-density servers have limited space and power budgets which make the credit-card-sized 2005S an ideal solution,” said Lee Caswell, vice president and general manager of Adaptec’s Storage Solutions Group in a prepared statement. “It’s the world’s smallest RAID card and it’s made possible by our unique ASIC technology and system expertise.”

The Adaptec 2005S is scheduled to ship to OEMs during the second half of this year. It will be priced at $225.

The high density server market is one of the fastest growing server segments according to IDC. The research firm believes that nearly 450,000 high density servers will ship this year, and shipments will grow to 700,000 units per year by 2004.

Adaptec’s RAID Everywhere initiative is designed to accelerate the widespread adoption of RAID in the PC-server and high-end PC markets. Key components of the plan include new product and technology developments, compatibility testing, and educational and support programs aimed at making RAID more affordable, accessible, and easy-to-use.

Related Stories:
RLX Combines Server Density With Power Savings