Tech Shout!

Intel Corp. has released the Intel Storage System SSR212CC, its latest storage server hardware platform that can be personalized for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

According to Intel, the system builders and integrators can combine the storage system with various software solutions to construct a network attached storage (NAS) or storage area network (SAN) appliance.

Mike Wall, general manager, Intel Storage Group Marketing said, “Working with key ecosystem members to develop the Intel SSR212CC Storage System, Intel now provides a standards-based hardware platform for system integrators and resellers. “With Intel’s extensive network of channel partners who sell to SMBs, the new Intel storage system enables them to provide customizable solutions to meet ever-increasing customer demands for data availability and protection.”

The Intel Storage System SSR212CC is based on the Low Voltage Intel Xeon processor and supports up to 6 TB of data distributed across 12 SATA hard drives, enabling extra headroom for growth. This storage system also supports hardware-based RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 10 and 50, making data more reliable and faster to access.

Operating system support for the Intel Storage System SSR212CC includes Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2003 and Windows Storage Server 2003 R2, as well as Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4.0.

“We share Intel’s commitment to reduce data management complexity and overall storage costs,” said Zane Adam, director of product marketing for Windows Server at Microsoft. “The Intel Storage System SSR212CC running on the Windows Server platform delivers a secure, reliable and cost-effective solution to handle critical, high-volume applications, such as email and databases.”

The Intel Storage System SSR212CC uses Xyratex’s 2U chassis enclosure with integrated management that enhances field serviceability and guarantees the expansion capacities essential for future data requirements.

“Our affordable and flexible enclosure, coupled with Intel’s best-in-class storage building blocks can be used to integrate powerful storage application software to create a highly differentiated appliance,” said Todd Gresham, executive vice president of storage and network systems at Xyratex. “Small- and medium-sized businesses benefit from this technology combination by meeting their standards-based long-term storage requirements while consistently hitting cost and performance targets.”

“Storage more and more is becoming a very crucial business opportunity, and that’s why I view the channel as really starting to jump on board this train,” said David Allen, North American distribution sales manager for Intel. Customers require storage solutions, and the channel has the ability to deliver those solutions with a personal touch, he added.

The Intel Storage System SSR212CC is now available from participating Intel Channel members for below $3,000.