| Openfiler simplifies Linux NAS and SAN |
Sep. 20, 2006
We tend to think of Linux as a general purpose operating system, but it also makes a great foundation for special-purpose software appliances. One of the more interesting releases, in this regard, is the storage management operating system, Openfiler.
Xinit Systems Ltd.'s Openfiler is designed from the bottom-up as both a file-based NAS (Network Attached Storage) and block-based SAN (Storage Area Networking) system manager. To connect these together, Openfiler is designed for use with iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) devices.
Basically, iSCSI, involves the use of standard SCSI drive commands over a TCP/IP connection. Typically, this means that the SCSI initiator (typically, a server) accesses remote drives as block devices over Gigabit or 10 Gigabit Ethernet. From a user's viewpoint, it appears that these remote drives are co-located with the server. This, in turn, gives businesses relatively inexpensive access to terabytes of storage without the expense of Fibrechannel SANs.
File-based networking protocols supported by Openfiler include: NFS (Network File System v2 and v3); SMB/CIFS (Server Message Block / Common Internet File System); HTTP/WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning); and FTP. Openfiler also supports the NIS (Network Information Service) LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol); Active Directory, in native and mixed modes; and Hesiod network directories.
Openfiler includes support for volume-based partitioning, iSCSI (target and initiator), scheduled snapshots, resource quota, and a single unified Web-based interface for share management that eases the task of allocating shares for various network file-system protocols.
Formerly, this operating system was built on a foundation of CentOS, the Fedora-based Linux operating system. In its latest beta, however, Openfiler has turned to rPath Linux and rBuilder. This switch, according to Tim Gerla, an rPath software engineer has "shortened [the Openfiler] development cycle because of his ability to quickly generate new releases and more easily control specific aspects of package and patch selection."
The new Openfiler beta, version 2.1 beta 1, is available for download from SourceForge. Businesses that want the hardware and software in one package can buy one of Xinit's five highly configurable rack mount storage appliances. These storage appliances can address up to 12 terabytes of storage, according to the company.
-- Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols
Do you have comments on this story?
Talkback here
NOTE: Please post your comments regarding our articles using the above link. Be sure to use this article's title as the "Subject" in your posts. Before you create a new thread, please check to see if a discussion thread is already running on the article you plan to comment on. Thanks!
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed