Q: Promise VTrak Raid series as Xserve RAID replacement
Hello,
We are looking to replace our ageing server hardware...
1 x Xserve Raid connected via FC to RackMac1,2 > used as fileserver
1 x RackMac3,1 > spare
1 x Xserve1,1 (incl. 1 x LSILogic LSI7204EP FC card) > mail server & backup with LTO drive connected
We have approx. 80 users on a GbE network - typical filessizes are around 150MB.
Since the only option offered by Apple are the Promise VTrak Raid Series we are wondering if someone here would be able to answer the following:
1. can we make do with the E-Series or should we go with an x30 - strangely Apple does not seem to offer the E-Series?
2. based on http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1769 it seems, that we should be able to connect the Vtrak Raid Series directly to the FC card in our Xserve1,1 - which could be an interim solution, obviously in the long term we would prefer to connect it to hardware which is still supported... does anybody have any experience/recommendations, e.g. MacPro or else...?
3. we are somewhat unclear if in our usage scenario XSan is really necessary and if so on what it should run - we understand for an XSan we would ideally have 2 x MDs... again what current apple hardware would one use for that?
4. for backup we are planning to allow space on the Promise Vtrak - a) for local backup and b) for offsite storage... can not wait to get rid of the tapes;
So these are our thoughts at this early stage - we would appreciate any feedback, experiences and recommendations that anyone would care to share.
Apple Mail, Mac OS X (10.6.8)
Posted on Jan 19, 2013 3:22 AM