LSI, Adaptec Unveil Low-profile SAS Adaptors

LSI Logic is bringing low-profile SAS RAID storage adaptors aimed at making SAS more available for use with entry-level and rackmount servers.

And Adaptec introduced two new models in is HostRAID controller family with integrated software-based data protection.

Milpitas, Calif.-based LSI, which has already been shipping SAS components to the storage industry, on Tuesday unveiled what Joe Leader, senior director of channel marketing and business development, called the world's first low-profile SAS adaptors.

Their low-profile form factor puts the adaptors in the sweet spot for widespread SAS adoption, especially in the rackmount space, said Leader. "Servers today are all about increasing the number of drives while decreasing the server profile," he said.

id
unit-1659132512259
type
Sponsored post

LSI Logic unveiled two models. The MegaRAID SAS 8308ELT includes eight internal SAS ports, making them suitable for entry-level and rack-mount servers, Leader said. The MegaRAID SAS 8344ELT has four external and four external ports for connecting multiple servers and storage devices together, mainly in racks, he said.

The new low-profile SAS adaptors list for about $100 less than LSI Logics' full-height models, but are limited to a maximum of 32 hard drives, Leader said.

The new adaptors are available to system builders via Bell Micro, ASI, Arrow, Ingram Micro, Tech Data, and Microland.

Bruce Trunk, director of technical and business development for LSI Logics' Standard Components Group, said that large OEMs have been more aggressive than the custom system builder community in adopting SAS. However, he said that channel ramp-up is strong, but would not disclose what part of sales go through distribution vs. OEMs. "SAS is leading from the OEMs first, and they will pull the channel going forward," he said.

Milpitas, Calif.-based Adaptec this week also unveiled two new low-profile SAS adaptors.

The model 44300 adaptor, which company executives said is aimed at workstations and servers working with such applications as e-mail, video, and databases, has four internal SAS ports and a list price starting at $250.

The model 58300 has eight external SAS ports for connecting to one or more SAS non-RAID or RAID systems. List price starts at $360.

Both models connect to up to eight direct-attached drives and up to 128 devices using SAS expanders.