Review: HP's Automated And Easy Network Storage For SMBs

Hewlett-Packard's StorageWorks X1000 Series Network Storage Systems are a good turnkey option for SMB VARs who are looking for a decent, cost-effective storage server option but may not be interested in becoming storage gurus.

The X1000 series is built on a Proliant G6 box and comes equipped with Quad Core Intel Xeon processors. Several models exist in the series, from the entry level X1400 up to the enterprise models such as the X1800. All of the X1000 series servers have Windows Storage Server 2008 x64 loaded.

X1000 systems run the range from models offering 2 TB of raw internal storage capacity to servers that support up to 12 TB of internal capacity.

The StorageWorks X1000 is centralized and versatile storage. The X1000 series also can be used for file sharing or as an iSCSI target for application/virtual environment storage. Bundled with the servers is Microsoft's iSCSI Software Target, which helps provide storage provisioning and management, including support for iSCSI virtual storage disks.

One really hot feature is an automated storage manager tailored for smaller environments. This wizard-based utility is a life-saver for VARs who may need to implement a storage solution for customers, but whose area of expertise may not be all things storage. With the storage manager you can quickly set up RAID, LUNs and other storage settings in a couple of mouse clicks.

Hewlett-Packard also is offering bladed versions of the X1000 series for HP C3000 or C7000 enclosures.