Intel Releases Storage Array To Custom System Channel

The Intel Storage System SSR212CC, code-named "Compass Creek," is aimed at system builders looking to configure an iSCSI-based NAS, SAN, or JBOD (just a bunch of disks) appliance for their small and midsize business customers, said Seth Bobroff, director of marketing programs for Intel's Storage group.

It is the latest in a series of storage enclosures Intel has been bringing to the custom system market in an effort to take advantage of its server components to expand business opportunities.

"This is the perfect example of what Intel is doing in storage, using building blocks to create a single system," Bobroff said. "We have the processor, the motherboard, and the RAID controller. And the Xyratex chassis is the same as the one in our SSR212MA appliance."

The SSR212CC uses a 2.8-GHz, low-voltage Xeon processor on an Intel motherboard, and can be configured for up to 6 Tbytes using a maximum of 12 250-Gbyte, 400-Gbyte, or 500-Gbyte SATA hard drives, Bobroff said. The 2U enclosure comes from Havant, U.K.-based Xyratex.

The array supports Windows Storage Server 2003 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4.0.

Bobroff said that while system builders could put together a similar offering from industry-standard components, his company offers a storage subsystem that is already validated for use in various software environments and carries the Intel name and warranty. "So a channel partner can know his customer's storage works on this platform," he said.

System builders add value to the array by helping customers determine the right configuration, operating environment, and capacity, and install the appropriate software to turn it into a NAS, SAN, or JBOD device.

List price for the enclosure with no hard drives is under $3,000. It is currently shipping to the channel.