HP Introduces iSCSI SAN, SAS For BladesHP Introduces iSCSI SAN, SAS For Blades

Furthering the integration of LeftHand Networks, HP is rolling out LeftHand's SAN/iQ-iSCSI storage area network software and its own Virtual Storage Appliance for BladeSystem servers, allowing storage for multiple blade chassis on one SAN.According to Ben Bolles, product manager for HP's LeftHand Networks Division, iSCSI is the fastest growing storage segment and, fueled by virtualization, is growing even faster in the midmarket. IDC research backs Bolles claim of rapid iSCSI growth, estimating the market at $2.8 Billion in 2008 and noting iSCSI as the most rapidly growing connectivity type.

Since spending $360 million on Lefthard Networks last fall to fills gaps in its storage and virtualization offerings, HP has moved to combine its x86 hardware with its former OEM partner's iSCSI SAN/iQ software in the coming HP LeftHand P4000 SAN solution series.

Today, HP introduces the P4000 IP SAN series and an internal appliance for creating shared storage inside blade server enclosures. The direct-connect Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) storage for HP BladeSystem is available with the HP StorageWorks 600 Modular Disk System (MDS600). The value proposition for HP BladeSystem customers is large-scale physical storage consolidation -- storage can be allocated to each blade server as needed without moving cables. According to HP, installing up to a 70 1TB drives in the single MDS600, can provide up to 230% saving in rack space.

According to Lenore Adam, senior product manager of HP StorageWorks, the new offering is targeted to server administrators, but is "simple, straightforward and requires no storage expertise." She added that the usage model for the midmarket has moved to virtualization and though many midsize companies may not be using hi-availability capabilities, they "still need lots of storage."

Don't Miss:HP Buys LeftHand Networks To Chase Midmarket iSCSI StorageThe Black Art Of Virtualization: Q&A With Nick Van Der Zweep