San Jose, Calif.-based Infortrend, a provider of networked storage, has announced new storage systems in its entry-level EonStor DS family featuring hybrid host connectivity of SAS and iSCSI. With support for remote replication functionality, 
the new systems help SMB users working with DAS (direct-attached storage) environments improve data protection. In addition, the new hybrid models provide DAS/SAN (storage area network) consolidation.
Remote replication, part of a comprehensive disaster recovery plan, has traditionally been unavailable for DAS solutions, as they do not have the capability to transmit data to remote locations. With the iSCSI ports on Infortrend’s new hybrid models, users can now directly connect their systems to IP networks to send data to a remote replication for secure storage.
For users not requiring remote replication, the new models can be employed for DAS/SAN consolidation. By assigning mission-critical applications to DAS and secondary applications to IP SAN, users are able to employ their storage infrastructure in an efficient manner and reduce costs, says Infortrend.
The new hybrid models feature two 6Gb/s SAS ports and two 1GbE iSCSI ports per controller, and are available in either single-controller or dual-controller configurations. Users can also choose between 3U/16-bay models accommodating 3.5-inch drives or 2U/24-bay models accommodating 2.5-inch drives.
