Features - Storage Innovations:

ASIA'S 1ST MULTIVENDOR NAS-SAN INTEGRATION PROJECT GOES LIVE

Auspex Systems Inc, a leading provider of enterprise storage solutions, and CVSI, Auspex's distributor in Singapore, announced the successful completion of Asia's first multivendor Network Attached Storage (NAS) and Storage Area Network (SAN) integration project in the new Network Storage Laboratory (NSL) at Singapore's Data Storage Institute. The groundbreaking project involved the installation of the Auspex NSc3000 Network Storage Controller, the first nonproprietary solution for supplying file services to SANs, into NSL's existing SAN infrastructure consisting of two Hitachi Data Systems HDS9910 and Brocade switches.

Launched worldwide in April 2002, Auspex's NSc3000 enables companies with existing SAN infrastructures to access and share files via NAS protocols without investing in a complete NAS system, even if the organization has a heterogeneous SAN with storage subsystems from different vendors. This interoperability enabled the NSL implementation to be completed in just a month. NSL's converged SAN and NAS system will be used both for research purposes and in new technical courses on network storage technology being offered at NSL's state-of-the-art 6,000 square feet laboratory. NSL's courses, also known as OSN Prep, were launched this month as part of a governmental push to establish Singapore as a data storage hub in the region. The courses are designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge in network storage technologies and their solutions deployment.

Mr Thomas Garofalo, vice president & General Manager of Auspex Asia Pacific, said: "I am excited that the Auspex NSc3000 is available to researchers and students in Singapore's premier storage research centre. This project constitutes a strong endorsement of Auspex's vision of creating a simpler and cost-effective network storage system by converging NAS and SAN technology."

Auspex's NSc3000 is the first SAN-to-NAS gateway capable of storing and accessing files on heterogeneous storage subsystems, providing simpler and less expensive management of data assets. The system is fully interoperable with almost all SAN platforms, including those from Hitachi Data Systems, LSI Logic, EMC and Compaq.

NSL, is designed to demonstrate, test and train information technology professionals in network storage technology. Laboratory facilities are available for independent benchmarking and interoperability testing, proof-ofconcept and product demonstrations, collaboration projects on solution development or customization test beds, and as a training venue with hands-on sessions for enterprises implementing network storage technology.

For more information on NSL, please visit www.dsi.a-star.edu.sg.

About Auspex Systems

Auspex introduced the world's first Network Attached Storage (NAS) server shortly after its founding in 1987, creating a new breed of storage appliance offering significant performance and administrative benefits over generalpurpose file servers. Auspex's enterprise-class network servers are used worldwide for consolidated information storage and delivery. Auspex also is leading the convergence of NAS with Storage Area Networks (SANs) with the NSc3000 Network Storage Controller, the first multivendor SAN-to-NAS gateway. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, with sales offices and channel partners throughout the U.S. and around the globe. Its shares are traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol ASPX. For more information, AUSPEX at 800-428-7739 or 408-566-2000, or visit www.auspex.com.

About Alphawest 6

Alphawest 6 (known as CVSI Pte Ltd in Singapore) is one of Australia's leading technology services and infrastructure providers to business, government and education organisations. Established in 1986, and now part of the Solution 6 Group, Alphawest 6 excels in aligning IT systems with a company's business goals and enjoys long-term partnerships with leading organisations. Alphawest 6 has 550 employees located in various cities-Perth (headquarters), WA's South West Region, ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Singapore.