Features - Storage Innovations:

LSI ROLLS OUT ATA RAID

LSI Logic has begun shipping its latest storage adapter, which it says is perfect for desktops, workstations and entry-level servers.

The Milpitas, CA-based company's new device -- the MegaRAID ATA 133-2 RAID -- supports 48-bit Logical Block Addressing for use with 137 Gigabit and higher hard drives. The company said the enhanced fault tolerance features of the MegaRAID ATA 133-2 adapter include configuration on a disk, error monitoring and correction, and automatic data consistency capabilities. MegaRAID ATA 133-2 RAID enhances performance for data striping (RAID 0), data redundancy (RAID 1), and mirroring with striping (RAID 10). LSI said configuring the device is done through a browser-based array set-up, management and monitoring utility. The adapter is currently shipping to tier-one OEMs. A retail version should be available in late November for about $95. "The MegaRAID ATA 133-2 is the ideal for cost-sensitive storage environments. With higher demand for affordable, easy-to-use RAID solutions, the MegaRAID ATA 133-2 is a timely and powerful solution," said LSI Logic RAID Storage Adapters Division director of marketing Siamak Iranpour.

RAID, or Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive) Disks, is a category of disk drives that use two or more drives in combination for fault tolerance and performance and are disk drives that are primarily used on servers.

Serial ATA offers system builders several advantages over the parallel ATA physical storage interface, including: easier upgrade of storage devices, point-to-point configuration, hot-plug drive support and improved power management. Support for thinner serial cables -- up to one meter long -- addresses concerns regarding airflow, allowing smaller and more versatile chassis designs. Improved silicon designs offer support for lower voltages, improving device signal integrity and reduced system power dissipation.