Features - Storage Innovations:

XIRAN DEMONSTRATES DirectPath ARCHITECTURE COMPATIBILITY

Xiran, a division of SimpleTech Inc, has announced the successful completion of full compatibility testing as part of its participation in the University of New Hampshire's multi-vendor iSCSI InterOperability Laboratory (IOL).

Xiran's DirectPath DPA-1200 Accelerator card introduces a new class of IP based networked storage solutions that offers first to market multi-function iSCSI support from the same platform. The flexible DPA-1200 can be used in a variety of platforms, ranging from servers to NAS, SAN, and disk- and tape-based backup systems. Xiran's storage accelerator cards incorporate the innovative DirectPath hardware architecture, significantly enhancing the host system's performance in transporting and managing data between the network and storage. Xiran will offer its OEM customers a family of accelerator cards based on its iSCSI storage technology targeted to meet the needs of the emerging IP SAN market.

"Our successful completion of full compatibility testing with the Microsoft driver at the University of New Hampshire's iSCSI plug fest is a major validation of our DirectPath architecture as a solid solution to the IP storage network market segment. The iSCSI initiative is being supported by other major technology vendors, including IBM, Cisco and Network Appliance," said Jeanclaude Toma, vice president of marketing and business development for Xiran. "Xiran storage accelerators allow total off-load of TCP/IP and iSCSI protocols in conjunction with its LAN and storage functionality, delivering a compelling alternative to standalone NIC, HBA and off-load accelerator cards."

Xiran was one of 21 participating vendors in the event, which provides testing facilities for multi-vendor, device-to-device interoperability, as well as conformance to the iSCSI specification from the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) standards body.