Equipped with a journaling file system (JFS) and support for failover functions, the software may offer quick restart, uncorrupted data recoverability, and enhanced performance for users.

by Wayne Kawamoto [May 14, 2001]

Network Storage Solutions (NSS), a provider of network attached storage (NAS) systems, announced the release of Version 4 of its SPANStorT NAS operating system. The new release features a journaling file system (JFS) and support for failover functions between primary and secondary servers. The company says that both are critically important to companies that require fast and uninterrupted access to corporate data and files.

Designed to deliver high throughput as well as enhanced client performance and reliability, SPANStor with JFS should provide a highly scalable, log-based file system for high performance systems. JFS may also offers users improved structural consistency, uncorrupted data recoverability, and much faster restart times than non-journaled file systems in the event of a system failure. Its quick restart capability may also restore a file system to a consistent state in a matter of seconds.

According to NSS, the Failover functions in SPANStor will provide assurance of data availability by allowing one NAS appliance to monitor the health of a second appliance, and take over network storage operations should problems occur. This will be achieved through a combination of redundant system and network heartbeat monitors. Should a system crash occur, JFS uses database journaling techniques to restore a file system in seconds.

With the new functionality, NSS may be attractive to users who cannot tolerate any downtime, such as ISPs or ASPs. The company says it continues to attract other high-storage users challenged with identifying affordable, scalable, reliable, high-performing, and easy-to-manage solutions to mounting data storage concerns.

"Our award-winning Thunderbolt NAS products, which are all based on our SPANStor OS, are designed for audiences like ISPs that see the value of networking their storage, as opposed to direct attached," said Brad Clemmons, President and CEO of Network Storage Solutions. "Our NAS products consume less floor space, require less power, and are cheaper than most of our competitors-which are all requirements of our ISP customers. NSS NAS storage products also require fewer staff to manage, thereby saving ISPs on personnel costs."

"JFS provides our users with even better structural consistency, uncorrupted data recoverability, and faster restart times," said Brad Clemmons, President and CEO of Network Storage Solutions. "Adding JFS is further validation of NSS' commitment to providing highly scalable, robust, enterprise-class performing NAS appliances at the most affordable price points on the market."

Availability and pricing
NSS' workgroup level appliance, with 100GB of storage, starts at $6,995. Thunderbolt NAS storage products, with more scalability options, start at approximately $24,000.

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