The MySAN software is based on iSCSI which is an Internet Protocol (IP) based storage networking standard used for linking various data storage facilities. The iSCSI transfers data over intranets and helps manage storage over long distances.
MySAN works by converting any Windows partition like a hard drive, internal RAID array, external storage system or Fibre Channel storage into an iSCSI target, according to the company. This storage can then be assigned to any computer on an Ethernet network using iSCSI, giving users a vendor-neutral IP SAN instantly, Nimbus added.
Nimbus, an IP storage systems, software and controllers developer in San Francisco, California, said that its MySAN software is ideal for small businesses, universities, enterprise workgroups, branch offices, and power users.
The MySAN software is configured using a simple control panel interface, which requires the user to select the Windows partitions that have to be converted into iSCSI targets, and assign these partitions to hosts with a few mouse clicks, Nimbus said. MySAN also has built-in security to ensure that only hosts can access their designated storage, the company added.
MySAN can also be used with any direct-attached storage systems. The software make these storage systems available as iSCSI targets on an IP network, according to the company. The MySAN software can be used to convert Fibre Channel Logical unit numbers (LUNs) into iSCSI targets, Nimbus said. This helps to provide easy SAN storage access as the cost of Fibre Channel is prohibitive, the company added.
As it is compliant with iSCSI, the MySAN software is compatible with all Ethernet switches, network interface cards (NICs), RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) controllers, and external storage arrays.
MySAN Release Candidate 1, designed for Windows Server 2003, is available as a free download at www.mysan.com. MySAN is free software without usage limitations such as CPU and storage limits, and license expiration dates, the company said. Registered MySAN users will receive sixty days of complementary technical support and access to the Nimbus Skyline support portal, according to the company.
