Nimbus Unveils the 60-second SAN with iSCSI Target Software for Microsoft Windows
MySAN™ software creates an open IP SAN using any existing storage hardware
San Francisco, CA, August 14, 2006 – Nimbus Data Systems today announced MySAN™, the first and only free iSCSI target software for Microsoft Windows. With MySAN, anyone can create an IP SAN in seconds using their existing server and storage hardware. MySAN works by turning any Windows partition(such as a hard drive, internal RAID array, external storage system, or even Fibre Channel storage) into an iSCSI target. This storage can then be assigned to any computer on an Ethernet network using iSCSI, giving users a vendor-neutral IP SAN instantly.
“MySAN is ground-breaking software that will shake up the storage industry,” stated Brad O’Neill, Senior Analyst with The Taneja Group. “Much like the release of Microsoft’s free iSCSI initiator catapulted iSCSI into the limelight, MySAN completes the picture with a free iSCSI target. Now anyone can deploy an end-to-end IP SAN using Windows in seconds and at no cost.”
“Releasing MySAN as free software is about enabling everyone to experience the simplicity and power of IP SAN technology,” stated Thomas Isakovich, CEO and founder of Nimbus. “In seconds, anyone can turn a Windows server into an iSCSI storage appliance. We are very excited to bring this innovative software to the storage community to help IT professionals deploy iSCSI in new ways.”
iSCSI Storage Appliance in Seconds
MySAN is configured using a remarkably simple control panel interface. Simply select the Windows partitions you would like to make available as iSCSI targets and assign these partitions to hosts with a few mouse clicks. Built-in security ensures that hosts can only access their designated storage.
Extend SAN Storage Anywhere
MySAN can also breathe new life into any direct-attached storage systems by making them available as iSCSI targets on an IP network. You can also use MySAN to convert Fibre Channel LUNs into iSCSI targets, providing easy SAN storage access where the cost of Fibre Channel is prohibitive.
Open, Vendor – agnostic and Standards – based
MySAN is 100% iSCSI, the protocol endorsed by Microsoft, Intel, Cisco, and the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) as the de facto standard in IP storage. As a result, MySAN is instantly compatible with virtually all Ethernet switches, NICs, RAID controllers, and external storage arrays.
Free Software and Support
MySAN is free software without usage limitations of any kind. No CPU limits. No storage limits. No license expiration dates. Furthermore, all registered MySAN users receive 60 days of complimentary Bronze technical support and access to the Nimbus Skyline support portal.
Availability
MySAN Release Candidate 1, designed for Windows Server 2003, is now available as a free download at www.nimbusdata.com. MySAN is ideal for small businesses, universities, enterprise workgroups, branch offices, and power users. “With MySAN, you get freedom; the only person you need to complain to about the high cost of storage or vendor lock-in is yourself,” said Greg Schulz, Founder and Senior Analyst of the StorageIO Group. “You decide and control what server platforms with attached storage that you will deploy the free software on. What a great way to experiment with an IP SAN to see how it fits into your environment! Given the addictive nature, you will be hooked and looking for a full fledged iSCSI-based solution in the not so distance future.”
About Nimbus Data Systems
Nimbus Data Systems is a leader in IP storage solutions for today’s rapidly-growing businesses. Nimbus develops industry-leading products that simplify storage management and improve the availability and security of digital information. Nimbus solutions include high-performance and scalable IP SAN storage systems, innovative iSCSI server software, and a ground-breaking line of IP storage controllers designed for global OEMs. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Nimbus products are available through a worldwide network of authorized system integrators, distributors, and OEMs. For more information, visit www.nimbusdata.com.