iStor Networks Upgrades GigaStor Storage Management Software Suite

Irvine, CA -- iStor Networks, Inc. announced the release of GigaStor Version 1.4.0, the newest version of its storage management software suite. Accompanying iStor's flagship product, the GigaStorATX network storage controller and the iS326 iSCSI storage system, Version 1.4.0 provides enterprise-class diagnostic and management capabilities to the small and medium business (SMB) customer environment. With 1.4, iStor networks now brings to the marketplace a more automated installation process for an enhanced out of box experience plus new features including; new performance for video applications, security management with encryption and diagnostic features that have been integrated to simplify storage management and administration while lowering operations costs.

"We have delivered iStor's Version 1.4 to our customers and across the board they value the robustness of the management tools," said Ali Asvadi, President Variel Technology. "Our new prospects have really been impressed by the new 4 click installation startup to put storage on the network. iStor really gets it in creating a great user experience."

Version 1.4.0 offers a simple implementation experience by utilizing a step by step wizard, with setup taking only minutes via the web browser. For added security, the connection between the GigaStor and the management console is now protected by secure socket layer (SSL) encryption. Version 1.4.0 also provides the capability for a mounting a read-only volume which means that customers don't have to buy expensive SAN file systems to have users share data for collaborative applications.

"The features and functionality we've brought to the software are a result of real-world feedback from our customers and partners," said Frank C. Huang, co-founder and executive vice president of engineering, iStor Networks. "Version 1.4.0 is an example of the value proposition that iSCSI-based storage systems provide to the SMB market in terms of ease of storage management and administration – factors that comprise a significant portion of networked storage investment costs."

For the needs of the video market, Version 1.4.0 enables Apple Macintosh users to configure each volume to no-op the SCSI sync cache command. This feature increases performance by solving the common problem of video applications dropping frames due to increased latency of I/O commands when journaling is enabled as part of an Apple file system.

Version 1.4.0 also includes enhanced administration and diagnostics features. Users can generate an ICMP ping from any of the GigaStor's Ethernet data or management ports to assist in validation of connection. Additional Telnet functionality via diagnostic ports enables system testing without multiple reboots. After initial log-in, partners can reset to factory defaults or change the out-of-band port configuration. Log-in to the GigaStor via an administrative account will also be available after the system has completely booted. Version 1.4.0 also adds to the products preemptive capability by polling disk drives to determine if a S.M.A.R.T. threshold has been exceeded, in which case an event log entry is created and e-mail notification is sent and the user can take corrective action.

Version 1.4.0 now supports multiple IP addresses, enabling a GigaStorATX-816 (8 port) to configure up to 9 IP addresses within the same subnet. Additionally, the personality tool kit now includes enclosure services and parameters. Customers can either configure a known chassis type or individually describe all of the parameters for an unknown chassis type based on a Vitesse 055 or Winbond 83792AD.

GigaStor Version 1.4.0 shipped in volume to our Channel Partners on February 26, 2007. The GigaStorATX controller and the iS326 products are available in both 1 GbE and 10 GbE solutions.

SOURCE: iStor Networks, Inc.