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Promise VTrak 15200 iSCSI RAID Storage System Achieves Microsoft Designed for Windows Qualification

Posted on: Tuesday, 27 July 2004, 06:00 CDT

MILPITAS, Calif., July 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Promise Technology, Inc., originator and global leader in ATA RAID data protection and storage solutions, today announced qualification of the VTrak(TM) 15200 iSCSI RAID storage system under the Microsoft Designed for Windows Logo Program for iSCSI target devices. With this qualification, Promise confirms that the VTrak 15200 delivers verified iSCSI connectivity and interoperability with Microsoft(R) Windows, the operating system used in the majority of servers sold worldwide.

iSCSI leverages existing IP networks to connect servers to storage using TCP/IP to transport SCSI commands and data between the server (initiator) and the storage device (target). Because iSCSI uses standard Gigabit Ethernet components to transport data, a server can use a combination of the Microsoft iSCSI Software Initiator along with an off-the-shelf Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC) for a low-cost iSCSI initiator solution. The Designed for Windows Logo Program promotes quality product development practices and ensures that customers have a wide choice of tested iSCSI hardware components designed to interoperate with Windows and the Microsoft iSCSI Architecture. As a qualified "Designed for Windows" product, the VTrak 15200 has demonstrated a standard level of functionality and interoperability with Windows and Microsoft iSCSI architecture.

"Microsoft recognizes the importance of iSCSI in making networked storage more accessible and cost-effective for customers. The growth of iSCSI targets will help drive the success of this technology," said Claude Lorenson Technical Product Manager in the Windows Server Division at Microsoft. "We're pleased that the Promise VTrak 15200 RAID storage system has been qualified under the Designed for Windows logo program for iSCSI hardware devices."

Microsoft Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) architecture includes the Microsoft(R) iSCSI initiator service, the Microsoft iSCSI Software Initiator driver, as well as various APIs and infrastructure to enable a supportable, manageable iSCSI environment. Available via Web download at no charge (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/), the Microsoft iSCSI Software Initiator package is available for Microsoft Windows(R) 2000 client and server versions, Windows XP, and the Windows Server(TM) 2003 family of products.

Microsoft's iSCSI architecture includes support for data encryption including Internet Storage Name Service for both server and client, management via Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), and an architecture that aggregates the different hardware initiators into a common framework.

"From the pioneering use of ATA for RAID, Promise has a history of making advanced storage capabilities available to the users at a cost they can afford. Mid-range users usually can not enjoy the benefits of enterprise level technology due to very high cost. The VTrak 15200 iSCSI SATA RAID storage device opens the benefits of network storage in an easy-to-connect, easy-to- manage solution at an affordable price," said Sam Sirisena, senior vice president of sales, marketing and business development worldwide, Promise Technology, Inc. "The Microsoft iSCSI Software Initiator provides users with a cost-effective method for accessing the advanced capabilities of the VTrak 15200 iSCSI RAID storage system for an exceptional entry-level SAN solution."

The VTrak 15200 RAID storage system combines cost-effective ATA RAID storage with a dual-port hardware-based iSCSI host interface that delivers up to 200 MB/sec throughput for cost-effective server clustering and SAN storage for mid-range enterprise, medium and small businesses. The compact, 3U rackmount VTrak 15200 system can be populated with up to fifteen low-cost Serial ATA Drives (SATA) or Parallel ATA (PATA) drives, supporting capacities of over 5 Terabytes per unit using currently available.

About Promise Technology, Inc.

Promise Technology is the originator and global leader of ATA RAID, using cost-effective ATA technology to design and manufacture fast, reliable data protection and storage alternatives to SCSI RAID systems. With its history of ATA product and technology development, Promise Technology is the recognized world leader in ATA controllers, ATA RAID cards and ATA RAID subsystems. Promise Technology maintains ongoing product development relationships with leading ATA hard drive manufacturers and server and storage OEMs. Headquartered in Milpitas, CA, the company maintains offices in Europe, Taiwan, and China. For more information, visit Promise Technology's website at http://www.promise.com/.

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Server are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation and its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

Promise Technology, Inc.

CONTACT: Andy Newbom of Promise Technology, +1-408-228-6329 orandyn@promise.com

Web site: http://www.promise.com/

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