Sample scenario
Company: ALS Corporation
This company wants to migrate users’ home directories and e-mail storage to a central NAS repository.
Approximate budget: $25,000
Requires: One NAS appliance with at least 200GB raw storage space, Gigabit Ethernet (copper) connection preferred.
Concerns: Performance is an issue, but ongoing management costs are a bigger concern. The ability to connect with multiple operating systems is also a consideration. Expansion potential—either within the unit or by daisy-chaining several units—will also be taken into account.
Best Solution: Compaq StorageWorks B2000
When considering the scenario, two NAS appliances stand out: the Snap Appliance 4400 and the Compaq StorageWorks B2000. The Snap because it was blindingly fast, primarily because it was equipped with Gigabit Ethernet. The Compaq because of extraordinary feature set and expansion potential. We tend to lean towards the Compaq, even though it is almost twice the price of the Quantum given that if fitted with a $500 Compaq gigabit Ethernet card, it would potentially be just as fast or faster.
15%
7%
