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IBM is cooperating with Hitachi Data Systems to further promote the development of interoperable storage networking solutions.
Specifically, the companies are conducting interoperability testing of IBM’s TotalStorage NAS 300G with Hitachi Freedom Storage Lightning 9900 series with plans to extend to the Thunder 9200. IBM said the NAS 300G is designed to act as an Internet Protocol (IP) gateway to a SAN by allowing clients and servers on an IP network to access files directly from their SAN.
Adalio Sanchez, IBM’s general manager of storage networking, IBM Storage Systems Group, said “Today, IBM is executing on its commitment to deliver open storage network products by promoting interoperability with other leading storage vendors such as Hitachi Data Systems. We are also hoping to extend our interoperability testing to include other storage vendors.”
The companies said the target for the completion of the tests is in the second quarter. Upon successful completion of the testing, IBM said these products will be good candidates for the is TotalStorage Proven program, also announced today.
IBM said the TotalStorage Proven program identifies for customers storage solutions and configurations that have been pre-tested for interoperability. This program is also intended to ease the burden on IBM Business Partners, independent software vendors (ISVs) and other storage solution providers with respect to independent interoperability testing.
“The rapid pace of e-business deployment is placing increasing demands on our customers to gather all types of business information and to leverage that information for business advantage,” said Kathleen Smith, vice president, storage solutions for IBM’s Storage Systems Group. “Customers’ speed to market is key to their success. IBM is dedicated to helping them achieve that speed by providing a menu of pre-tested solutions that incorporate a wide range of products from numerous technology vendors.”
According to the company, Customers will be able to choose from a variety of pre-tested, interoperable storage elements. Additionally, the IBM said IBM TotalStorage Proven products and solutions will be tested by both IBM and third party vendors. For IBM Business Partners, the TotalStorage Proven program is intended to help reduce the sales cycle and integration issues, allowing more time for higher margin customization.
In addition, IBM is offering ISV customers the opportunity to ramp up their efforts to test and verify their products with IBM’s NAS and iSCSI products. Every six weeks, IBM said it is inviting three to five targeted ISVs to a lab located near its NAS development center to perform basic interoperability and compatibility testing. The testing and verification is usually completed in a few days with no charge to the ISV.
