- the 270 is itself a shelf of disks with a shrunken head inside it, with ability to add up to 3 more additional disk shelves to it. - for clustering, the cluster partner is simply another shrunken head module that slides into the initial shelf that you already purchased. - licensing cluster involves purcasing the cluster license, and then of course duplicating any license you have on the first unit so all funtionality is assumed in the rare event of a cluster failover. - as to why to look at the 2xxx series is that a)2xx series will eventually eol and b) pricing on 2xxxx is *very* aggressively good right now. - tech support is world class. I can't explain why sales would be slow getting back to you...hmmm...never knew a sales rep who didn't want a commission check of some sort...maybe contact a partner/reseller? Feel free to contact me directly if u have any other questions..
**Sent using wireless handheld... please excuse any typo's or brevity** Kevin Parker - NWN Corporation kparker@nwnit.com (m) 919.830.5819 (o) 919.653.4489
-----Original Message----- From: "Ray Van Dolson" rvandolson@esri.com To: "toasters@mathworks.com" toasters@mathworks.com Sent: 10/16/2007 5:16 PM Subject: NetApp Newbie questions
Hello all, my company is looking at replacing our NFS home directory storage solution (currently Sun boxes strewn all over the place) with a centralized storage solution. We're looking at a number of options (Sun StorageTek, etc) and NetApp is one of them. We've traditionally been a Sun shop, so there is some comfort there with our relationship with them and how they do support for us, but NetApp's storage solutions would appear to be far more mature at this point.
We'll probably be needing only around 2TB of storage to begin with, but clearly would like the ability to expand beyond this. I've picked out the FAS270C as a potential solution for us.
Questions are as follows:
With the 270C, do we purchase a "head unit" and then buy a disk shelf and populate with disks? Or is the head unit and disk shelf one integrated unit?
In order to do the clustered failover does this just involve purchasing a second head unit? Or a complete second set of disks as well? Would we need to purchase additional software licensing to enable this functionality?
Any particularly compelling reason to go to a 2000-series vs the 270C given our relatively small disk needs at this point?
How have you all found Network Appliance's support to be? Do you need to purchase an additional 24x7 support contract or is this included with your appliance? Do they do on-site service?
I am a little concerned as I have placed two requests (both via a call and via web form) on Thursday of last week and as of today (Tuesday) I have yet to receive a call from a sales rep. If sales is this non-eager to get back to you -- how will support be? Perhaps if we were looking to spend a little more $$ the first time around they'd be more interested in returning my calls? :)
Thanks in advance for any advice/tips.
Ray
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