ATTO adds CLI, error checking to Xtend SAN iSCSI

In addition to demoing its FastStream RAID controller, ATTO has updated its iSCSI Software Initiator for Mac OS X/Xtend SAN with new enterprise-class features to provide better security and automation for medium- to large-installations. Xtend SAN now supports HeaderDigest and DataDigest with error level 1 processing -- which is used to guarantee the integrity of iSCSI header data. The new Xtend SAN Command Line Interface (CLI) enables almost complete automation of iSCSI target management. According to the company, this benefits larger installations where there is a need to execute commands in script or batch modes from workstations with minimal to no user interaction is required.

The updated version of Xtend SAN also provides transparency for OEM customers: enterprise customers who require the security and data integrity provided with Header and Data Digests can now find this as part of the latest version of the Xtend SAN initiator.

“The traditional Xtend SAN Graphical User Interface is still available,” stated James U’Ren, Product Manager for Xtend SAN, “ATTO customers expect our products to be easy to use out of the box, so that functionality did not change. The option for CLI is presented upon installation of Xtend SAN; this will address customer requests to provide a more streamlined process to access multiple iSCSI targets.”

The release builds on the other innovative features supported by Xtend SAN which help users access their iSCSI storage from a Mac workstation or laptop, including Challenge-Handshake Authentication (CHAP), Internet Storage Name Service (iSNS), Login Redirect and iSCSI error handling and recovery. According to ATTO, Xtend SAN is the first and most widely-distributed application that allows Mac users to attach existing storage to an IP-based network. Using Xtend SAN, users can take existing direct-attached storage devices and make them available to multiple servers.

Xtend SAN supports Mac OS X 10.4/10.5 and is available for $200 (single-user), $800 (5-user), and $1,300 (10-user)k

Filed under: software, enterprise
Other story tags: MWSF, iSCSI, ATTO