Open-E - DSS V6 (Data Storage Software) 4TB

GUI ADMINISTRATION

Powerful and Intuitive Web-based User Interface

The web-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the Open-E Data Storage Software V6 (DSS V6) software makes remote management of the storage device a simple task. By using a web-browser, the DSS can be easily managed from anywhere within the network.

Secured Administration Access

Open-E DSS V6 is accessed and configured through a web-based, password-protected GUI over Secured Socket Layer (SSL) administration access.

Console Tool

Open-E DSS V6 can be managed by using the console tool. For security reasons some advanced and critical administrator tasks like “removing and restoring volumes” and “checking and repairing the file system”, can only be managed from the console. Through the console tool, an administrator monitors the status of the network and memory usage, install drivers and hardware and perform other tasks.

Remote Access of Console Tool

The Open-E DSS V6 supports remote access of the console tool enabling management of the server from anywhere in the network.

Tuning Tools

The performance of the Open-E DSS V6 server can be increased by changing the settings of disk, network, file system or network using “Tuning Tools”.

Multiple Management Levels

The Open-E DSS V6 supports three levels of administrative rights: Full Access, Maintenance and Administration.

Update System (Local or Internet)

Update downtime is reduced with the new Update System feature making it possible to reboot from the old system.

NETWORK MANAGEMENT

NEW! New GUI Static Routing Manager

You can now change the order in which the routing rules are applied by changing their positions on the list, this is useful when you have several network interfaces in the same subnetwork.

Standard Network Gateway Support

The Open-E DSS V6 can be used with structured networks in business environments and has an optional data access via Intranet or Internet.

DHCP Client

Assigning IP addresses in a network can be centrally managed and automated through using Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).

Multiple Network Interface Card (NIC) Support

The Open-E DSS V6 supports usage of two or more network cards to access separate sub-networks or to increase the bandwidth and allows administrators to select services to be enabled on a specified NIC.

Adapter Fault Tolerance (AFT)

AFT assures greater reliability by providing a secondary network adapter which automatically takes over, should the primary network adapter fails.

Adaptive Load Balancing (ALB)

ALB enhances data throughput by automatically routing data through alternative paths as the application changes.

10 Gb Ethernet with TCP/IP Offload Engine (TOE)

To improve the data throughput and latency, the Data Storage Software V6 supports 10 GbE to increase bandwidth, improve overall performance, and reduce message latency across connections. The Open-E DSS V6 supports some 10GbE cards with TCP/IP.

InfiniBand Support

Open-E supports InfiniBand cards that increase bandwidth, improve overall performance, and reduce message latency across connections.

Proxy Settings

The Open-E software allows the configuration of the Proxy Server for Internet connections.

IP-Sec

The Open-E DSS V6 supports the Secure Internet Protocol (IPsec). This protocol secures data transmitted across a network, preventing confidential and personal information being intercepted or modified.

Default gateway settings

While Open-E DSS V6 can work with multiple network interfaces, the default gateway can be selected.

Static routing

The Open-E DSS V6 provides a powerful tool for controlling the static routing settings. If the default routing isn't sufficient, this feature can be used to customize it.

STORAGE MANAGEMENT

NEW! Automatic Failover for NAS Volumes with NFS protocol (feature pack required)

Open-E DSS V6 provides fault tolerance via synchronous NAS Volume Replication for NFS shares. Once configured, all data written to the primary server is mirrored to a secondary server. In the event the primary server fails, Open-E DSS V6 automatically switches operation to the secondary server. NFS locks are also reassigned on the secondary server after primary server fails. This functionality requires the purchase of a feature pack.

NEW! Ability to dynamically switch between FC initiator and target without system restart for QLogic 2/4/8 Gb. Port modes can also be dynamically switched

Now you can change your QLogic FC card mode back and forth (between initiator and target) without a server restart. This is invaluable when you’re implementing Open-E DSS V6 in your environment and want to experiment a lot with target/initiator modes. Addtitionally, not only can you change the adapter modes, but individual ports modes (in case of multi port adapters) as well!

NEW! Support for Automatic Session Reassignment (ASR) for Fibre Channel and iSCSI protocols

Automatic Session Reassignment makes group renaming, removal, and WWN assignment work without interrupting (blocking) other sessions. This functionality makes the iSCSI and Fibre Channel services work smoothly while their configuration is being modified.

NEW! Advanced options for Samba shares

DSS V6 supports "Inherit owner", "Inherit ACL's", "Inherit permissions", "Map ACL inherit", "Locking" options.

Automatic Failover for iSCSI Volumes

Open-E DSS V6 provides fault tolerance via iSCSI Volume Replication. Data is copied in real time to the primary server and every change is immediately mirrored to a secondary server and in the event of a failure of the primary server Open-E DSS V6 automatically switches operations to the secondary server.

Cross Data Replication

Open-E DSS V6 synchronizes files and directories from one NAS server to another. Disaster recovery or Disk-to-Disk backup synchronization utilizes block-based data transfer that minimizes network traffic. DSS V6 can synchronize data in both directions: Open-E DSS V6 can be the source and destination of files at the same time, allowing to cross-backup data on several servers.

SCSI-3 Persistent Reservation

Support for persistent reservation commands. This enables support for Windows 2008 and Windows Cluster.

Hardware and Software iSCSI Initiator

Open-E DSS V6 supports hardware iSCSI Initiators and has a software iSCSI Initiator for easily expanding the storage capacity of the NAS server. New units and logical volumes can be added by connecting an iSCSI storage system to the NAS server.

Hardware and Software Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) Support

The Open-E DSS V6 supports Serial Attached SCSI (SAS), SCSI, Serial ATA and IDE controllers of all leading hardware RAID controller manufacturers. The integrated software RAID 0, 1, 5, 6 provides more flexibility and cost savings while creating storage solutions. By mirroring two hardware RAID arrays, the probability of failure can be reduced. Open-E DSS V6 offers highest flexibility in redundancy, performance, costs and storage volume.

Software RAID Degraded Mode

Open-E DSS V6 software boasts a means for creating a RAID when a Hard Disk Drives (HDD) is missing or broken.

E-mail Notification for RAID Issues

Email alerts are sent to the system administrator in case of issues with the RAID through the DSS software.

Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.) Support

Open-E DSS V6 software includes S.M.A.R.T support for detecting and reporting the status of the Hard Disk Drives (HDD) anticipated on failures.

E-mail Notification for S.M.A.R.T.

Email alerts are sent to the system administrator in case of HDD problems through Open-E DSS V6 software.

Multiple Fibre Channel HBA Support

For higher bandwidth, better latency and performance, the Open-E DSS V6 version supports Fibre Channel HBA´s from Emulex, Qlogic and LSI. Fibre Channel is the standard connection type for connecting high speed storage devices to computers in Storage Area Networks (SAN).

Hardware RAID Controller Support

The Open-E DSS V6 solution can support most hardware ATA / SATA / SCSI RAID controllers of:

- 3ware
- Adaptec
- Areca
- Buslogic
- Dell
- HighPoint
- HP Smart Array
- ICP Vortex
- Intel
- LSI Logic
- Marvell
- Promise
- Symbios/LSILogic
- Tekram

Snapshot

Snapshot is an immediate point-in-time image of the logical volume. The snapshot image can be used for both consistent and temporary backup, while users still have uninterrupted and complete access to the LV. Files can be recovered from previous snapshots should a file be accidentally deleted or modified.

Multiple Snapshots with Scheduling Function

The Open-E DSS V6 supports “Multiple Snapshot with Scheduling” to create snapshots at predefined points in time (e.g. automatically every hour).

Multiple Logical Volume & Groups

Logical volume groups allow storage administrators to create logical storage pools that span multiple physical disk drives. With its support of multiple logical volume groups, the Open-E DSS V6 makes it easier to meet the changing needs of users and applications while making the maximum use of available physical disk space.

Online Logical Volume Expansion

Online logical volume expansion allows administrators to change the size of storage volumes as needed without having to restart the application, recreate the volume, and backup and restore data to the volume.

Support for Online Capacity Expansion

A hardware RAID controllers’ expansion capability supports the increase of size of existing units without removing data.

MONITORING

Hardware Monitoring

Open-E DSS V6 monitors hardware status such as temperature, voltage and fan speed provided by the motherboard's sensors.

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) (v2 & v3)

Open-E DSS V6 uses SNMP for monitoring data throughput, Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Random Access Memory (RAM) usage to name a few.

Email Notification

In the event of a technical failure of the storage device, administrators are alerted by Email.

Log Function

The Open-E log file is an effective instrument in analyzing and solving technical issues.

Sys check

Enables you to check the performance of your system.

HARDWARE SUPPORT

Support for more than 8 Qlogic HBAs in target mode

Now you can use more than 8 Qlogic Host Bus Adapters in target mode. This enables you to increase the number of resources available on a single machine by connecting more drives.

Support for Adaptec MaxIQ SSD caching

Adaptec MaxIQ SSD cache is a kit which enables the server to store frequently used data on a fast SSD drive. This powerful caching solution can make the storage operate up to 8 times faster than the HDD-only solution. It can be used with any Adaptec Series 5Z, 5 or 2 Storage Controller. Now, Open-E DSS V6 provides support for this technology. All you have to do is to get the Adaptec MaxIQ SSD cache Kit and use its SSD drive with your Storage Controller. DSS will automatically use it.

Support for expander in built-in LSI RAID manager

The expander is supported in the Open-E DSS V6 LSI RAID manager. It provides the option to increase a number of resources and manage them using the Open-E DSS V6 GUI.

Support for up to 32 x CPUs

Open-E DSS V6 supports up to 32 CPUs to increase the I/O throughput for heavy duty data requirements.

MSI

Open-E DSS V6 supports Message Signaled Interruptions which makes recent PCI cards function optimally.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Support

A UPS eliminates the effects of a temporary power outage and provides a safe shutdown, without loss of data, in case of power failure. The UPS device can be connected by Communications Port (COM-port) or Universal Serial Bus (USB) to the server.

Network UPS Support

Open-E DSS V6 is capable of using the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) interface for communication with other SNMP-enabled servers (e.g. Open-E DSS) for a smooth server shutdown in the event of a power failure. The server with the UPS sends a power failure signal through the network to other servers (in slave mode) and will shut down all servers in the network.

SPECIFIC NETWORK ATTACHED STORAGE (NAS) FUNCTIONALITY

Windows Active Directory / Primary Domain Controller Support

Open-E DSS V6 supports Windows Active Directory (AD), Primary Domain Controller (PDC), Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and AD & NIS User-/Group ID synchronization to leverage information about users, groups, systems and other resources stored in the Active Directory. The support of Access Control List (ACL) ensures that access rights of users are automatically taken over from the Domain.

Support for Network Information Service (NIS)

The Open-E DSS V6 supports NIS for easier and consistent access of information stored on any other data storage server using NIS directory service protocol by enabling distribution of system configuration data such as user and host names between computers on a computer network.

File System with Journaling Support

Journaling support makes the file system more reliable and allows easier, faster recovery from unexpected shutdowns.

User and Group Quota Control

Administrators can control users with large disk requirements by assigning a dedicated share or by restricting their individual usage through individual user quotas or to assign a quota to a group to which the user belongs.

Antivirus (server's shares scanning)

Open-E DSS V6 has an integrated Antivirus software tool for scanning shares on viruses at predefined points in time. The Virus Definition Database can be updated and is stored on the NAS device.

Antivirus (online scanning)

The Data Storage Software V6 also supports online scanning of files transferred via the SMB and FTP protocol.

USB Storage Support for Dynamic Disk

USB Units connected to DSS V6 can be used as a Dynamic Units – which can be easily used for local backups.

Backup-Agents (Veritas, EMC Dantz, CA BrightStor) Support

Open-E DSS V6 backup agents help administrators to backup and protect data on NAS servers with backup software from Veritas, Dantz, or CA BrightStor ARCserve thus improving data transfer, network security and real-time directory browsing, monitoring tasks and supporting cross-platform backup support.

Supported Network Clients and Network File Protocol

Open-E DSS V6 supports the file based protocols CIFS (Common Internet File System)/SMB, NFS (Network File System), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), FTPS, SFTP and Apple Talk enabling Windows, Linux, Unix and Macintosh clients to share data on the same server.

External Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP)

The Open-E DSS V6 supports external LDAP enabling administrators to configure and manage multiple DSS V6 systems from one single point (either an Open-E software with a LDAP database or any other LDAP server).

Superuser Function

A "Superuser" account has unrestricted access to all the files and volumes and is an especially helpful feature when certain directories or files are no longer accessible.

SPECIFIC iSCSI FUNCTIONALITY

Multiple Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocols (CHAP) per Target

In Open-E DSS V6, CHAP users can be assigned to a specific iSCSI target. CHAP is an authentication schema, managed by user name and password, to validate the identity of users to manage the access rights of users to targets.

MPIO Support

The Open-E DSS V6 allows set multiple connections to one target increasing performance and reliability.

Target Password Support

Open-E DSS V6 allows set up password for iSCSI targets to protect them from unauthorized access.

Read Only Logical Unit (LU)

This function allows the user to set the LU as a read-only device (for iSCSI Target only).

BACKUP FUNCTIONALITY

Task Mechanism with Scheduling

Management of all the tasks is much easier and convenient using the unified task mechanism with scheduling for data and volume replication, backup and snapshot. Tasks are scheduled as to when to activate and may have many schedules.

Virtual Tapes

Configure tape drive emulation on share or Dynamic Volume (e.g. dynamically attached hard drive) backup for tape drives is the same as backup on virtual tapes.

WORM

WORM provides Write Once Read Many functionality for data archiving.

Tape Library Support

Automate backups with use of tape drive libraries.

Internal Database

Maintain all backup files including backup history.

Tape Retention Time

Set schedule for tapes to be rewritten for new backup.

Fast initial volume synchronization

Open-E DSS V6 features fast initial volume synchronization for volume replication.

DRBD tuning

The DRBD tuning feature gives you the ability to improve the speed of the replication process on your hardware.

OTHER

SWAP Support

SWAP is used to store memory areas on hard drives instead of Random Access Memory (RAM). The DSS software dumps memory to SWAP in case of additional memory is need (e.g. repairing the file system after a degraded RAID).

Windows 2008 Domain Controller support

Open-E DSS V6 supports Windows 2008 as a Domain Controller. If you use Active Directory Services from Windows 2008, Open-E DSS V6 will be able to connect and make use of it.

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Panel Support

Open-E DSS V6 supports single, dual, multiple or pyramid LCD display configuration.

One License per Storage Device

Regardless of the number of users connected to the storage device, Open-E license schema is a one license per DSS V6 and is priced accordingly. Whether you have 5, 500, 15,000 or more, you only pay one price for one Data Storage Software V6 License.

Local Backup on Dynamic Units

Through Open-E DSS V6, a local HDD or a USB drive can be defined as a Dynamic Unit and acts like a normal tape drive which can backup the NAS server and be removed without shutting down the server.

Cross Data Synchronization

Open-E DSS V6 synchronize files and directories from one NAS server to another. Disaster recovery or Disk-to-Disk backup synchronization utilizes block-based data transfer that minimizes network traffic. DSS V6 can synchronize data in both directions: the Open-E DSS V6 can be the source and destination of files at the same time, allowing to cross-backup data on several servers.

No storage limit above 48TB of licensed capacity

The storage limit is turned off when 48TB of licensed capacity is reached. You can buy any of the Open-E DSS V6 versions and purchase additional storage license keys. When you reach 48TB, the limit is removed and you can use as much storage space as the product supports.

Setup Wizard

The first time Open-E DSS V6 starts the Setup Wizard assists you with the language, network and the time settings.

API

You can maintain the server without using the web browser! All operations are performed using a secure (SSH) connection. The API includes functionalities like:
- users and shares handling
- iSCSI targets operations
- hardware status
- software update
- machine reboot and shutdown

Remote Support

Open-E DSS includes Remote Support which enables our Support Service to access the machine remotely. In many cases this can help speed problem resolution. For security reasons this function can only be initiated by you manually.

How to setup your DSS V6 in 10 min

• Open-E DSS supports three different types of file based Data Replication
  • Asynchronous Data Replication (file based) within the system
  • Asynchronous Data Replication (file based) over a LAN
  • Asynchronous Data Replication (file based) over a WAN
• Additionally, DSS Supports three types of block based Volume Replication
  • Synchronous Volume Replication (block based) over a LAN for NAS, iSCSI and Fiber Channel appliances,
  • Synchronous Volume Replication (block based) over a WAN for NAS, iSCSI and Fiber Channel appliances,
  • Synchronous Volume Replication (block based) with Failover over a LAN for iSCSI appliances

2. Data Replications - Replication Solutions Supported by Open-E DSS

2.1. Asynchronous Data Replication within a System

Replication between two RAID ARRAYs within one system

• Recommended Resources
  • Key Hardware
    • x86 compatible
    • RAID Controller 1
    • RAID Controller 2
    • HDD's
    • Network Interface Cards
  • Software
    • Open-E DSS
• Benefits
  • Data redundancy over RAID Array
  • Local data availability
  • Low cost solution
• Disadvantages
  • In case of complete system failure, data will be lost or inaccessible

Pic 01

Data is written and read from Array 1

Data is periodically replicated to Array 2

Pic 02

In case of raid array error or disk drive error on the Raid Array 1, the server will send an e-mail notification to the administrator and/or users

The administrator then switches from Array 1 to Array 2

Pic 03

After switching, replicated data is available on Array 2

2.2. Asynchronous Data Replication over a LAN

Replication between two systems within a single LAN

• Recommended Resources
  • Key Hardware (two systems)
    • x86 compatible
    • RAID Controller
    • HDD's
    • Network Interface Cards
  • Software
    • Open-E DSS, 2 units
• Benefits
  • Data Redundancy over a LAN
  • Local data availability
• Disadvantages
  • Natural disasters can destroy both machines
  • High cost of solution

Pic 04

Data is written and read in System 1

Data is periodically replicated from System 1 to System 2 over the LAN

Pic 05

In case of raid array error, or disk drive error on System 1, the system will send an e-mail notification to the administrator

Administrator then switches users to System 2

Pic 06

After switching, replicated data is available on System 2

2.3. Asynchronous Data Replication over a WAN

Replication between two systems over a WAN

• Recommended Resources
  • Key Hardware (two systems)
    • x86 compatible
    • RAID Controller
    • HDD's
    • Network Interface Cards
  • Software
    • Open-E DSS, 2 units
• Benefits
  • Data redundancy
  • Maximum data safety
• Disadvantages
  • High cost of WAN solution

Pic 07

Data is written and read in System 1

Data is periodically replicated to System 2 via an Internet connection

Pic 08

In the event of a raid array error or disk drive error on System 1, the server will send an e-mail notification to the administrator, In the event of a loss of system 1 users will be notified,

Administrator then switches users to System 2 over the WAN.

Pic 09

After switching, replicated data is available on System 2

3. Volume Replications - Replication Solutions Supported by Open-E DSS

3.1. Synchronous Volume Replication over a LAN

Replication between two systems within one LAN

• Recommended Resources
  • Key Hardware (two systems)
    • x86 compatible
    • RAID Controller
    • HDD's
    • Network Interface Cards
  • Software
    • Open-E DSS, 2 units
• Benefits
  • Data Redundancy over a LAN,
  • Enables continuous data access
• Disadvantages
  • High cost of solution,
  • Natural disasters can destroy local systems.

Pic 10

Data is written and read to System 1

Data is continiously replicated to System 2

Pic 11

In case of raid array error or disk drive error on the System 1, the server will send an e-mail notification to the administrator, In the case of a failure of system 1, users will be notified,

Administrator then switches users to the System 2

Pic 12

After switching, replicated volume is available on System 2

3.2. Synchronous Volume Replication over a WAN

Replication between two systems over a WAN

• Recommended Resources
  • Key Hardware (two systems)
    • x86 compatible
    • RAID Controller
    • HDD's
    • Network Interface Cards
  • Software
    • Open-E DSS, 2 units
• Benefits
  • Data redundancy
  • Maximum data safety
• Disadvantages
  • High cost of WAN solution

Pic 13

Data is written and read to System 1

Data is replicated to System 2 via an Internet connection

Pic 14

In case of raid array error or disk drive error on the System 1, the server will send an e-mail notification to the administrator, In the case of a failure of system 1, users will be notified,

Administrator then switches users to the System 2 over the WAN.

Pic 15

After switching, replicated volume is available on System 2

3.3. Synchronous Volume Replication with Failover over a LAN

Volume Replication with Failover between two systems within one LAN

• Recommended Resources
  • Key Hardware (two systems)
    • x86 compatible
    • RAID Controller with Batery Backup Unit
    • HDD's
    • Network Interface Cards
    • Ping Node (ping node it is any permanently (24/7) available host in the network. In particular case the ping node function can be performed by the server storing the data on the iSCSI failover volume).
  • Software
    • Open-E DSS, 2 units
• Benefits
  • Eliminates business disruption
  • Provides data redundancy over a LAN
  • Enables switch redundancy
• Disadvantages
  • High cost of solution
  • Natural disasters can destroy local systems

Pic 16

Data is written and read to System 1 (primary)

Data is continually replicated to System 2 (secondary)

Pic 17

In case of raid array or disk drive error on System 1 (primary), the server will send an e-mail notification to the administrator. iSCSI Auto Failover determines there is no connection between the servers

After a few seconds Automatic Failover is executed and users are switched to System 2 (secondary)

Pic 18

After switching, the replicated volume is available on System 2 (secondary)