Frequently Asked Questions:
Promise VTrak E-Class RAID Subsystems
and OS X, Xsan 2 and Final Cut 2
Q: What did Apple and Promise Announce recently?
Iphone 4 sim unlock cydia jailbreak. A: On the 19th of February 2008, Apple announced their Xsan 2 product, and as a part of that announcement stated “For the first time, Xsan 2 has been qualified with third-party RAID storage hardware from Promise Technology in configurations tuned and optimized for Xsan, Mac OS X Server and Apple’s professional applications”.
At the same time, Promise announced support for Apple’s newest OS X version, Leopard, OS X 10.5.2, Apple hardware (Xserve and Mac Pro systems) and Final Cut 2 application software on specific models and configurations of the VTrak E-Class RAID subsystems and storage expansion enclosures.
This support from Promise VTrak systems is available on limited configurations when purchased through Apple or Apple authorized sales channels.
Q: Which configurations are supported?
Fine-tuned for Mac Pro & macOS Catalina Legendary PROMISE Engineering, Quality & Support Internal Storage Options for Mac Pro – PROMISE Pegasus R4i RAID Storage MPX Module and Pegasus J2i to conveniently store and speedily access upto 32TB of data over internal buses.
Capacity mirror mac-pro pegasus-j2i software-raid disk-utility raid0 raid1 Category: Solutions for Mac Pro How to connect Pegasus32 to the Mac Pro and what performance can I expect for Pegasus32 R4, R6 and R8? PROMISE VTrak x30 Series 32TB (16x 2TB SAS) 3U RAID Subsystem - Next Gallery Image PROMISE VTrak x30 Series 32TB (16x 2TB SAS) 3U RAID Subsystem $19,199.00. ServicePlus Onsite 4-hr Parts Replacement for VTrak Series for Mac OS X Subsystems The Promise ServicePlus Plan is an upgrade to VTrak Series for Mac OS X subsystem 3-Year limited advance replacement warranty, adding 4-hour onsite hardware parts replacement service for Promise manufactured field replaceable units while they are under warranty.
A: For specific configurations, part numbers and pricing sold through the Apple channels and supported by Promise and Apple visit the Apple Store at:
http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/BizCustom?qprm=78313&node=home/shop_mac/mac_accessories/promise
http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/BizCustom?qprm=78313&node=home/shop_mac/mac_accessories/promise
The hardware configurations of the VTrak E-Class RAID subsystem and expansion enclosures are limited to the dual controller Fibre Channel subsystems with 2GB cache memory and dual controller SAS expansion chassis.
Q: What’s so special about these limited configurations?
A: The configurations listed on the Apple Store have a different firmware version that has been well tuned for Apple hardware, Mac OS X Server, Xsan 2 and Final Cut 2 professional applications software and rigorously tested by Apple and Promise for performance, compatibility and outstanding reliability.
Promise Vtrak Support
Q: Are there any other configurations or models of VTrak RAID storage subsystems supported for Apple applications by Promise or Apple?
A: No
Q: Where can I buy these specific configurations?
A: These specific configurations can ONLY be purchased through Apple and Apple approved sales channels worldwide. Promise does not sell these specific configurations through any other channels.
http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/BizCustom?qprm=78313&node=home/shop_mac/mac_accessories/promise
http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/BizCustom?qprm=78313&node=home/shop_mac/mac_accessories/promise
Q: Would Promise or Apple provide after sales support if I buy ANY Promise VTrak RAID subsystem from anywhere else other than Apple sales channels, configure it with my own choice of disk drives and then connect to Apple Mac Pro and Xserve products?
A: No.
Q: Promise has had a very successful business selling VTrak E-Class RAID subsystems into Windows and Linux markets for several years. How will the relationship with Apple impact Promise’s business there?
A: Storage customers in all markets will benefit:
Apple is targeting the Promise Vtrak E-Class RAID subsystem at Mac platforms running Mac OS X, Xsan 2 and Final Cut Studio 2. This is a very focused market with great potential that Promise has not sold into in the past to any great degree. Apple is helping Promise extend its reach by offering an Apple qualified VTrak E-Class RAID subsystem to Mac Pro (and Xserve) users running OS X (10.5.2 or later).
Promise will continue to meet the needs of demanding storage environments in Windows and Linux environments built around industry standard open architecture hardware as we have done successfully for many years. Only now, we will do it knowing the VTrak E-Class has been tested and qualified by one of the world’s leading IT companies, one synonymous with quality, performance, reliability and ease of use.
Apple customers running OS X, Xsan 2 and Final Cut on Mac Pro and Xserve platforms now have access to next generation storage with dual ported 4Gb FC connectivity to the host, dual controller, active/active, failover/failback capabilities, terrific performance and scalability to 32 drives. Everyone wins.
Q: So if I just buy the components of an Apple Qualified configuration on the open market, and assemble it myself neither Apple nor Promise will support it?
A: That is correct.
A: That is correct.
Q: Do Apple-integrated configurations support Windows or Linux-based network clients?
A: Yes.
Q: Are Apple-integrated configurations supported on PC based installs running Windows and Linux up to 4 JBODs for up to 80 spindles?
A: Yes
Q: Are Apple-integrated configurations supported on Mac OS X 10.5.2 with up to 4 JBOD Expansion Chassis for up to 80 spindles?
A: The currently supported configurations are based on the hardware platforms that Apple and Promise have focused their tested for optimal performance, compatibility and reliability in the demanding environments supported by Mac OS X, Xsan 2 and final Cut Studio 2. Those hardware platforms are currently based on a series of fully configured and tested Promise VTrak E-Class RAID subsystems and a single VTrak expansion chassis. No additional expansion is supported at this time on Mac platforms.
Q: If I need more information who can I call?
A: Promise pre-and post-sales support resources are available 24x7 to answer your questions. For Pre-sales questions, feel free to contact Promise at 1-800-888-0245, option 2.
If you have questions before you buy your VTrak E-Class RAID subsystem from Apple, you can also utilize web-based support from Promise, by following the procedure listed below.
• Visit the Promise Support center at https://support.promise.com.
• If you are a new user please register as a “New User” and then login.
• If you are a repeat user please log-in using your user name and the pass word
• Select “click here” once you are in the “Support Center” page and the general support form page will appear.
• Select “Pre sales questions”
• Type in your question and then submit
• Someone from the Promise Sales Support team will soon contact you via email and/or phone
• If you are a new user please register as a “New User” and then login.
• If you are a repeat user please log-in using your user name and the pass word
• Select “click here” once you are in the “Support Center” page and the general support form page will appear.
• Select “Pre sales questions”
• Type in your question and then submit
• Someone from the Promise Sales Support team will soon contact you via email and/or phone
If you have post-sales technical support questions you can also reach Promise at 1-800-888-0245 and then select option 8 to be directed to our Tech Support Team, or you can submit your question over the web by following the procedure listed below for Promise’s web-based support, available at https://support.promise.com.
• Visit the Promise Support center at https://support.promise.com.
• If you are a new user please register as a “New User” and then login.
• If you are a repeat user please log-in using your user name and the pass word
• Select “click here” once you are in the “Support Center” page and the general support form page will appear.
• Register your product using the link in the top banner and follow the instructions and complete registration
• Click on the link “Open Web Support” in the top banner and proceed to the link “Web Support Online Form” and follow further instructions.
• A Promise Technical Support representative will soon contact you email and / or phone.
• If you are a new user please register as a “New User” and then login.
• If you are a repeat user please log-in using your user name and the pass word
• Select “click here” once you are in the “Support Center” page and the general support form page will appear.
• Register your product using the link in the top banner and follow the instructions and complete registration
• Click on the link “Open Web Support” in the top banner and proceed to the link “Web Support Online Form” and follow further instructions.
• A Promise Technical Support representative will soon contact you email and / or phone.
Promise can be reached at 1-408-228-1400 or toll free at 1-800-888-0245. If you need pre-sales assistance, select option 2. For post sales technical support, select option 8.
We can also be reached on the web at https://support.promise.com.
This product is no longer available, please contact us for a replacement solution.
Overview:
The PROMISE VTrak x30 Series Series of intelligent, high availability RAID storage subsystems has fundamentally changed storage economics. From purchase and set up, to operation and upgrade, PROMISE storage offers unmatched performance, reliability and value.
VTrak E-Class is used in some of the world’s largest enterprise computing and backup environments. It also truly shines in video creation environments by delivering consistent low latency performance without frame dropping. When used in film and video postproduction, users can scale performance and capacity to support large scale, uncompressed HD workflows.
VTrak E-Class
RAID storage subsystem for Big Data, Rich Media, Surveillance, and Virtualization
- Optimized for high performance, high bandwidth rich media applications requiring large block sequential IOPs.
- Active-Active, dual-controller and fail-over capabilities, which assures enterprise users a “no single point of failure” storage environment.
- High-speed 8Gbps host connectivity coupled with massive internal bandwidth, the VTrak Ex30f features 6Gbps SAS/SATA drive technology.
- Powered by next-generation processing power from Intel, the Xeon C3500 Series processors, the VTrak x30 unleashes tomorrow’s performance, today.
VTrak Ex30 Advantages
- Quad 8Gbps FC ports per controller
- Delivers up to four times more performance than previous generation
- High-availability design
- Out-of-the-box support with zero software install required
- Scale up to 9 expansion chassis for a total of 240 drives
- PerfectFlash enables software updates without requiring downtime
- Administer access control through Open Directory & LDAP
- Energy efficient power supplies offering up to 85% power efficiency
- Qualified solution for Mac OS X, Xsan, and Final Cut Pro
- Certified for Windows, Linux, and StorNext
Designed for data intensive applications
With rapidly growing demands on Storage Area Networks (SAN), IT departments require the best performance, capacity and overall value from their storage investment. The PROMISE VTrak Ex30f delivers on all fronts, with unparalleled next generation storage processing power. Using high-speed 8 Gb/s host connectivity coupled with massive internal bandwidth, the VTrak Ex30 features the latest 6 Gb/s SAS/SATA drive technology that sets a new performance standard. The VTrak Ex30 also features an easy to use web interface to simplify storage setup and management.
High performance enterprise-level storage architecture
Dual active-active controller modules are internally connected using high performance PCIe Gen2 and delivered in an industry standard Storage Bridge Bay (SBB) 2.0 compliant package. Hosts connect to VTrak Ex30 through quad 8 Gb/s FC ports per controller, giving users a staggering 6.4 GB/s of bandwidth to their stored data.
Exceptional uptime and reliability
Built upon Intel’s next generation storage platform, the Intel Xeon processor C5500/C3500 series with the Intel 3420 chipset, the Promise VTrak x30 Series is equipped with the horsepower to handle the rigorous demands of today’s enterprise environments. Dual power supplies/cooling units come standard, to ensure exceptional uptime and reliability.
Outstanding power efficiency
VTrak products utilize environmentally-friendly production methods and materials and are designed with high-efficiency in mind. Powered by 80Plus Bronze certified power supplies that offer up to 85% power efficiency, all VTrak x30 Series products improve TCO by conserving power, reducing heat output and improving cooling costs. Additionally, the Promise GreenRAID initiative includes advanced power management support for hard disk drives, providing up to 65% energy savings.
Your data is safe with Vtrak
Dual active-active 8 Gb/s Fibre Channel controller modules with cache mirroring over a high-speed PCIe Gen 2 link allow for redundant data paths to ensure data availability, while dual power supply units, battery backed cache, and intelligent cache management strategies are in place to minimize downtime and protect user data. Hardened controller fail-over strategies, autonomous healing technologies like predictive data migration, along with robust RAID 5 and RAID 6 algorithms work together to improve system fault tolerance capabilities and assist in keeping continuous data access.
Edit & play back video faster than ever
A faster processor, faster FC ports, and more memory is just the beginning. Enhanced cached mirroring design, auto-regeneration of data to mitigate frame drops and optimized disk access all add up to blazing performance for broadcast and editing environments.The VTrak x30 Series optimizes performance to enable media professionals to increase productivity by up to 2.5 times over the previous generation VTrak, delivering best-in-class performance.
Powerful browser-based management GUI WebPAM PROe
Designed with simplicity in mind, the all-new WebPAM PROe takes VTrak storage management to a new level. It includes: automatic configurations tuned for common applications, non-disruptive software updates, power savings scheduler, performance and power monitoring statistics, drag-and-drop LUN mapping/masking and much more. Everything you need is built in, just log in through Safari on your Mac or iPad.VTrak x30 Series enables enterprise-class management capabilities by supporting the latest in SNMP and CIM standards to work with popular enterprise monitoring software packages. In addition, for those users needing to propagate similar configurations over multiple RAID subsystems, WebPAM PROe has functionality to import configurations with just a few clicks of the mouse.
Backup
As consumers and business become more mobile, the need for data access, retrieval, and distribution anywhere at any time means that data must be protected. Data centers, hyperscale computing, and high performance computing not only require performance and reliability, but flexibility and cost-efficiency for tiered storage management. Nearline SAS/SATA JBOD expansion units provide the versatility and scale for such demands.
Features and Benefits:
System Highlights
- RAID storage subsystem for big data, rich media, surveillance, and virtualization
- Quad 8Gbps FC ports
- Fibre Channel performance delivers up to four times more performance than previous generation, delivering up to 5.5 GB/s for reads and 2.4 GB/s for writes in RAID5
- High-availability design
- Out-of-the-box support with zero software installation required
- Scale up to 9 expansion chassis for a total of 240 drives
- PerfectFlash enables firmware updates without requiring downtime
- Administer access control through Open Directory & LDAP
- Energy efficient power supplies offering up to 85% power efficiency
- Qualified solution for VTrakFS, Xsan, StorNext and Final Cut Pro
- Certified for Windows, Linux, OS X
Benefits
- Fast - Optimized for high performance, high bandwidth big data applications requiring large block sequential IOPs.
- Simple - Modular RAID storage subsystem with hot-swappable components.
- Scalable - RAID storage subsystem that scales with 9 additional expansion units.
- Reliable - VTrak x30 Series is the only Apple-qualified enterprise SAN subsystem, with high-availability dual controllers, hot-swappable modular design, and included 3-Year onsite parts replacement warranty.
- Cost-Efficient - “Pay as you grow” with 85-90% rack space and energy savings compared to non-integrated multi-vendor solutions.
Deployment:
Virtualization
Cloud computing infrastructure requires flexibility and storage management efficiency. Virtualization enables dynamic storage allocations such that physical layers of storage can be utilized most effectively. As virtual machines continue to increase with more virtualized deployments, fibre channel performance optimized where critical complimented with simpler and cost effective 10GbE iSCSI infrastructures will accelerate meeting the bandwidth and storage requirements for the cloud and datacenter.
Specifications:
Promise Vtrak M500i
PROMISE VTrak Ex30 Series Specifications | ||
---|---|---|
Controller Module Features | 3U/16 Bay | 4U/24 Bay |
Model # - Single Controller | VTE630fS | VTE830fS |
Model # - Dual Controller | VTE630fD | VTE830fD |
Drive Support | Up to sixteen 3.5'/2.5' HDDs or SSDs | Up to twenty-four 3.5'/2.5' HDDs or SSDs |
| ||
External I/O Ports (per controller) |
| |
Data Cache | 2GB data cache per controller protected with hot-swappable battery backup unit (BBU) | |
Operational Features | ||
RAID Levels | 0, 1, 1E, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60 | |
RAID Stripe Size Support | 64K, 128K, 256K, 512K and 1MB | |
Hot Spares | Global or dedicated with revertible option | |
Max LUNs per Subsystem | 1024 | |
Max LUNs per array | 32 | |
Advanced Storage Features |
| |
Background Activities |
| |
PerfectRAID Features |
| |
GreenRAID Features |
| |
Supported Operating Systems | Mac OS X/Mac OS X Server (10.8), Microsoft Windows Server 2008 w/SP2, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2, RedHat Enterprise Linux 6.0, RedHat Enterprise Linux 6.1, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 11.1, VMware ESX Server 4.1, VMware ESX Server 5.0 | |
Mechanical Specification | ||
Voltage | 100-240 Vac Auto-Ranging | |
Current (Maximum) | 10 A @ 100 VAC; 5 A @ 200 VAC | |
Power Conversion Efficiency | >80% @ 110V (>20% load), >80% @ 240V (>20% load) | |
Temperature Range | Operational: 5° to 35°C Non-Operational: -40° to 60°C | |
Humidity | Operational: 10% to 90% (Non-Condensing) Non-Operational: 5% to 95% (Non-Condensing) | |
Acoustic Noise Levels | 55 dB (Typical) 65 dB (Maximum) | |
Shock | Operational: 5G, 11 ms duration Non-Operational: 10G, 11ms duration | |
Vibration | Operational: 0.3G, 5 to 500 Hz Non-Operational:: 1G, 5 to 500 Hz | |
Safety | CE, FCC Class A, UL/cUL, TUV, BSMI Class A, VCCI Class A, CB, KCC, NOM, GOST-R, IRAM, C-Tick, S-Mark | |
Environmental Standards | RoHS, GreenPC, WEEE | |
3U/16 Bay | 4U/24 Bay | |
Power Supply | Dual 580W, 100-240 Vac auto-ranging, 50-60 Hz, dual hot swap and redundant withPFC, N+1 design | Dual 750W, 100-240 Vac auto-ranging, 50-60 Hz, dual hot swap and redundant withPFC, N+1 design |
Dimensions (H x W x D) | 13.1 x 44.7 x 50.7 cm 5.2 x 17.6 x 19.96 in | 17.4 x 44.7 x 50.7 cm 6.9 x 17.6 x 19.96 in |
Weight | 25 kg / 56 lbs (w/o drives) | 27 kg / 60 lbs (w/o drives) |
Warranty and Support | ||
Warranty | Three year complete system limited warranty with advanced parts replacement; optional extended warranty; onsite partsreplacement program - PROMISE Service Plus (optional in some regions) | |
Support | 24/7 e-mail and phone support (English only); 24/7 access to PROMISE support site-drivers, firmware and compatibility lists |
Videos:
Promise Vtrak Efd For Machine
Documentation:
Download the PROMISE VTrak E-Class & J-Class Datasheet (PDF).
Pricing Notes:
Promise Vtrak Efd For Mac Os
- Pricing and product availability subject to change without notice.