Seagate ST3300657SS Enterprise-Optimized 6Gb/s SAS Rivals Fibre Channel Perfor - Page 5

Enterprise-Optimized 6Gb/s SAS Rivals Fibre Channel Performance and Scalability at Lower Cost Graphics copyrighted by SCSI Trade Association, courtesy of Molex. Figure 3. Costly InfiniBand-style connector used by 3Gb/s SAS used by 3Gb/s SAS and relies solely on the mini SAS connector for both internal (SFF-8087) and external (SFF-8088, Figure 4) connectivity. Standardizing on mini-SAS connectors is particularly appropriate for the data center, where these connectors are becoming increasingly commonplace through their use on small form factor (SFF) 2.5-inch hard drives. Investment Protection With Backwards Compatibility Given the numerous technical advancements that the new SAS-2 specification incorporates, it may be surprising to learn that 6Gb/s SAS maintains full 1.5Gb/s and 3Gb/s SAS/SATA compatibility. To further ensure seamless interoperability, compatibility with existing SCSI software and middleware is also retained. Such compatibility is key to ensuring that the enterprise's current installed base of SAS storage solutions will continue to maintain its value as the transition to 6Gb/s SAS gains momentum. Graphics copyrighted by SCSI Trade Association, courtesy of Molex. Figure 4. Compact, cost-effective, mini SAS connectors used by 6Gb/s SAS Conclusion With growing pressure throughout data centers to cut spending while keeping pace with the inexorable demand for more storage capacity and speed, the steep cost and complexity of fibre channel solutions have become increasingly problematic. The arrival of 6Gb/s SAS provides a compelling, cost-effective alternative boasting performance and scalability that rivals fibre channel. 6Gb/s SAS delivers a far simpler and more economically sound alternative to purchase, install and maintain for business sustainability. AMERICAS ASIA / PACIFIC EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA Seagate Technology LLC 920 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, California 95066, United States, 831-438-6550 Seagate Technology International Ltd. 7000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5, Singapore 569877, 65-6485-3888 Seagate Technology SAS 130-136, rue de Silly, 92773, Boulogne-Billancourt Cedex, France 33 1-4186 10 00 Copyright © 2009 Seagate Technology LLC. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. Seagate, Seagate Technology and the Wave logo are registered trademarks of Seagate Technology LLC in the United States and/or other countries. Seagate reserves the right to change, without notice, product offerings or specifications. TP603.1-0905US, May 2009