LSI Logic views iSCSI as a boon for stranded servers and even as an interconnect for SMB storage, but it adds that the protocol suffers from a lack of bundled storage devices, storage-management software, and HBAs or software initiators. It also underscores a point made by Intransa regarding a key benefit of iSCSI--distance insensitivity--and says an evolving standard for implementing iSCSI over RDMA (iSER) with 10 Gigabit Ethernet will give iSCSI FC-equivalent latency and throughput.
LSI Logic Corp., (866) 574-5741. www.lsilogic.com
McData Corp.
Another key player in the FC fabric world, McData began its response by echoing the mainstream view of iSCSI and its fit within the second storage tier or in the SMB. But before we had a chance to yawn, the vendor provided some interesting numbers: Most SMBs use servers that cost no more than $6,000; and it's difficult to justify spending $1,500 per server for a connection to a Fibre Channel fabric. All this opens the door for iSCSI.
On the subject of speeds and feeds, even more common sense crept into this response. "Speed sells," McData said succinctly, then made a revelation that would have gotten its knuckles rapped by the Fibre Channel Industry Association a year ago: "With current technology, it's possible to run full Gigabit Ethernet bandwidth with iSCSI (Nishan and Alacritech demonstrated this several years ago). For customers with high performance requirements, however, FC at 2 Gbps is the better choice (more ceiling). For moderate-requirement applications, FC is overkill bandwidthwise, and iSCSI is a suitable alternative."
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