PRIMERGY | ETERNUS | PRIMEQUEST | SPARC Enterprise

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Fujitsu set about developing the entry-level ETERNUS2000 disk array based on the core idea of protecting and preserving our customer's data. The culmination of thorough analysis of customer working environments, the ETERNUS2000 reflects our pursuit of reliability, ease of use, and the delivery of functionality that enhances the quality and optimization of customer IT infrastructures.

From Components to Complete systems, a Quality approach delivers outstanding reliability

The ETERNUS2000 disk array faithfully embodies Fujitsu's desire to protect and preserve customer data. A key feature of this entry level system is its high reliability based on the principles of RAS (Reliability, Availability and Serviceability).

Concentration of data in storage systems, provides many management and cost benefits. But it also increases the potential for loss or corruption of data with potentially devastating implications for the business. To ensure the highest levels of data protection we designed ETERNUS2000 with a duplex structure of primary components and RAID6 (dual parity protection). We also made use of appropriate high-end reliability technologies developed from our expertise in Enterprise storage systems.

One such technology is the redundant copy function. This always maintains data redundancy and can automatically start copying data when any disk drive failure symptom is detected. Based on high reliability functions previously only included in Enterprise class products, Fujitsu was successful in modifying it for use in mid-range and entry-level systems.

Fujitsu's quality approach also means high scrutiny of component parts. With SATA disks, for example, targeted for use as near-line storage, Fujitsu selected a high-reliability version designed for use in enterprise PCs, rather than those more commonly used in consumer PCs.

Reduced power consumption and size

While choosing quality components, Fujitsu is mindful of the need to achieve TCO reductions for its customers. This includes strategies to reduce both initial costs and operational costs, in as many ways as possible, without affecting overall quality of product and service life.

ETERNUS2000 has a low-power consumption design. This includes eco-mode operation, an application of the MAID (Massive Arrays of Inactive Disks) technology. This mechanism automates disk rotation allowing un-accessed disks to stop spinning during data backups. This typically cuts storage system power consumption by approximately 15%.(*Note 1). The same energy-saving design also suppresses heat generation and extends the operational life of the disk drives, achieving a better return on investment.
Other indications of quality are the space saving and lightweight design. By integrating the RAID controllers onto a single chip and through other component integration measures, Fujitsu has reduced component counts by up to 60%. This has simplified fabrication, lowered prices and implementation costs and further improved reliability for our customers.

Product Quality from high skills and long experience in advanced verification

Fujitsu is using its long experience and acquired skills in mission critical design to achieve high reliability right from the product verification test phase. For example, we forecast the broadest range of problems that could possibly occur and then perform extensive simulations to ensure each situation is reliably handled. We have developed our own technology that simulates hard disks failures allowing us to performance comprehensive fault testing and failure recovery. We also perform over 40,000 failure tests on processors.
These tests distill Fujitsu's experience and expertise from its vast development resources and field experience, to identify, clarify, and enact corrective measures to avoid all known and potential failure situations.

Guaranteed data integrity by verification in multiple error scenarios

Integrity is as important to systems operation as avoiding system downtime. To protect and preserve our customer's important information assets, Fujitsu has ongoing R&D strategies, creating and implementing new technologies essential to guaranteeing the integrity of all stored data.

ETERNUS2000 uses an enhanced block guard function to achieve very high levels of data protection. This assigns/verifies check codes when writing/reading data to and between storage locations. Fujitsu draws on technologies and experience gathered over many years to verify all probable error scenarios and implements the most accurate recovery strategies possible. We also use the most appropriate corrective technology depending on where the error occurs (on disk, in cache, etc.).

This enhanced block guard function was originally provided only in high end products. Now Fujitsu has extended this technology to deliver the same levels of data protection whatever the customer's scale of operation may be. By providing such comprehensive protection, Fujitsu's quality approach delivers a broad range of environments that protects information assets with unprecedented reliability.

Noise reduction for improved office environments

Aware that with increases in data volumes customers may need to use storage devices in an office environment, Fujitsu designed ETERNUS2000 with an office equipment profile. Not only is it small, cool operating, and power efficient, it is also very quiet.

Even in data centers less noise would be appreciated, but in office environments it is a pre-requisite.

With fans being the primary source of operational noise, Fujitsu implemented multi-step fan control. Fan speed is controlled in a series of steps based on the specific ambient air temperature. This not only increases cooling efficiency but also lowers noise output significantly. Maximum fan speed therefore only occurs on the highest temperature threshold. Such sophisticated fan control makes it possible to achieve quiet, library-like, noise levels of 42 dB - an industry-leading achievement.

Operation management, cost, and workload, reduction

The reduction of system operations management costs and workload complexity are major corporate challenges. They are even more problematic for smaller organizations that may not have dedicated IT administration resources. Fujitsu has responded to this by developing simplified operations management for its products.

ETERNUS2000 comes with a number of operation management functions to simplify installation, ongoing operational management and provide more intuitive monitoring capabilities. Startup Wizards now lead customers through all the necessary introduction steps, ensuring that all required settings are made. Subsequent modifications also use the same guided approach. Such attention to detail means this standard software enables anyone, even those without specialist systems knowledge, to setup and easily perform operational and management functions; thereby simplifying workloads and reducing overall business costs.

In addition, operation is web browser based. This eliminates the need for specialized terminals or other additional equipment. Once again Fujitsu's dedication to a quality approach, provides customers with the means to make best use of their existing IT assets.

Avoiding system interruptions during backups and upgrades

Rather than simply maximizing product availability at any cost, Fujitsu takes a range of approaches to system operation to ensure maximum efficiency of our customer's operations.

One example is the acceleration of backup/recovery. Conventional backup and recovery using tape requires considerable time. During such periods, normal operation must stop. ETERNUS2000 is provided with an AdvancedCopy function that achieves fast disk-to-disk backup (models 100/200). By providing very quick backup and recovery times, this capability helps minimize system downtime.

Managing change through superior expansion, and versatile connectivity

With business and IT so very closely intertwined, systems must respond quickly and flexibly to changes in the business. To enable this, Fujitsu has embraced expandability and flexibility in its product design and development.
ETERNUS2000 is modular and can be expanded to a maximum capacity of 54TB. Enabling SAS and near-line SATA disks to coexist in the same module, disk configurations appropriate to any specific application can be selected.
ETERNUS2000 also provides a range of connectivity options allowing it to inter-work with a wide range of UNIX and industry standard servers plus major operating systems. All components are thoroughly verified for interconnectivity, allowing the safe introduction and optimization of existing customer IT infrastructures.