HP Modular Smart Array 500 G2 (MSA500 G2)

HP StorageWorks MSA 500 G2

A simple and reliable disk storage device, HP Modular Smart Array (MSA) 500 Generation 2 (G2) storage is designed for use in environments such as enterprise remote offices, medium-sized business, and distributed computing. As a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) disk storage system, the HP MSA500 G2 come standard with a single RAID controller with a cache size of up to256 (Megabytes) MB, but offer the option of expanding through adding another cache module onto the RAID controller for an increased cache size of 512 MB. Built on the high-performance foundation of Smart Array Technology, MSA500 G2 storage devices are highly flexible, and provide the ability to either cluster storage, or to share storage for the purpose of increased sever utilization. An additional advanced technology that HP MS500 G2 storage devices are equipped with include Ultra320 iSCSI technology, which provides benefits such as reduced command overhead leading to enhanced throughput, and rapid drive rebuild technology, which works to increase RAID drive rebuild rates.

The standard configuration of an HP MSA 500 G2 consists of: a single RAID controller, 2 Ultra320 iSCSI, host adapters and cables. With all of these essential components, the HP MSA500 G2 is a complete storage system, but includes many expansion options such as a high availability kit as well as an in-place upgrade to MSA1000 Fibre Channel (FC) storage system. The high availability kit adds to the standard configuration with features including a 4-port I/O module and Smart Array Multipath software. While expansion options are terrific for growing business, to adapt with the needs of their business, the standard model of the HP MSA500 G2 stands on its own, with superior performance and storage capacity, as well as support for up to 14 universal disks, a 4-node cluster, a combined cluster and a storage sharing applications. With all of these features and more, HP MSA500 G2s are ideal for applications including large file transfers and video systems and small file transfers in business critical applications.