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Hyperconverged Server Storage Solutions
HCI, short for Hyper Converged Infrastructure, is a software-defined computing infrastructure that uses virtualization in place of specialized server hardware. HCI enables organizations to build and maintain virtual datacenters and business servers using off-the-shelf computing platforms (such a prebuilt Dell, HP, or Lenovo). Servers built around this architecture often employ cost-effective rackmount platforms.
Like many virtualization-based solutions, HCI was designed lower TCO by reducing the dependence on enterprise hardware platforms and simplifying management workflows with a unified software interface.
A key advantage provided by HCI architecture is the shared storage pool. HCI servers can utilize DAS (direct attached storage) devices in place of expensive enterprise grade storage appliances with minimal performance loss. The HCI hypervisors enable the DAS devices installed into each hosted server to be managed collectively, via a single console. Each server managed by the HCI hypervisor can be configured to directly host storage media, which can then be allocated to a particular task or function as needed. As such, cost-effective, high-density SAS and SATA based storage solutions are ideal for HCI applications. In addition, HCI platforms are highly scalable. Unlike conventional datacenters, HCI servers do not need to conform to a particular hardware architecture. Instead, computing and storage resources are pooled and allocated dynamically, via the unified hypervisor interface.
Applications
HCI is a flexible, cost-effective alternative to the traditional datacenter model. HCI systems utilize a hypervisor (computing virtualization software) to pool the resources of off-the-shelf server hardware and cost-effective DAS storage devices.
Solutions
Rocket 760A
Rocket 750A
Rocket 740A
Rocket 730A
Rocket 710
Rocket 720
Versatile & Cost-Effective SAS Connectivity Solutions for HCI Applications
HighPoint’s Rocket 700A series High Port Count HBAs, and Rocket 700 series Connectivity HBAs are ideal storage solutions for Windows and Linux based HCI applications. The compact PCIe devices can be easily installed into any computing platform with a free PCIe 3.0/4.0 x8 or x16 slot, and can directly host up to 48 SAS or SATA drives, or up to 128 via SAS Expansion backplanes. Rocket 700A and 700 series HBAs utilize robust, self-locking SFF-8643 ports, which support a wide range of cabling options.
DAS Solutions
Rocket 700A series High Port Count (HPC) 12G SAS HBAs are the industry’s densest single-card storage solutions for x86-64 Intel/AMD and Mac platforms. Rocket 700A HBAs are available with up to 48 independent device channels, and are capable of supporting any industry standard 2.5” or 3.5” SAS or SATA hard disk drive.
SAS Expansion Solutions
Rocket 700 series 12G SAS connectivity solutions represent the industry’s most affordable SAS/SATA mass-storage solution. Priced left than half the cost of a Tri-Mode controller, a single Rocket 720 HBA can support up to 128 SAS/SATA hard drives when used in conjunction with a SAS-Expansion capable backplane.
Software-Defined Storage Ready
Rocket 700A High Port Count 700 Series HBAs are compatible with all modern operating systems including Microsoft Windows and Windows Server, Apple’s macOS, and current distributions of Linux. Disks hosted by Rocket 720 and 710 HBAs will be recognized as independent, stand-alone drives, which can be formatted, partitioned and configured using the platforms default storage management interface. In addition, Rocket 700 series HBAs are fully compatible with OS level RAID solutions and Software-Defined Storage Suites (SDS) such as Linux CEPH, and Microsoft S2D. Customers need only install the device driver – no additional software layer or interface is required.
Optional Bootable RAID Support
Customers that require all-in-one storage solution can use the HighPoint’s unified Management Suite comprised of a BIOS, UEFI, CLI and Web-based interface, to configure RAID 0, 1, and 10 configurations. Rocket 720 and 710 HBAs can host multiple arrays, including bootable redundant RAID 1 configurations for applications that require an additional layer of data security.
OOB Management (UEFI HII) via IPMI
Rocket 700 series HBAs can accommodate OOB (out-of-band) remote management via UEFI HII (human interface infrastructure) capability. This feature is designed for use with motherboards and computing platforms that support IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface).
12G SAS Connectivity Solutions for HCI Servers
Rocket 760A / 750A / 740A / 730A 12G SAS HPC HBAs
Rocket 700A series HPC HBAs are the industry’s densest single-card SAS solutions. Available with 24 to 48 independent device channels, R700A HBAs are capable of supporting off-the-shelf 2.5” or 3.5” SAS or SATA hard disk drives, and can be easily integrated into industry standard server & rackmount platforms with a free PCIe 3.0/4.0 x16 slot.
Quick Specs
Host Interface: PCIe 3.0x x16
Device Ports: 48/40/32/23 12G SAS Ports
Form Factor: Single-Width, Full-Height
Rocket 720 / 710 12G SAS Connectivity HBAs
Rocket 700 series HBAs are the industry's most affordable 12G SAS mass storage solution. The compact half-height PCIe controllers are available with 8 or 16 independent 12G device ports, and are capable of supporting up to 128 SAS/SATA HDDs via SAS-Expansion backplanes.
Quick Specs
Host Interface: PCIe 3.0 x8
Device Ports: 8/16 12G SAS Ports
Form Factor: Single-Width, Half-Height