Apple updates Xsan; now version 2.2

Apple has updated Xsan to version 2.2. The update includes 64-bit support for Mac OS X 10.6 and Mac OS X 10.6 Server. The update is available manually from Apple's Downloads page or via Software Update for qualifying Macs.

The Xsan 2.2 Filesystem Update improves filesystem performance and reliability and is recommended for all Intel-based Xsan systems running Mac OS X or Mac OS X Server version 10.5.8 or later. It also includes:

• 64-bit support on Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server v10.6.
• Support for native extended attributes. In order to enable extended attributes, all clients on the SAN must be running Xsan 2.2 or later. When enabled, attributes associated with a file are stored inside the file itself rather than in separate hidden files.
• Improved volume reliability during metadata controller failover.
• The ability to enable filesystem search without file content search. For details, see this article.
• Support for renaming a volume without reinitializing it.
• Improved repair capabilities for the cvfsck command.
• More reliable file Access Control Lists (ACLs) in deployments using Active Directory.
• Quicker Spotlight recovery after failover, when metadata controllers use Mac OS X Server v10.6.

The Xsan 2.2 Admin Update includes general improvements for remotely administering, configuring and maintaining Xsan deployments, and includes specific fixes for:

• Binding to Open Directory in SAN Setup Assistant.
• Changing a computer between client and metadata controller roles.
• Reliably listing computers connected to the SAN and adding computers to the list.
• Resizing the inspector window.
• Using SI units (1 GB = 1000 MB) for volume, LUN, storage pool, affinity and quota size reporting.
• Displaying a status warning if Open Directory search policy is incorrect on a client or controller.
• Displaying a status warning if a client or controller cannot see all the LUNs in volume.
• Displaying a status warning if the controller list (fsnameservers) is incorrect on a client. (Also requires Xsan 2.2 on client.)

You can find all the details of the Xsan 2.2 update here.