Disk arrays get some AIR
Advanced Integration Research announces a new series of 200-MHz server boards that offer lower-cost RAID (redundant array of independent disks) solutions.
AIR is promoting the inclusion of RAIDport as a cost-effective way to incorporate RAID systems into a network. The RAIDport uses the embedded UltraSCSI chips on servers to communicate with the drive controllers. By handling operations from the motherboard, AIR says that fewer chips are needed for data storage solutions, and fewer chips mean lower cost.
AIR is selling three server boards with the RAIDport: the P6-NDP dual Pentium Pro with EISA/PCI expansion, the P6-NDI single Pentium Pro with ISA/PCI expansion (both at speeds ranging from 150 MHz to 200 MHz), and the P5-TDP dual Pentium with EISA/PCI expansion at speeds ranging from 75 MHz to 200 MHz. The 82430/40 FX chipsets from Intel are used, which support ECC memory.
The P6-NPI dual Pentium pro is priced from $960, while the dual Pentium P5-TDP will go for $860. The P6-NPI single Pentium will start at $560.