Ultrastor RS16 + MetaLAN versus “SAN-in-a-box”

[Eric Hansen]

Like people say elsewhere on this forum, it’s all about the support. I have two RS16 RAIDs and they’re awesome. but i’ve learned a lot over the years and support them myself. Would I recommend someone else do that? No. But if your reseller is making themselves available for that, then I say go for it. If there’s no support, then don’t do it. You will tear your hair out.

I just run mine with AFP. No need for MetaLAN in my install. I assume that you know that the RS16 is only a RAID. You still need a server, cards, etc.

e

Eric Hansen
Production Workflow Designer / Consultant / Colorist / DIT
https://www.erichansen.tv

[Ben Holmes]

Thanks Eric – that’s a very helpful response.

I’m planning on using a xMac with Mac mini as server, and also ingest / media management station, so yes, I have costed the extra bits and pieces. It’s still half the cost of even Space. I just don’t know if I need the same level of support that a 24/7 setup has – and I’m going to be out in the field as I said, so to a large extent I’m on my own anyway!

Ben

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[Eric Hansen]

xMac. hmm

Personally, i would test the hell out of that setup before going with it. I’ve spoken with a few other SAN installers and none of our small group has really put a Mac Mini with TB adapters to the test. We don’t know if there’s enough bandwidth to support disc IOs and ethernet. AND you want to use it for ingest. might be a bit much for the Mac Mini bus. but i don’t know…

you’ll definitely be pushing it. and you’ll be on your own. I would try it (hoping to soon). But I’ve been told I’m nuts by quite a few people in this industry.

not sure i would use the RS16 in the field either, if you’re trying to save space with a Mac Mini. The RS16 is still a big deep rack mount RAID.

I’m testing a Small Tree Titanium-Z 5 right now. Portable 5 drive SAN with 10GbE option. Might be right up your alley: https://www.small-tree.com/TitaniumZ_5_p/tz-5.htm

e

Eric Hansen
Production Workflow Designer / Consultant / Colorist / DIT
https://www.erichansen.tv

[Ben Holmes]

5 drives? I had an 8 drive unit before on 4 workstations, and it struggled (it was a Midi Space system, so no slouch). How many systems would those 5 drives support?

I have to admit I’m curious about the smaller units (Platform as well from ProMax although I can find no info on UK suppliers or support) and whether they’re now quick enough for my use. Ingest always seems to hit a SAN, and I’ve got a lot of ingest…

Ben

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[Ben Holmes]

As far as Small Tree goes, I approached them a few years ago, and they had no support or dealers for their solutions in the UK – that was a dealbreaker for me.

Ben

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[Ben Holmes]

Sorry – forgive multiple posts.

If I use MetaSAN I wouldn’t be relying on the Mac Mini as the server in a small setup would I? One of the workstations would as the Master and I’d run the RAID bonded to the switch. Or have I missed something?

Ben

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[Eric Hansen]

if you’re anticipating a lot of ingest, then i suggest a Mac Pro and not a Mini. That way you can get 600+MB/s on the RAID and transfer cards and hard drives directly on the Mac Pro (using USB3, eSATA, SAS, etc), bypassing the ethernet clients. If you use a Mini in an xMac enclosure, you’re going to saturate the Thunderbolt bus, guaranteed.

e

Eric Hansen
Production Workflow Designer / Consultant / Colorist / DIT
https://www.erichansen.tv

[Ben Holmes]

Thanks Eric. I do appreciate the advice. It’s clear I need to talk this through more with my reseller – I’m sure he’d agree with you on this.

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[Nathaniel Cooper]

Hey Ben,

You’re in a very common position and from what I saw at NAB this year, smaller workgroup SANs are a quickly growing part of the market.

The great news is, smaller workgroups can compete with the big guys because of talent and technology. The bad news is, you have the same infrastructure needs but without the big budgets. There are a few options out there that will meet you in the middle.

We designed Platform Studio for this exact market. https://www.promax.com/s-223-promax-platform-studio.aspx It’s not much more than the other solution you were talking about, but it gives you the performance/stability/support benefits of going with a larger ‘enterprise’ solution.

Here is a thread from a recent client in a similar position.
https://forums.creativecow.net/readpost/197/859453

Hope this helps and best of luck to you no matter which way you go!

Nate Cooper
ProMAX
nate.cooper@promax.com

[Ben Holmes]

Hi Nate

What sort of support would I expect in the UK?

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