SAS MegaRAID adapters at SATA prices for channel

LSI Logic has announced new pricing for internal-connect MegaRAID adapters aimed at accelerating SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) adoption by channel customers currently designing SATA (Serial ATA)-only storage systems. This move enables VARs (value added resellers), system builders and channel OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to now design SAS infrastructures that enable systems to be configured with any combination of SATA and SAS drives. 'Through its internal SAS MegaRAID adapters, LSI offers channel partners the opportunity to design a SAS infrastructure that will enable them to offer users the benefit of drive choice (SAS or SATA) flexibility', says Janet Waxman, Vice President Hardware Channels and Alliances, IDC.

'With this move, LSI opens the door to compete for a larger share of the channel market while helping accelerate SAS adoption in the channel'.

Using LSI internal-connect MegaRAID adapter cards, channel customers can now configure custom systems employing a SAS/SATA adapter with any combination of low-cost SATA drives and high-performance SAS drives without the cost premiums typically associated with SAS RAID controllers.

All adapter products use a single management utility with port counts ranging from four to 16.

'Today's announcement represents the continued efforts of LSI to anticipate the needs of our channel partners and proactively supply them with storage adapters that enable them to deliver a diverse product portfolio', says Mike Gurin, Sales Director, Storage Solutions, LSI Logic.

'By offering SAS controllers with SATA capability at SATA prices, we're enabling channel partners to deliver a single platform that meets their customers' changing capacity and performance needs, while reducing design, test, and inventory costs'.