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Active Storage reportedly closing its doors
For those who deal with Macs in the enterprise, you may be saddened by the surfacing news that Active Storage is shutting down. Over the last four years, the company has unveiled an array (pardon the pun) of Mac-centric storage solutions, including controllers intended to bridge the gap left by Apple's discontinued Xserve line. The news comes unexpected to many, with no official word from the company regarding the shut down. If anything, a quick browse of their website shows no indication of any problems -- as recently as two weeks ago, in fact, they announced a new storage platform offering and formed partnerships with a couple of media companies to promote the new brand. The only hint of confirmation on the shutdown is a forum post from one of the engineers, which indicates that the employees were also taken by surprise, but that many of them have already moved on to other jobs and that details should be made public soon. It's at least some comfort to know that the employees have been able to recover from the blow, but I'm sure many customers will have questions about the future of their products and support contracts as word of the closure gets around.
Apple offers Final Cut Pro X update and free 30 day trial, hopes we can all still be friends
Plenty of folks were less than thrilled by the release of Apple's rebuilt Final Cut Pro -- in fact, words like "disgruntled" come to mind when describing the response to the new version of the video editing software. Take heart, however, the massive backlash hasn't gone unnoticed. The company has released version 10.0.1 of Final Cut Pro X, which offers up some new features, including support for rich XML and Xsan, Lion full-screen view and Media Stem export. Apple has even offered up a rare moment of humility, acknowledging that the additions are an attempt at "answering those concerns" of "very vocal customers." The company is also looking to push back against some of the negative press by offering up a 30 day demo of the software to wary users afraid to take the plunge. More updates, including multi-camera support and broadcast-quality video monitoring are promised for early next year.
Apple releases Xsan 2.2.2 FileSystem Update for 10.6
Apple has released an update to Xsan, its storage area network (SAN) file system for OS X. Xsan 2.2.2 FileSystem Update is recommended for all Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard-based Xsan 2.2 systems, according to the release notes. The update improves general file system reliability and offers: improved file system reliability when the filesystem is highly fragmented improved file system reliability when unmounting a volume improved file system reliability when running snfsdefrag improved file system reliability when native extended attributes are enabled improved Finder reliability when browsing a volume that is highly fragmented allows Xsan Admin to create new volumes when more than 100 fsm processes are running Xsan 2.2.2 FileSystem Update is a 39 MB download and requires Mac OS X 10.6 client or server. The direct download link tot he software is here.
Xsan sites gain options as Active Storage steps in with new metadata controller
So long, Xserve. At the end of the day (January 31), you will be leaving the product sales list after serving the Mac community faithfully for nearly nine years. But today Active Storage introduced ActiveSAN, a high-performance metadata controller for Xsan and StorNext networks, intending to pick up where Xserve leaves off -- at least for this specialized function. Xsan is Apple's version of a storage area network/cluster file system, using high-speed Fibre Channel connections to allow bunches of workstations access to the same pool of data without clogging traditional Ethernet networks. They're widely deployed in video production environments, scientific computing and other spots where enterprises find the need to get lots of bits moved around in a big hurry. A typical Xsan deployment might include terabytes of storage (on Xserve RAID or Promise RAID redundant storage) available to users. In order to make sure that individual client machines only get access to the stuff they're supposed to (and to guard against two machines writing to the same block at the same time), Xsan requires metadata controllers -- traditionally Xserves or Mac Pros running Mac OS X Server and connected via PCI-based Fibre Channel cards to the SAN. While the Mac Pro is still an option for use as an MDC, the Mac mini server is not (no PCI slot to stash the FC card). Since Xsan is built on the same technology as Quantum's cross-platform StorNext, the Active Storage team was able to create a Linux-based 1U metadata controller with Xsan-friendly setup and a native Mac administration tool. There's no price or configurations for the system yet, but Active Storage intends to show off ActiveSAN at the NAB 2011 convention in April and start delivery during the second quarter. We can assume that ActiveSAN will take advantage of Active Storage's iPhone app, which monitors RAID systems remotely. You can see a video demonstrating ActiveSan following the jump. [hat tip 9to5Mac]
Apple post server-related updates for Xsan and Mail Services
Apple yesterday posted a few new server-related updates for Xsan and Mac OS X Server. The first, Xsan 2.2.1, improves file system reliability and cvfsck repair utility. This update is available for Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard and Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. There's also an updated version of the Xsan uninstaller. Next, Mail Services Update 1.0 addresses issues affecting overall mail service reliability and performance. This update is available and recommend for all users on Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. These updates are available in Software Update, or from Apple's Support Downloads page.
Apple drops Xsan update 2.1
If you use Xsan, then you might want to take note of the new update that Apple dropped yesterday. Apple updated Xsan Admin, Xsan Filesystem and the Xsan Uninstaller to version 2.1. According to the update note, the Xsan Filesystem update fixes: Metadata controller reliability Using and validating file system Access Control Lists Upgrading from Xsan 1.4 The Xsan Admin update provides fixes for: Using SAN Setup Assistant to configure volumes, LUNs and affinities Changing a computer between client and metadata controller roles Listing computers connected to the SAN Visually displaying when LUNs have been truncated You can download these updates by opening Software Update on the Mac running Xsan or by downloading the installer packages from Apple's Support Downloads website. For detailed information about this Xsan update, refer to the support note on Xsan 2.1.
XServe Raid no longer available, Apple partners with Promise
One of the features prominently touted by Apple in the new XSan 2 is its support for 3rd party storage solutions. It looks like there is a very good reason for that: Apple is no longer making the Xserve RAID. That's right, if you head on over to the XServe Raid's former home on Apple.com you're greeted with some information about the Promise VTrak E-Class RAID Subsystem, and a link to find out more on Promise's website.It would seem that Apple wasn't making enough money in the fast paced Enterprise storage market and is bowing out. This makes lots of sense to me, since (for the most part) storage is a commodity market, and that is something Apple has never been interested in. Now the company can focus on making the software that one uses to power and manage your SAN (i.e. XSan 2) the best in the market (and judging from the screenshots it looks a lot better than most SAN software I've used).Thanks, Tim.
XSan 1.4.2 pops in Software Update
With all the patching and fixing to make ready for Leopard, it's no surprise to see some of Apple's infrastructure tools getting updates this week. Moments ago it was ARD 3.2, and now it's Xsan Admin Update & Filesystem Update 1.4.2! The new software for storage-area networking "addresses numerous issues related to overall reliability, usability and compatibility." Dee-lightful!Specific patches include FC LUN mounting on Leopard, failover improvements, reduced chance of file system metadata corruption (always good), and support for hosting Xsan volumes on Intel-based metadata controllers. Complete list of features under read more or over at Apple's knowledge base. It's recommended that you peruse the Xsan Migration Guide (PDF) before upgrading your clients; note that the metadata controllers must be running the same (or higher) version of XSan as all your clients, so patch with caution.
Apple Pro covers SNL Season 1 and Broadway Video
Apple's Pro ezine has posted a nice piece by Joe Cellini on the production of Saturday Night Live: The Complete First Season (available on DVD and in iTS) by Broadway Video. The definitive DVD set includes the original 24 "Not Ready For Prime Time Players" episodes from way back in 1975. Why the long delay? Music clearances, which took a full 32 years to finish, leaving BV only six weeks to complete the DVD set in time for the holiday buying season.Enter XSan. In the process of converting to high-def production, the SNL team built out a ginormous XServe RAID storage network, including a complete 30-year archive of all the standard-def shows stored in 10-bit uncompressed format. Gosh, that's... (quick calculation in AJA Data Rate) about 150 GB per 90-minute show, 30 seasons of 24 shows each: over 100 terabytes of funny, not even counting the HD shows from the past two seasons. With the first season already digitized, the DVD production was dramatically faster than it would have been otherwise, and according to BV, they "did the entire process using Macs running Final Cut Pro, Shake, Final Touch, and DVD Studio Pro, all SAN-based." Cheeseburger cheeseburger!
Software Update: Apple Xsan 1.4.1 Filesystem and Admin
This one is for the enterprise, pro video and pro audio readers out there. I'd be mighty surprised if any of you had a SAN setup in your living rooms, as appealing as that may be! Xsan is Apple's high-performance SAN file system for Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server. It's super fast and high in Fibre.Apple has released an Xsan 1.4.1 Admin Update, as well as an Xsan 1.4.1 Filesystem Update. Both updates include performance tweaks and improved reliability. From the Read Me:The Xsan 1.4.1 Admin update includes fixes for:- labeling and initializing Fibre Channel LUNs larger than 2TB in size- expanding storage pools and volumes- working with multiple Xsan metadata controllers in a heterogeneous environment- displaying progress messages while performing lengthy operations- preventing custom configuration changes from being overwritten during a save- accurately reporting Fibre Channel multipathing errorsThe Xsan 1.4.1 Filesystem update includes specific fixes for:- metadata controller failovers during power outages and network disconnects- memory related errors that can result in slow system performance or hangs- reducing fragmentation of large files and frame drops during ingest- preventing file system metadata corruption- hosting Xsan volumes on Intel-based metadata controllers- defragmenting files after a volume bandwidth expansion- compatibility with Apple and third party applications
Xsan filesystem and Admin updated to 1.4
I think someone at Apple declared today 'Update Day.' First it was the MacBooks, then Logic, and now Xsan is getting some updating love. The Xsan Filesystem was updated to 1.4 which includes fixes for: using file system access control lists (ACLs) labeling and initializing LUNs greater than 2TB in size AFP and NFS performance when re-sharing Xsan volumes handling file system quotas and notifications compatibility with Apple and third party applications The Xsan Admin tool as also been updated to 1.4 with fixes including: labeling and initializing Fibre Channel LUNs larger than 2TB in size expanding storage pools and volumes working with multiple Xsan metadata controllers in a heterogeneous environment displaying progress messages while performing lengthy operations preventing custom configuration changes from being overwritten during a save accurately reporting Fibre Channel multipathing errors The Xsan uninstaller was also updated, just in case you are sick and tired of Xsan and want to be done with it.
Lots of Xsan 1.3 updates
Attention Xsan users, Apple has just released a number of updates. They include: Xsan Filesystem 1.3 for Mac OS X 10.4 Xsan Filesystem 1.3 for Mac OS X 10.3.9 Xsan Admin 1.3 Update Xsan 1.3 Uninstaller If you're running Xsan, it would behoove you to get these updates (or at least read about them).[via MacMinute]
Xsan: The Basics
You want to deploy Xsan on a few Xserves, and you don't know the first thing about RAID options or LUNS. The obvious question is, 'Why are you deploying Xsan if you know nothing about it?' The answer is clear, 'Because it is just so darned cool!'Just look at that box, and the Xsan logo? Super cool.Luckily for you AFP548 has posted an article designed to transform you from an Xsanless loser into someone who can at least talk about Xsan at a cocktail party (and what a party that would be).
Deploy XSan like a Pro
Apple is a very different company than it was just a few years ago. Now it is rolling in filthy lucre thanks to the run away success of the iPod, and it is offering up enterprise solutions that people in Corporate IT shops are actually seriously considering.XSan is just such a beast; Apple's file system that you use to create SAN's (Storage Area Networks) using XRaids (or some other RAID devices). The good folks at AFP548.com have a review/walk through of XSan that takes you through the steps of setting up your very own SAN using XSan (though as they point out while XSan makes it easy to do this is something that shouldn't be taken lightly).
