SAN vs ReadyNAS

[pvong]

I'm currently using Pro 6 for a small office but I want to start using the ReadyNAS for bigger offices. I have some questions and I'm hoping someone can answer this for me.

1) Are the high end NAS using the same Radiator version as the Pro 6?
2) I'm coming from a SAN environment and I really like how you can take snapshots of each iSCSI target and you can set up how many copies you want. Am I wrong to assume this is not possible on the current Radiator versions? I see a snapshot but that's on the WHOLE volume. I do run across scenarios where I have to restore a specific target from a specific date.
3) I really don't use the iSCSI much on the Pro 6 for real work but I do use it for some testing. I am no where close to running out of the space allocated to my one target. My question is the current version of Radiator set up to send an email alert when our iSCSI target space is about to run out? If so, what is that percent before the warning is sent? If not, can you please make this part of the next upgrade?

My Pro 6 is running Radiator 4.2.20

Thanks!
Phil

[mdgm]

1) Are the high end NAS using the same Radiator version as the Pro 6?

All x86 ReadyNAS units (NVX, Pro, Ultra/Ultra Plus Series, Pro Series, 2100, 1500, 3200, 3100 and 4200) use the same firmware. The new ReadyDATA 5200 has a very different OS.

2) I'm coming from a SAN environment and I really like how you can take snapshots of each iSCSI target and you can set up how many copies you want. Am I wrong to assume this is not possible on the current Radiator versions? I see a snapshot but that's on the WHOLE volume. I do run across scenarios where I have to restore a specific target from a specific date.

Sounds like you might be interested in the new ReadyDATA 5200 which offers this feature. See http://www.netgear.com/readydata

3) I really don't use the iSCSI much on the Pro 6 for real work but I do use it for some testing. I am no where close to running out of the space allocated to my one target. My question is the current version of Radiator set up to send an email alert when our iSCSI target space is about to run out? If so, what is that percent before the warning is sent? If not, can you please make this part of the next upgrade?

Couldn't you install software on the PC that you mount the target on to see how full it is?

My Pro 6 is running Radiator 4.2.20

4.2.21 was released yesterday: http://www.readynas.com/RAIDiator_x86_4_2_21_Notes

[pvong]

Thank you for this update!!! I found it very useful. I'm probably going to pick up one of these to test. Can you answer just a few more questions about the 5200?

1) Since it's got a different OS, I noticed in the video demo that it's not offereing XRaid as a option. Does this mean once you decide on a storage capacity of using 1TB drives, you can never upgrade it to 3TB drives without starting totally over? I know you can add the expansion slots and I know you can do 2 of those but I was wondering if I started with 1TB drives, can I upgrade them to 3TB drives in the future like XRAID?

2) Are the engineers / programmers the same team that work on the ReadyNAS products or are they totally a different group of people?

3) Can you tell me how long the 5200 has been out?

4) Can you tell me when you guys might have the 2nd generation of the 5200? Will it come with the 2.5 inch drives? Some of our data centers are getting tight for space.

Thanks again and this was extremely helpful!!!

[mdgm]

1) I think you can expand volumes, but if for some reason you can't expand a volume you should be able to create additional ones.

2) I don't know

3) It's a new product that should be available from late June

4) No idea. It's a new product so I wouldn't expect a v2 any time soon.

There was a press release back in May announcing this new product: http://www.netgear.com/about/press-releases/2012/05302012.aspx