Hitachi introduces mid-range storage solutions

After establishing its presence in the enterprise storage space, Hitachi Data Systems
(HDS), provider of Application Optimized Storage (AOS) solutions, is looking forward to tap the rapidly growing SMB markets. 

The company has launched a new lineup of next generation, channel optimized midrange storage systems-the new Hitachi TagmaStore Adaptable Modular Storage
(AMS) and Workgroup Modular Storage (WMS) lineup. 

AMS and WMS models that are being introduced include entry level AMS500 and AMS200 and WMS100. The new product line features native iSCSI functionality, embedded NAS, Logical Cache Partitioning, 4 GB per second fiber channel connectivity, 'RAID 6' Dual Parity Striping, simplified software with wizards, native disk-based write once read many (WORM) software—data retention utility, Copy-on-Write Snapshot software and full European Union Reduction of Hazardous Substance
(RoHS) compliance.

Hitachi AMS200 and AMS500 can scale up to 40.5TB and 88.5TB respectively, of raw capacity with FC and SATA intermix. The WMS100 can scale to 42TB of raw capacity. The entry-level price of the new line up is $10,000.

The company also introduced Hitachi TagmaStore Network Storage Controller model NSC55, which delivers the functionality of TagmaStore Universal Storage Platform in a
rackmounted, modular form factor. It seamlessly manages up to 16 petabytes of externally attached heterogeneous storage.

In the SMB market, the company is targeting segments like start up IT, ITES and software companies and traditional manufacturers. Hitachi Data Systems India National Channels Director, Srikant Chakrapani said that with these solutions, the company expects to increase its total customer base to 400-500 customers from the current 80-90 customers. 

The company at present has a headcount of 13 employees and plans to increase it to 18 in a few years. Srikant attributed this slow growth in headcount to the company plans to grow through its partners. It would enable the skill transfer while the channels would sell and execute the solutions. In India, the company has two major distributors—Acer and Ingram Micro. It has a base of 15-20 storage-focused channel partners.

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