Many applications derive maximum benefit from additional cache on the server and others benefit from storage controller cache. The RA8000 pedestals and rackables come in both single controller and in dual controller models to allow the customer to select the level of availability required for his application. Dual controller models can operate in a dual redundant active-active mode. Selecting a dual controller model provides automatic failover in the event of a controller failure. For affordability and investment protection, a single controller model can be upgraded to a dual controller model when warranted by the application.
High availability is supported by the use of redundancy and hot swappable components.
Power can be upgraded to full redundancy with the addition of 3 more supplies and a 2nd power distribution unit for AC input redundancy. Cache features include mirrored write back cache for use in optimizing performance where redundant capabilities are required for high availability system configurations. In the rare event that a storage controller fails the mirrored data is immediately available to the remaining controller for continuing operation. Can use multiple RA8000 subsystems for unbounded capacity. Automatic fail-over, hot swapable components, automatic disk replacement and failure notification facilities for no service interruption.