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View Full Version : Anyone with SAN, XSan, shared storage experience?



Craig Meadows
09-20-2009, 05:42 AM
Have wanted to implement a shared storage solution for years but the costs for our small shop always seemed so high compared to local storage. With that said I am trying to configure a SAN for just two Mac Pro workstations.

We are often super busy and as it always happens the project or files we need are on the other system someone else is working on. So if we can team our two workhorses to one shared storage system it would make life a bit easier.

My big question is do I need a fiber channel switch to accomplish this?
Dulce Systems says with their FC-Pro this can be done without a switch.

What I really want to do is find a 3rd party external fiber channel rack mount chassis with dual ports, hook it up to my two Mac Pro's, install XSan and be done.

The alternative is to pay big bucks for a major player like Dulce Systems, CalDigit, G-Tech., etc.

Anyone here take the do-it-yourself approach?

All opinions appreciated, thank you!

Greg M
09-20-2009, 07:10 AM
Take a look at Apace Systems (www.apacesystems.com)

They have a great solution that works over existing Gig-E network. We have their original system purchased over 5 years ago and its still online serving multiple Avid, Final Cut and AE workstations. For the money its the best solution we found. It is working side-by-side with our very expensive Fiber StorNext system.

We are using the VStore system, but I think they also have several new systems.
ask for Jeanclaude Toma--
jctoma [at] apacesystems [dot] com