Welcome to another edition of the ASI Corporation Technical Newsletter! This newsletter features articles on the latest computer technologies and products offered by ASI CORP, a leading North American Distributor of computer components and whitebox systems. We are focused on helping our resellers and system builders be able to offer the best technology solutions. If you are an ASI customer feel free to call our Technical Support Staff if you have any questions or visit www.asisupport.com (general technical help), www.asiserver.com (server solutions) or www.asimobile.com (notebooks) for further information. Thank you.

 X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity

According to Creative, the Xtreme Fidelity Engine is like having the power of a second 3.4GHz processor (more than 10,000MIPS) built into the PC that was dedicated just to audio! That's enough additional power to process more than 10 Billion instructions per second!

Like the GPU in a video card, which is designed to process only graphics, the X-Fi processor is design for only one purpose - processing audio data in real-time This in turn frees up CPU resource for other instructions improving overall system performance. Dissecting the X-Fi processor core we discover that X-Fi consists of 51,100,100 Transistors, 1,613,658 Logic Gates, has a .13-micron @ 1.2V core, a clock frequency of 400MHz, and processing 10,340 MIPS. The X-Fi engine consists of four key elements:

• The Audio Ring Architecture
• Super Sample Rate converter (S-RSC)
• A "Quartet" DSP
• On-board RAM up to 64MB

• Sample rate conversion plays an important role in digital connectivity, 3D audio modeling, music synthesis and the ability to play and mix multiple sounds recorded at differing sample rates. SRC is process by which audio's sampling rate gets changed without affecting the pitch of the audio.  The X-Fi Sample Rate Converter engine is incredibly powerful at over 7,000 MIPS equivalent processing power and has a new and unique hybrid architecture that produces outstanding audio quality. In fact the quality of the sample rate conversion is so high that it is effectively transparent. An audio clip could actually be converted many times with no detectable degradation.

• This all-new patent pending DSP architecture has four hardware threads, which why it is named the "Quartet" DSP. The Quartet architecture is also SIMD, (Single Instruction Multiple Data), which included two SIMD execution data-paths, doubles the X-Fi throughput and efficiently support stereo and complex data types.

X-Fi audio processing technology featuring some powerful new enhancements such as 24-bit SoundFont, EAX Advanced HD 5.0, SuperRip, ASIO 2.0, Dolby Digital EX, and DTS. What sets X-Fi apart from competitors are the two audio processing technologies: 24-bit Crystalizer and CMSS-3D.

X-Fi technology uses a "mode" architecture is to harness and focus all the incredible power into three key audio uses (Gaming, Entertainment, Audio Creation). With three programmable optimization modes to choose from this technique eliminate user the hassles of spending hours of time configuring for sound quality when playing games, listen to music, or audio project. Each mode behave differently from one another but it's guarantees to enrich sound quality, even from low-quality to high-quality audio. 

Here is a chart to distinguish the three mode optimization features: 

Creative will launch the Sound Blaster X-Fi line with four products: Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro, Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatal1ty FPS, Sound Blaster X-Fi Platinum, and the Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Music. Each product has its own set of extras and features. ASI now stocks all 4 of Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Fidelity line cards (see chart below):

From small companies to large enterprises, modern businesses run on information and most companies collect unique and valuable data such as customer and product databases, research and design (engineering) files, email, and office files that are critical to operations. Without continuous availability to this critical information the business cannot function.

The real problem today is that too many small to medium businesses do a poor job at protecting their data. Important files are either scattered all over the network or on a single server that has no real data protection. Fault tolerant RAID is a good starting point but the simple fact is that even a server with fault tolerant hard drives cannot protect data in all cases (a major server crash, for example, can corrupt data) and may lead to costly downtime. The best practice is to combine internal RAID arrays with removable or external backup options such as tape drives, backup servers, NAS devices, external storage enclosures, and so on.

An investment in data security will always payoff in the long run potentially saving thousands in lost downtime and productivity. True data protection mean continuity of business operations and is not about a single product but rather a strategy of combining the right product solutions and practices for a given organization. System integrators and resellers need to be aware of this and offer the best solutions to their customers.

NAS devices come in different forms such as "cube", tower, or rackmount and provide an easy way to add storage and backup capacity without needing to build and license a separate system. They connect to the network through standard RJ-45 cables and act as any network device plus will have some form of embedded operating system interface. NAS box itself often includes multiple hard drives that can be setup in a RAID for fault tolerance (RAID 1, 5) or RAID 0 for performance. NAS devices may be referred to as IP Storage appliances due to the fact the connect to your network using an IP address, unlike internal storage devices or direct attached storage devices that use USB, SCSI, etc, to connect to an existing system.

ASI offers small to medium business NAS devices from Infrant and Thecus and home office or small network devices such as the Western Digital NetCenter or Netgear's Storage Central.

Infrant ReadyNAS RN600 series and RN1000 rackmount series

Infrant Technologies specializes in NAS devices. The ReadyNAS 600 series is a space saving cube design that holds four SATA drives and has integrated RAID, operating system (RAIDiator), and advanced backup and restore features. In addition they also function as DHCP servers and printer servers and use Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast connection to the network.

The RN1000 (ReadyNAS 1000) is a 1U rackmount version with similar features. ReadyNAS devices are manufactured by Infrant (www.infrant.com). The following chart shows the different models and storage capacities that ASI offers (bare and populated boxes):

Thecus NAS N4100

Thecus (www.thecus.com) offers the N4100 mini-tower cube NAS box that holds up to four hot-swap SATA drives for quick and easy installation. The N4100 features Gigabit Ethernet ports, provides RAID 0, 1, 5, and JBOD levels, and easy web-based configuration, installation and maintenance.

The Thecus N4100 accommodates four hard disks that provide over one terabyte of storage capacity. With the N4100 you get a substantial increase in data storage capacity and “Black Box” data safety that is easy to setup and operate at an affordable cost. Plug and play installation is quick, and conveniently managed through your web browser. The Thecus N4100 functions as a central data server, letting you share data in the multiple PC environment of your home or office.

Click here for a view of Thecus Total Solutions Diagram

Thecus N2100 "Y.E.S. Box" Business and Personal NAS device

The YES Box N2100 also offers users several disk storage options, including RAID 0 to optimize hard disks to deliver more throughput, RAID 1 and its disk mirroring functionality to keep data extra secure, and JBOD to simply give users more capacity to store their videos, movies, and photos.

Accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the YES Box N2100 is built to be always on, allowing users unlimited access to their digital media. And with advanced power saving management, the N2100 consumes 30% less power compared to a similarly configured PC. For lightning fast network communications the YES Box N2100 comes fully equipped with dual Gigabit Ethernet ports.

ASI SKU # 40516 = Thecus N2100 WHITE BARE RAID 0,1 (pearl color)

ASI SKU # 40695 = Thecus N2100 SILVER BARE RAID 0,1 (silver color)

Major features: Music sharing server, iTune, Community, Personal Photo Web Server, File Management and sharing, FTP server, Web Disk server, Network neighbor, USB service, Extend USB Device Storage, USB device “One touch copy,” USB printer

NetGear Storage Central

Netgear's Storage central is a two drive NAS box for IDE hard disks that has built in mirroring. Install one or two drives, connect it to a wired or wireless router, configure using the smart wizard, and you are ready to go! Storage Central features Z-SAN (Storage Area Network) technology, an advanced network storage technology. Z-SANs provide IP-based, block-level data transfers that enable multiple users to make efficient use of drives within the network through the dynamic allocation of volumes across multiple hard disks.

Z-SAN also enables file and volume sharing between multiple users on the network to be as seamless as accessing their local C:\ drive. Additionally, Z-SAN assures users that their files are protected from hard disk failure, through automatic mirroring between two hard disks within the same Storage Central unit, or within a network of multiple Storage Central devices.

ASI SKU # 37867 = Netgear’s external enclosure device (2-bay) SC101 Storage Central

Western Digital NetCenter

Now it’s easy to share pictures, video, music, files and even a printer in your home or office with WD’s NetCenter™ network hard drive. With just 3 simple steps you’re up and running.

• Centralize and share data in your home or office
• Connect a printer and share it with any computer on the network.
• Create private, password-protected folders.
• Back up files from any computer on the network.
• Connect with both Macintosh and PC computers.
• Access files any time, from any computer on your network, even when all other computers are off.
• Connect another external drive to add even more storage.
Performance Specifications

This powerful, feature-rich Media Center from Western Digital combines a high-capacity USB 2.0/FireWire external hard drive, 8-in-1 memory card reader, and USB 2.0 hub for versatility and space-saving convenience. Dual-option Backup buttons let you choose automatic or on-the-spot backup.

The front-mounted power button is equipped with Safe Shutdown, a WD-exclusive feature that ensures all data as been transferred before shutting down the drive. The elegant case can be positioned vertically or horizontally.

There are three products to choose from:

Where NetCenter fits into the Network

SAS bandwidth is starting at 3GB per second speed and will eventual scale to 6 and 12 GB/sec for exceptional performance potential. SAS devices are just starting to make an appearance on the market so we offer an introduction here to how it works and what devices will be available.

Serial Attached SCSI is a point-to-point architecture, distinct from parallel technologies in which devices are connected using shared-access topologies such as a Fibre Channel arbitrated loop of the SCSI bus. It a serial, self-clocking, full bandwidth communication protocol with dedicated device bandwidth and the ability to combine port bandwidth.

SAS also uses a backplane that accommodates both SAS and SATA drives (though it is not recommended to mix them together), and you can cascade backplanes using edge expanders (expanders are needed to allow an HBA port to talk to more than one drive). Host bus adapters (HBAs) have access to all ports on an expander including other HBAs, allowing backplanes to be chained together for easier storage expansion.

Cabling requirements for the Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) interface are able to be met using thinner cables with smaller connectors. This permits improved routing, airflow and cooling within systems using the serial interface. As well, the electrical complications and cross talk usually associated with the larger parallel cabling are reduced. SAS technology permits universal connection between SATA and SAS drives to ease configuration and improve hot swap capability.

SAS Hard drives

There are both 3.5" and 2.5" SAS drives. The 2.5" drives offer lower power consumption (up to 30% less) and allow higher density storage applications critical for enterprise use. Supermicro is the first major server vendor to offer SAS based servers, mobile racks, and controllers and in partnership with Fujitsu. Fujitsu 3.5" SAS drives will start at 36.7 GB, 73.5GB and 147 GB capacities, while the 2.5" models will be launched at 36.7GB and 73.5GB and run at 10K RPM. Fujitsu SAS hard drives will be available from ASI through Supermicro, other brands should also be available in the near future as SA market grows.

SuperMicro Motherboard with SAS controller

SKU # 40359 = Supermicro Motherboard X6DH3-G2 E7520 chipset 800 - 8 SAS

Supermicro SAS Mobile Racks

SKU # 39548 = Supermicro Accessory CSEM28E1B SAS MOBILE Black: SAS/SATA Mobile Rack 2.5-inch SAS HDD in 2X5.25-inch Black. (ONE expander chip best for maximum throughput)

SKU # 39549 = Supermicro Accessory CSEM28E1 SAS MOBILE Beige: SAS/SATA Mobile Rack 2.5-inch SAS HDD in 2X5.25-inch Beige (ONE expander chip best for maximum throughput)

Note: The mobile racks come bundled with one SAS to 4x SATA Cable (#CBL-0103SAS)

1. 8 x 2.5" Hot-swap SAS / SATA Hard Disk Tray 2. Overheat LED and Alarm 3. Fan Failure LED and Alarm 4. Drive Activity LED 5. Drive Failure LED 6. 2 x 5.25" Drive Bay Enclosure 7. 8cm Cooling Fan Subsystem 8. 1 x Expander Supporting SAS / SATA HDD

The models below are almost identical but they are designed with two expander chips that are best for cascading mobile racks together:

SKU # 40952 = Supermicro Accessory CSEM28E2B SAS MOBILE Black

SKU # 40953 = Supermicro Accessory CSEM28E2 SAS MOBILE Beige

PCI-X based SAS Controller card

SKU  # 39792 (39793 5PK) = LSI Logic SAS3442X KIT * 64-bit, 133MHz PCI-X, Eight-Port SAS (4 internal, 8 external)

The LSI Logic SAS3442X, PCI-X, 8-port 3Gb/s Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) HBA has 4 internal and 4 external ports and can be connected directly to 8 SAS and/or SATA hard disk drives or as many as 122 when used in systems employing SAS expanders.

 * Kit includes one internal cable for connecting to 4 SAS hard disk drives, one internal cable for connecting to 4 SATA HDD or SATA-style backplane connectors

 SATA 3G Controller / RAID Cards

Sony has a new generation of high performance AIT tape drives with enough models to fit any company's backup requirements. Sony AIT technology has many advantages over competing tape formats.

Chief among these advantages are:

Small Form Factor with High Capacity. The AIT format was developed to handle the capacity requirements of data-intensive applications in a compact 3.5-inch drive form factor, making it an efficient, cost effective storage solution that saves valuable IT real estate.

Helical-Scan Technology Increases Recording Density and Reliability. The Sony AIT drive
employs a helical-scan recording style in which data tracks are written at an angle relative to the edge of the tape. This provides higher density recording, enabling Sony customers to lower media expenditures and increase efficiency by storing more data on a smaller amount of tape. Helical-scan recording also reduces the need to rewind the tape cartridge as frequently, thus reducing wear-and-tear and increasing reliability.

Memory-in-Cassette (MIC) Architecture Enables Fast Access to Data. MIC technology puts information about the contents and capacity of the tape in a non-volatile memory chip embedded in the tape cassette itself. Using this information, the tape drive can position the tape at high speed to write or read data in an accelerated manner.

Advanced Metal Evaporated (AME) Media Provides Increased Reliability and Capacity. AME media represents the culmination of  over 50 years of Sony innovation and experience in magnetic tape technology. Supporting higher recording density than other types of tape media, AME also reduces buildup of debris and static electricity, further extending the useful life and reducing the chance of recording errors when using AIT tape.

Please refer to the following chart to compare models.

These Sony tape drives do not ship with tape backup software but you can purchase Veritas Backup Exec 10 software (see section below).

ASI is now offering Veritas (Symantec) Backup Exec^TM 10 as the choice for backup and recovery software. With multiple software agents and options available you can customize Backup Exec 10 to the needs of your company or expand in the future as required.

ASI SKU # 40085 = Veritas Backup Exec 10 for Windows Servers

VERITAS Backup Exec^TM 10 for Windows Servers is the Gold Standard in Windows data protection providing comprehensive, cost-effective, and certified backup and recovery including the fastest disk-based recovery. An intuitive, web-based user interface simplifies installation and management of backup and remote servers with easy-to-use wizards. Centralized administration provides scalable management of distributed backup and remote servers. Wizards simplify data protection and recovery procedures for any level user and any size network. With a complete family of high performance agents and options to protect Windows, Linux, and UNIX server data, as well as desktops and laptops, Backup Exec offers simple, flexible, and granular data protection.

ASI SKU # 40094 = Veritas, Backup Exec 10 for Small Business Servers

VERITAS Backup Exec 10 for Windows Small Business Server is designed to deliver cost-effective, easy-to-use, and highly reliable data protection for Microsoft Small Business Servers. This robust suite features backup, restore, disaster recovery, single drive library support, Exchange Server, SQL Server, and SharePoint Services protection and recovery. A select family of powerful agents and options deliver robust storage management tools to meet diverse application needs for growing and upgrading storage

Both of these software have optional Extended 24/7 Support Warranties available for purchase. In addition you can purchase many software options including LEO (Library Expansion Option) and DLO (Desktop and Laptop Option).

LEO scales the media storage system by leveraging additional drives within multi-drive tape or optical autoloader/library storage systems. This option’s Advanced Device and Media Management (ADAMM) technology provides extensive configuration and management capabilities to include “lights-out” backup and restore operations, bar-code reader and portal support for both SCSI and Fibre-attached devices. Users can partition slots within a library to target backup jobs to a specific slot.

DLO is an optional agent that helps in backing up data even when spread across multiple user workstations. Most businesses rely on users to manually copy business critical data to a server. When users do not comply, the majority of business-critical information residing on employee workstations, desktop and laptop does not get protected. The Desktop and Laptop Option delivers continuous data protection to desktops and laptops whether in the office or on the road. Not only improving data protection and efficiency, this option enables users to restore their own files, and maintains synchronization between multiple desktops and laptops so the most up-to-date file versions are available on all of a user’s computers.