Luminex ties with COPAN's MAID

COPAN Systems the MAID storage supplier (MAID stands for Massive Arrays of Idle Disks) is partnering with Luminex Channel Gateway with the aim of Luminex making the most of COPAN’s clever storage. Luminex Software develops mainframe connectivity and virtual tape products and is hoping to take advantage of some of the features of MAID. One of the key advantages of COPAN technology is that it helps mainframe users to get more efficient of their huge investments in storage technology. The issue is around persistent data (write once, read occasionally) that has to be kept on storage servers but carries on spinning using valuable energy resource (ie power) while it may only be read once in a week or a month or a year. COPAN’s heavily patented technology helps with exactly that issue allowing its customers to see significant savings in power, cooling and even floor space. As I explained in an article last April: “Due to the patented technology that stores the data, the arrays are very dense — with up to 448TB on one frame. The cost is around $90,000 (£45,448) for one shelf, which works out at $3 to $5 per terabyte.” Apart from the fact that the maths will have become even more favourable, thanks to the issues with the dollar price and the continuing breakthroughs in technology, that will no doubt still be accurate today. Other advantages I detailed were: “The racks are also particularly efficient. According to COPAN, only 46 fans are needed on a full cabinet in comparison with up to 100 or more on a conventional disk sub-system, which would need to be stored in six cabinets for the same capacity. There are similar figures for processors, cables and power converters. “COPAN's customers include the NHS in the UK, which has bought five systems for use on the data spine. BT is another UK customer. Worldwide customers include the Nasdaq stock exchange, Nasa and Symantec.” That sort of customer list and those features are no doubt what attracted Luminex.