IBM has announced an entry-level router that can act as the gateway between SCSI and Fibre Channel protocols.
The SAN Data Gateway Router can either attach to a Fibre Channel equipped host or a Fibre Channel storage network. IBM is reselling the device under an OEM arrangement with Pathlight Technology. Pathlight makes storage area network (SAN) hardware. The router is just one of many products IBM is adding to its SAN lineup, which includes heavy duty storage servers, management software as well as Fibre Channel switches and hubs.
IBM claims it is offering investment protection for users who are about to buy or already have SCSI tape libraries, but who want to start migrating to Fibre Channel storage systems. The router can also be used to attach SCSI devices directly to the host, IBM says.
The SAN Data Gateway Router comes with two Ultra SCSI ports and one 100M-bits-per-second Fibre Channel port. On the server side, it can connect to Windows NT PC servers equipped with Fibre Channel connectivity, such as IBM's own Netfinity box. On the SCSI side, the router can attach to a variety of IBM Magstar tape devices as well as the 3502 DLT tape library.
The router will be available on 17 September. Pricing starts at $US6675.