Features - Storage Innovations:

SPIRENT DELIVERS STORAGE TEST SOLUTION IN TIME FOR HOLIDAYS

Spirent Communications announced a new Block Storage Tester (BST) that expands its multi-protocol storage testing capabilities to include a single, integrated tool that measures Internet SCSI (iSCSI) and fibre channel performance of network switches and storage devices. iSCSI technology enables large enterprises and switch manufacturers to use existing IP-based networks and with expertise to deploy SANs.

"With the addition of Spirent's BST to our suite of storage testing products, users can now test all aspects of their network including fibre channel, iSCSI, routing, and voice with a single test tool," said Mark Fishburn, vice president of technical strategy for Spirent Communications. "With our multi-protocol routing test suite, our customers can more quickly deliver reliable network storage devices to support their growing networks."

The iSCSI market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 45 percent between 2003 and 2004, according to The Yankee Group.

"To properly build and deploy iSCSI networks it is critical for users to tests all aspects of their networks as a single system rather then one component at a time," said Jamie Gruener, senior analyst at the Yankee Group.

When combined with Spirent's award-winning SmartBits test system, the new BST application simplifies the testing process. Test engineers can access a single graphic user interface to set up multiple ports for traffic generation and measurements of the key parameters of iSCSI enabled storage devices and gateways. BST is capable of testing device throughput, total inputs/outputs per second, latency and data integrity. It replaces the need for multiple PCs and test scripts by simulating several initiators and targets with a single port. Additionally, BST provides users with more control and flexibility than previously available by using stand-alone servers and in-house test scripts. Its real-time results allow manufacturers to more quickly make adjustments and improvements to their devices in order to meet or exceed performance standards.