Dot Hill Introduces New Interface Option for AssuredSAN with Up to Eight iSCSI Ports

LONGMONT, Colo., Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Dot Hill Systems Corp. (Nasdaq: HILL), a leading provider of Unified Virtual Storage and SAN storage solutions, today introduced its high performance/high capacity AssuredSAN™ 3320 and 3330 four-port 1Gb iSCSI storage arrays which will be sold into OEM & channel markets.

The new storage arrays feature Dot Hill's newest generation of controllers delivering four ports of iSCSI over Gigabit Ethernet in each controller, for a total of eight ports. With more iSCSI ports, these arrays can improve data access for virtual server environments, as well as easily support high capacity applications such as near-line backup, database, online transaction processing, and IP-based surveillance, at an affordable price point.

These models offer reliable and affordable iSCSI storage capability, enabling data centers to keep pace with expanding bandwidth demands. They also address the need for cost- effective, fault-tolerant and flexible networked storage systems that are able to support Ethernet SAN data rates, storage capacity requirements, multiple host connections, and can fit within existing or upgraded network schemes. Available in a dual or single RAID controller configuration, the 3320 and 3330 support data rates of 1Gb/sec iSCSI, providing powerful storage for today's most common iSCSI infrastructures.  Another key feature of the AssuredSAN series is data-in-place migration, allowing customers to install any of the 3000 Series controllers into an existing Dot Hill array and immediately recognize the data sets already established on the storage arrays.

"The AssuredSAN 3320 and 3330 are ideal SAN storage options for IT managers deploying iSCSI over Ethernet, because these new systems feature performance improvements and expanded iSCSI interface connectivity, allowing more server attaches," said Jim Jonez, senior director of marketing, Dot Hill Systems. "These systems allow administrators to further leverage their Ethernet investments, take advantage of convergence opportunities, and satisfy stringent data performance and capacity demands."

More About the AssuredSAN 3000 Series

The AssuredSAN 3320 arrays are equipped with 2.5-inch drives, whereas the 3330 storage systems are configured with 3.5-inch drives, supporting mixed-drive configurations of SAS, SATA, and SSDs. Like all members of the 3000 Series, the 3320 and 3330 come with optional AssuredSnap™ and AssuredCopy™ data protection software offering necessary protection for business-critical applications. AssuredSnap and AssuredCopy data protection software can be easily added at the point of sale or afterwards, through the Try & Buy menu in the management interface. Support for AssuredRemote™ array-based remote replication software will be available in the first half of 2011 for AssuredSAN 3320 and 3330 models to enable embedded data protection and disaster recovery.

AssuredSAN 3000 products are available now with a wide variety of interfaces: 8Gb Fibre Channel for high speed SANs, 10Gb iSCSI for high speed IP SAN's, four port 1Gb iSCSI for broad connectivity with IP SANs, Hybrid 8Gb Fibre Channel and 1Gb iSCSI for mixed SAN environments, and 6Gb SAS for direct-attach storage. All of these storage arrays are easily expanded with JBOD disk options.  

The 3000 Series also features a number of eco-friendly enhancements such as energy saving drive-spin-down and Dot Hill's patented EcoStor™ battery-free alternative for cache memory, which leverages a combination of super capacitors and flash memory that outlasts traditional batteries nearly fivefold.

Dot Hill's AssuredSAN 3000 Series arrays are easy to configure and manage via the RAIDar 2.0 intuitive web-based interface which provides storage setup and monitoring without the need for host-based software. AssuredSAN users gain configuration and installation efficiencies via wizards and schedulers for snapshots and replication.

In addition to the AssuredSAN line for channel partners, OEM versions of the 3300 Series are also available. NEBS Level 3, MIL STD 810F and European Telco Compliant, the 3000 Series offers ruggedness, high IOPS and MB/s, sub 600mm depth, making them ideal for military, telecommunications, and mobile storage applications. A DC power option supports these segments' "fail proof" and mobile installation needs, supporting the growing "data center in a cargo box" market, allowing for quick deployment of IT resources in remote areas.

Pricing and Availability

AssuredSAN 3320 and 3330 SAN arrays have begun shipping through key OEM partners, and are expected to be available through Dot Hill authorized resellers starting in December at a starting list price start at $15,568.

About Dot Hill

Leveraging its proprietary Assured family of storage solutions, Dot Hill solves many of today's most challenging storage problems – helping IT to improve performance, increase availability, simplify operations, and reduce costs. Dot Hill's solutions combine breakthrough virtualization software with the industry's most flexible and extensive hardware platform and automated management to deliver best-in-class unified virtual storage and SAN solutions. Headquartered in Longmont, Colo., Dot Hill has offices and/or representatives in China, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

For more information, visit us at www.dothill.com.

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Certain statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical fact are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding: the size and timing of orders for the iSCSI arrays; the dates and continued availability of the arrays; any improvement in Dot Hill's financial results due to sales of the arrays; the benefits and performance of the arrays in particular environments; and the future prices and popularity of the arrays. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. The risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include: that no Dot Hill customer has committed to a mandatory minimum purchase requirements for the arrays; changing customer preferences; and unforeseen supply, technological, intellectual property or engineering issues. However, there are many other risks not listed here that may affect the future business of Dot Hill, as well as the forward-looking statements contained herein. To learn about such risks and uncertainties, you should read the risk factors set forth in the company's public filings with the SEC, including the Forms 8-K, 10-K and 10-Q most recently filed by Dot Hill. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Dot Hill undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

SOURCE Dot Hill Systems Corp.