StorageWorks RAID Array 230/Plus Subsystem

The StorageWorks RAID Array 230/Plus Subsystem is a hardware-based RAID solution for Alpha system platforms using the PCI bus. It utilizes the KZPAC controller to create complete RAID subsystems, offering improved performance and throughput over its predecessor.

Key Features:

• RAID Levels: Supports RAID 0 (striping), 1 (mirroring), 0+1 (striped mirrored sets), and 5 (striping with distributed parity), along with JBOD (Just a Bunch Of Disks).
• Purpose: Provides data redundancy (through mirroring or parity, allowing continued operation after a single disk failure) and enhanced performance by striping data across multiple drives.
• Components: Consists of a PCI backplane RAID controller, OS-specific RAID drivers and utilities, documentation, and supported disk drives with enclosures and cables. The controller plugs directly into the PCI bus, supporting both internal and external disk drives.
• Controller Models: Available in models with a single SCSI channel (4MB cache, up to 7 drives) or three SCSI channels (4MB or 8MB cache, both supporting up to 21 drives).
• Software Functionality: Drivers and utilities enable subsystem configuration (e.g., binding disks), monitoring and fault reporting (e.g., status changes to system logs/event viewers), and maintenance (e.g., parity checks, firmware updates).
• Redundancy Features: Supports disk hot swap, disk hot spare, and redundant power supplies/fans (though not redundant controllers).
• Cache: Features user-selectable write-through/back cache with battery backup.

System and OS Support:

• Alpha Systems: Supported on Alpha systems with a PCI bus, specifically Alpha 4000/4100 servers.
• Operating Systems: Compatible with Digital UNIX (V3.2G, V4.0A), OpenVMS (6.2-1H3 or later), and Windows NT for Alpha (V3.51 with Service Pack 4 or later).