XServe RAID Delayed until early 2003

[MacRumors]

In May, Apple released the XServe (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2002/05/20020514114925.shtml) at a special release event. At that same event, they detailed a companion RAID product in a 3U enclosure. Originally slated for release by end of calender year, it appears the unit will be delayed until early 2003... according to Apple (http://www.apple.com/xserve/):


We’ve received an overwhelming thumbs up on our Xserve 1U rack-mount server from customers and reviewers since it started shipping in July and now we’re working hard to deliver Xserve’s companion RAID product in early 2003, not by the end of calendar 2002 as originally announced.

[Nipsy]

I really want to evaluate one of these...this delay is a bummer.

[bidge]

Counts out this being demoed at the AMD thing. Wonder why it took that extra length that they hadn't originally planned for.

[ipiloot]

XServe RAID as storage hardware will be used in very demanding environments. So there's no problems if it's couple of months late. But there will certanly be problems if it's an untested product and shows some quircks somewhere.

[Falleron]

I have an idea. I bet that the reason that they are delaying the release until early 2003 is because Motorola cant give them propper DDRAM compatible G4's until then! Think about it, why would they release a current G4 when they will just have to upgrade it again soon just because all of the other professional lines (Xserve + PowerMac) will have full DDRAM support in early 2003 as well.

[Tiauguinho]

I hope that they release some new Xserver's really soon, since I'll be buying one, that will be the main Server for my company, for internet and for our small local network. As for the XRaid, I'm really anxious to know all the specs that it will bring. Wasn't the Xserve getting an update now? 6 months already have passed...

[Falleron]

Originally posted by Tiauguinho
I hope that they release some new Xserver's really soon, since I'll be buying one, that will be the main Server for my company, for internet and for our small local network. As for the XRaid, I'm really anxious to know all the specs that it will bring. Wasn't the Xserve getting an update now? 6 months already have passed...
Probably in January I would have thought. New G4's + faster Clock speeds.

[benixau]

I think they may have delayed the XServe RAID until they can get enough PPC970s to meet the expected demand, which knowing apple, means that 90% of customers will have to wait a long time to get theirs.

[Tiauguinho]

January... Oh god, can't wait! :) I hope that they surprise us all with some new features! The Xserve is a very nice piece of Hardware! But i do have a question... How much do you guys think that the Xraid will cost? $3000?

[arn]

Originally posted by benixau
I think they may have delayed the XServe RAID until they can get enough PPC970s to meet the expected demand, which knowing apple, means that 90% of customers will have to wait a long time to get theirs.

Seems unlikely... the XServe RAID will not use a PowerPC 970... or any other significant processor.

It's just a hard drive array.

arn

[rugby]

Originally posted by arn


Seems unlikely... the XServe RAID will not use a PowerPC 970... or any other significant processor.

It's just a hard drive array.

arn

You beat me to this post. Why would Apple need to wait for a new G4 stepping or the PPC970 to make an external rack-mount RAID available? That's ludicrous.

[Falleron]

Originally posted by arn


Seems unlikely... the XServe RAID will not use a PowerPC 970... or any other significant processor.

It's just a hard drive array.

arn
Of course, I was thinking it was a full server similar to the xserve + not just a storage device.

[arn]

Originally posted by Falleron

Of course, I was thinking it was a full server similar to the xserve + not just a storage device.

it's just a storage device.

arn

[Bradcoe]

How will the xraid connect to a computer? Will there be multiple options? Is it going to require being hooked up to an xserve due to some proprietary thing, or is it going to be a generic connection of some sorts? Anyone know?

[arn]

Originally posted by Bradcoe
How will the xraid connect to a computer? Will there be multiple options? Is it going to require being hooked up to an xserve due to some proprietary thing, or is it going to be a generic connection of some sorts? Anyone know?

It connects via FibreChannel.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&q=fibre+channel&spell=1
arn

[Tiauguinho]

How much do you guys think that the Xserve RAID will cost?

[job]

Originally posted by rugby
You beat me to this post. Why would Apple need to wait for a new G4 stepping or the PPC970 to make an external rack-mount RAID available? That's ludicrous.

It could be that Apple is planning on releasing an updated X-Serve along with the RAID.

In that case, they may be waiting for a new chip.

[Buggy]

You don't wait to realease something like this.

When it is ready.

You release it.

[macphisto]

I expect an upgrade across the board. New chipset on the Xserve (at least new processors) and possibly newer harddrives, 80 and 160. :)

Cost: Base unit with low end hd storage space $3499. High end: $6599.

[shadowfax0]

I know exactly why they delayed it: To add RAID 5 support. I'm pretty sure of this, becuase I believe at the time of it's showing some people said that it was not a feature.