The first Adaptec smart storage solution to include an open source toolkit

     Public and private cloud infrastructure vendors are leveraging open source tools to simplify the configuration, deployment, and management of server storage platforms. But so far, they have faced challenges in developing their own storage adapters and embedded solutions for the tool management platform. Microchip Technology is the first company in the industry to address these challenges with the release of a production-ready open source tool to manage the Adaptec smart storage Hbas, SmartHBA, and SmartRAID families of OpenStack data centers.

     By investing in and releasing easy-to-deploy open source tools and plug-ins, Microchip has removed the complexity for customers of its Adaptec family of storage controller solutions for connecting storage resources to heterogeneous data centers powered by OpenStack. The pre-certified and tested Adaptec Smart storage tool is scalable and customizable, making it easy to manage large cloud server networks in enterprise-grade infrastructures.

     The Adaptec Smart Storage OpenStack tool consists of three components: 1) the Metal as a Service (MaaS) plug-in, a bare-metal deployment tool provided by Canonical LTD., the cloud industry leader and creator of Ubuntu; 2) A scripted service formula (charm) created using Canonical's Juju modeling tool that allows users to remotely deploy Adaptec ARCCONF in any type of cloud environment so that adapters and connected devices can be configured and managed remotely using Juju dashboards; 3) Plug-ins for the OpenStack Horizon Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allow users to identify, configure, and easily manage Adaptec smart storage standard adapters and custom embedded solutions.

     Andrew Dieckmann, vice president of marketing for Microchip's Data Center Solutions (DCS) business group, said: "Microchip is excited to release new open source tools that simplify the integration of our Adaptec smart storage solutions in OpenStack software-defined infrastructure. This unique offering will enhance our customers' ability to quickly and efficiently deploy new storage facilities within the market-leading OpenStack open source cloud server management framework."

     Danny Carreno, senior manager of ecosystem development and operations at the OpenStack Foundation, said: "OpenStack, a $6.1 billion market, continues to grow at double-digit rates worldwide, covering almost every use case imaginable in both public and private clouds, including containers, VMS, and bare metals. The open infrastructure space driving this growth is itself growing, with companies like Microchip integrating projects like OpenStack Horizon Dashboard to support Microchip's Adaptec family of storage controller solutions. Their investments in open infrastructure will make it easier for operators to quickly configure, deploy and manage storage resources in Openstack-enabled data centers."

     For more than 30 years, Adaptec storage adapters have been a trusted solution for customers. Microchip's latest line of smart storage products includes the Adaptec SAS/SATA family of adapters and IC solutions that deliver enterprise-class reliability and high performance with feature-rich management and a competitive total cost of ownership.