#1 Software for Data Storage, Backup & Business Continuity
Open-E DSS V6
End of Life: 30th September 2015
End of Technical Support: 30th September 2016
General Information
The Open-E Data Storage Software V6 (DSS V6) is a unified file and block storage management operating system (OS) that provides Network Attached Storage (NAS), iSCSI, InfiniBand and Fibre Channel Storage Area Network (SAN) functionality.
This product contains a one year free of charge BASIC Support.
Open-E DSS V6 provides superior performance, security, and scalability at a fraction of the cost of alternative storage offerings. Advanced features of Open-E DSS V6 include Data and Volume Replication, Volume Snapshot, Automatic Failover for iSCSI Volumes and NDMP. Additionally, Open-E DSS V6 supports a wide variety of hardware RAID platforms from the industry’s leading names. The versatility of the Open-E DSS V6 also allows users to combine NAS systems with iSCSI SAN systems, and provides built-in virus protection, while enabling the connection of multiple Network Interface Controllers, including Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel and InfiniBand. Open-E DSS V6 is easily downloaded to any hardware device for simplified access.
Open-E DSS V6 includes NAS and iSCSI functionality and advanced features such as:
- Installable on any media: internal HDD, RAID Array, USB, SATA and IDE DOM, or any other bootable media
- Enhanced Graphical User Interface
- Symantec Backup Exec backup agent (RALUS) versions 11, 12 and 12.5
- Basic API Configuration
- Improved random performance of iSCSI
- Windows Server 2008 Clustering Support (persistent reservation SCSI-3)
- Hardware RAID Support
- Automatic Failover for iSCSI Volumes
- Volume and Data (File) Replication
- Volume Snapshot
- iSCSI Initiator / iSCSI Target
- Backup Functionality
- NDMP 3.0 Support
- Shadow Copy of OS for System Update
- Multiple Network Interface Card (NIC) Support
- Network Bonding/Teaming
- Task Mechanism with Scheduling
- Network UPS Support
- Fibre Channel Support
- Multi-CPU Support
- IP-SEC
Minimum Hardware Requirements:
- x86 - compatible PC
- 2 GByte RAM (4 GByte RAM is recommended)
- CPU (1 GHz or faster is recommended)
- HDD (SATA, SAS, SCSI, ATA) / RAID / Fibre Channel / iSCSI Storage
- Network Interface Card (multi-cards 1Gb/s recommended for bonding)
Features
Open-E’s robust and award-winning enterprise storage application is compatible with most industry standards and is one of the easiest to use and manage. Additionally, the software is one of the most stable solutions on the market and delivers a vast amount of features at an affordable price.
Administration
^ back to features listUnlimited number of Users
Open-E’s license scheme is one license per Open-E DSS V6 and is priced accordingly, regardless of the number of users connected to the storage device. Whether you have 5, 500, 15,000 or more - you only pay one price for a single license of Open-E DSS V6.
Web-based Graphical User Interface
The powerful and convenient Web-based GUI (Graphical User Interface) of the Open-E DSS V6 software makes remote management of the server a simple task. By using a web-browser, the server can be easily managed from anywhere in the network.
Multi Language User Interface
To give users the ability to install and administer the system in the language of their choice, Open-E DSS V6 provides Language Packs in English, German, Chinese, Russian and Japanese.
Secure Administration Access
Open-E DSS V6 is accessed and configured through a web-based, password-protected GUI over Secured Socket Layer (SSL) administration access.
Tuning Tools
The performance of the Open-E DSS V6 server can be increased by changing the settings of disk, network, file system, or network using “Tuning Tools”.
Remote Access for Console
Open-E DSS V6 supports remote access of the console tool by enabling management of the server from anywhere in the network. Through the console tool the administrator installs drivers and hardware, monitors the status of the network and memory usage, as well as performs other tasks.
Multiple Management Levels
The Open-E DSS V6 supports three levels of administrative rights: Full Access, Maintenance and Administration.
Automated Update of OS
Update downtime is reduced with the new Update System feature, making it possible to reboot from the old system.
Rollback to Previous OS
After each update, all copies of the previously used system are kept (including configuration). In case of any problems with the new version, only a reboot is required, minimizing the system downtime.
Task Manager
Task management is so much easier and convenient when using the unified task mechanism with scheduling for data and volume replication, backup and snapshot. Tasks may have many schedules and can be scheduled ahead of time.
CLI/API
You can maintain the server without using the web browser. All operations are performed by API using a secure (SSH) connection. The API includes functionalities like: users and shares handling, iSCSI targets operations, hardware status, software update, machine reboot and shutdown.
Schedule Manager
Most of the functions implemented in the Open-E software include schedule functionality. This allows you to create backups, snapshots, run the replication process at a precisely determined time and much more.
Network management
^ back to features listDHCP Client
Assigning IP addresses in a network can be centrally managed and automated through Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
Multiple Network Interface Card Support
The Open-E DSS V6 supports the usage of two or more network cards to access separate sub-networks or to increase the bandwidth and allows administrators to select services to be enabled on a specified NIC.
Teaming/Bonding (including Adapter Fault Tolerance)
Open-E DSS V6 supports network adapter teaming / bonding increasing the hardware performance and reliability. One of the supported modes is AFT (Adapter Fault Tolerance), which assures greater reliability by providing a secondary network adapter that automatically takes over if the primary network adapter fails.
10 Gb Ethernet Support
To improve the data throughput and latency, the Data Storage Software V6 supports 10 GbE to increase bandwidth, improve overall performance, and reduce message latency across connections. Open-E DSS V6 supports some 10GbE cards with TCP/IP.
InfiniBand Support
Open-E DSS V6 supports InfiniBand cards that increase bandwidth, improve overall performance, and reduce message latency across connections. InfiniBand is a modern, high-speed (up to 10Gbit) serial computer bus. This functionality is also known as IPoIB.
Proxy Settings
With Open-E DSS V6 you can use a proxy server for Internet connections.
IP-sec
Open-E DSS V6 supports the Secure Internet Protocol (IPsec). This protocol secures data transmitted across a network, preventing confidential and personal information from being intercepted or modified.
Jumbo Frames Support
The Open-E DSS V6 Supports frame sizes (e.g. packets) larger than 1500 bytes. This function increases Ethernet networking throughput and reduces the CPU utilization of large file transfers.
Static Routing Manager on WEB Interface and Console
Open-E DSS V6 provides a powerful tool for controlling the static routing settings. If the default routing is not sufficient, this feature can be used to customize it. You can specify various rules for network interfaces. This is useful when you have several network interfaces in the same sub-network.
Storage Management
^ back to features listSoftware and Hardware iSCSI Initiator
Open-E DSS V6 supports hardware iSCSI Initiators and has a software iSCSI Initiator for easy storage capacity expansion of the NAS system. New units and logical volumes can be added by connecting an iSCSI storage system to the NAS.
Software RAID 0, 1, 5, 6 with E-Mail Notification
The integrated software RAID 0, 1, 5 provides more flexibility and cost savings while creating Open-E DSS V6 storage solutions. Open-E DSS V6 offers highest flexibility in redundancy, performance, costs and storage volume. Through the DSS software, e-Mail alerts are sent to the system administrator in case of issues with the RAID.
Degraded Mode for S/W RAID 1, 5, 6
Open-E DSS V6 software boasts a means for creating a RAID when a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is missing or broken.
S.M.A.R.T. with E-Mail Notification
Open-E DSS V6 includes S.M.A.R.T support for detecting and reporting the status of the Hard Disk Drives (HDD) anticipated on failures. E-mail alerts are sent to the system administrator in case of HDD problems through the software.
Single and Multiple Hardware RAID Controller Support
The Open-E Data Storage Software can Support most hardware ATA / SATA / SCSI RAID controllers of: 3ware, Adaptec, Areca, Buslogic, Dell, HP Smart Array, ICP Vortex, Intel, LSI Logic, Marvell, Promise, Symbios/LSILogic, Tekram.
Multiple Fibre Channel HBA Support (initiator mode)
For higher bandwidth, better latency and performance, Open-E DSS V6 supports Fibre Channel HBAs (Host Bus Adapter) from Emulex and Qlogic. Fibre Channel is the standard connection type for connecting high speed storage devices, like the Open-E DSS, to computers in a SAN.
Multiple Fibre Channel HBA Support (target mode)
Open-E product is excellent choice for building enterprise network based on Fibre Channel Targets with Qlogic HBAs.
Support for Logical Volumes over 16 TB
Open-E DSS V6 supports volumes with a capacity greater than 16TB.
Multiple Snapshot (multiple active snapshots per one LV at a time)
Open-E DSS V6 supports multiple snapshots per logical volumes. A snapshot is an immediate point-in-time image of the logical volume. The snapshot images can be used for both consistent and temporary backup, while users still have uninterrupted and complete access to the LV. Files can be recovered from previous snapshots, if accidentally deleted or modified.
Multiple Logical Volumes and Groups
Logical volume groups allow storage administrators to create logical storage pools that span multiple physical disk drives. With its support of multiple logical volume groups, Open-E DSS V6 makes it easier to meet the changing needs of users and applications while making the maximum use of available physical disk space.
Online Logical Volume Expansion
Online logical volume expansion allows administrators to change the size of storage volumes as needed, without having to restart the application, recreate the volume, and backup & restore data to the volume.
Support for Online Capacity Expansion
A hardware RAID controllers’ expansion capability supports the increase in size of existing units without removing data.
Build-in, SNMP Based Monitoring System
Open-E DSS V6 uses SNMP for monitoring data throughput, Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Random Access Memory (RAM) usage - to name a few.
Built-in LSI RAID manager
Open-E DSS V6 provides a dedicated built-in administration panel for LSI RAID cards. The following cards are supported: MegaRAID SAS 1078 MegaRAID SAS 1078DE MegaRAID SAS 2108 [Liberator] MegaRAID SAS 9240 MegaRAID SAS Verde ZCR MegaRAID SAS 2208 [Thunderbolt].
Support for Automatic Session Reassignment (ASR) for Fibre Channel and iSCSI protocols
Automatic Session Reassignment makes group renaming, removal, and WWN assignment work without interrupting (blocking) other sessions. This functionality makes the iSCSI and Fibre Channel services work smoothly while their configuration is being modified.
SSD caching support
Open-E DSS V6 supports Adaptec MaxIQ SSD cache kit which enables the server to store frequently used data on a fast SSD drive. This powerful caching solution can make the storage operate up to 8 times faster than the HDD-only solution. It can be used with any Adaptec Series 5Z, 5 or 2 Storage Controller. All you have to do is to get the Adaptec MaxIQ SSD Cache Kit and use its SSD drive with your Storage Controller. Then Open-E DSS V6 will automatically use it.
Storage Management / Replications
^ back to features listSynchronous Volume Replication over LAN
Synchronous replication guarantees zero data loss. Write is not considered complete until acknowledgement by both local and remote storage. Most applications wait for a write transaction to complete before proceeding with further work, hence overall performance decreases considerably. Therefore, it is recommended using this option only for LAN.
Synchronous Volume Replication over LAN with iSCSI Failover
Synchronous replication is used to replicate data between nodes of iSCSI failover. As used in the LAN ensures zero data loss and good performance.
Synchronous Volume Replication over LAN with NAS (NFS) Failover
Open-E DSS V6 provides fault tolerance via synchronous NAS Volume Replication for NFS shares. Once configured, all data written to the primary server is mirrored to a secondary server. In the event the primary server fails, Open-E DSS V6 automatically switches operations to the secondary server. NFS locks are also reassigned on the secondary server after primary server fails. This functionality requires the purchase of a feature pack.
Data Replication over LAN
With Open-E DSS V6 you are able to keep your data synchronized between servers on a LAN.
Data Replication over WAN
With Open-E DSS V6 you are able to keep your data synchronized over long distances.
Fast Initial Volume Synchronization
Open-E DSS V6 features fast initial volume synchronization for volume replication.
Volume Replication Tuning
The volume replication tuning feature gives you the ability to improve the speed of the replication process on your hardware.
Monitoring
^ back to features listHardware Monitoring
Open-E DSS V6 monitors hardware status such as temperature, voltage and fan speed provided by the motherboard's sensors.
SNMP v2, v3
SNMP is a shortcut of Simple Network Management Protocol. This protocol allows you to observe server performance remotely using encrypted transmission (v3) or non-encrypted one (v2).
E-Mail Notification
In case of problems with the server, Open-E DSS V6 can be configured to send email alerts to the system administrator.
Log Function
The Open-E log file is an effective instrument in analyzing and solving technical issues.
Hardware Support
^ back to features listMultiple CPU Support (32x)
Open-E DSS V6 supports up to 32 CPUs to increase the I/O throughput for heavy duty data requirements.
UPS and Network UPS Support
In case of power failure, a UPS eliminates the effects of a temporary power outage and provides a safe shutdown, without loss of data. The UPS device can be connected by Communications Port (COM-port) or Universal Serial Bus (USB) to the server. Open-E DSS V6 is capable of using the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) interface for communication with other SNMP-enabled servers (e.g. Open-E DSS V6) for a smooth server shutdown in the event of a power failure. The server with the UPS sends a power failure signal through the network to other servers (in slave mode) and will shut down all servers in the network.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Panel Support
Open-E DSS V6 supports Crystalfontz CFA631 and pyramid LCD displays.
Specific NAS functionality
^ back to features listWindows Active Directory / Primary Domain Controller
Open-E DSS V6 supports ADS (Windows Active Directory), PDC (Primary Domain Controller), LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) and ADS and NIS (Network Information Service) User-/Group ID Synchronization to leverage information about users, groups, systems and other resources stored in the Active Directory. The support of Access Control List (ACL) ensures that access rights of users are automatically taken over from the Domain. Open-E DSS V6 supports Windows 2008 as a Domain Controller. If you use Active Directory Services from Windows 2008, Open-E DSS V6 will be able to connect and make use of it.
Support For Network Information Service (NIS)
The NIS directory service protocol enables the distribution of system configuration data, such as user and host names, between computers on a computer network. Open-E DSS V6 supports NIS for easier and consistent access of information stored on any other Open-E DSS V6 server using NIS.
Internal and External LDAP
The Open-E DSS V6 supports external LDAP enabling administrators to configure and manage multiple DSS V6 systems from one single point (either an Open-E software with a LDAP database or any other LDAP server).
ADS and NIS User / Group ID Synchronization
Open-E DSS V6 supports Windows Active Directory (AD), Primary Domain Controller (PDC), Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and AD and NIS User-/Group ID synchronization to leverage information about users, groups, systems and other resources stored in the Active Directory. The support of Access Control List (ACL) ensures that access rights of users are automatically taken over from the Domain.
File System with Journaling Support
Journaling support makes the file system more reliable and allows easier, faster recovery from unexpected shutdowns.
User and Group Quota Control
Administrators can control users with large disk requirements by assigning a dedicated share or by restricting their individual usage through individual user quotas or to assign a quota to a group to which the user belongs.
Antivirus
Open-E DSS V6 has an integrated Antivirus software tool for scanning shares on viruses at predefined points in time. The Virus Definition Database can be updated and is stored on the NAS device.
Supported network clients
^ back to features listMicrosoft Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS 8.0 - 10.5.8, X
Open-E DSS V6 supports the file based protocols CIFS (Common Internet File System) / SMB (Server Message Block), NFS (Network File System), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), FTPS and Apple Talk enabling Windows, Linux, Unix and Mac clients to share data on the same NAS server.
Supported network file protocols
^ back to features listSMB/CIFS, FTP, Secure FTP, HTTP, Apple Talk, NFS v2, v3
Open-E DSS V6 supports the file based protocols CIFS (Common Internet File System) / SMB, NFS (Network File System), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), FTPS, SFTP and Apple Talk enabling Windows, Linux, Unix and Macintosh clients to share data on the same server.
Specific iSCSI functionality
^ back to features listIP Address Restrictions for a Target
Open-E DSS V6 allows setting up a range of IP addresses which have the access to targets.
CHAP User Management
In Open-E DSS V6, CHAP users can be assigned to a specific iSCSI target. CHAP is an authentication scheme used to validate the identity of users and to manage the access rights of users to targets, managed by user name and password.
MPIO Support
The Open-E DSS V6 allows to set multiple connections to one target while increasing performance and reliability.
SCSI-3 Persistent Reservation Support
SCSI-3 Persistent Reservation supports multiple nodes accessing iSCSI Target device at the same time. It is responsible for blocking access to the device, while the other node is accessing it. This functionality is necessary in a Windows 2008 failover clustering environment using iSCSI shared-storage.
Session Management
The Open-E DSS V6 allows management of all connections to the iSCSI target, making it possible to reject unwanted sessions.
Backup
^ back to features listLocal Backup
Through Open-E DSS V6, a local HDD or a USB drive can be defined as a Dynamic Unit and acts like a normal tape drive which can backup the NAS server and could be removed without shutting down the server.
Integrated Backup System
Open-E DSS V6 includes an integrated backup utility, allowing users to benefit from high functionality backup features including: task mechanism with schedules, virtual tapes, tape library Support - without any additional costs.
Virtual Tapes
Configure tape drive emulation on share or Dynamic Volume (e.g. dynamically attached hard drive) backup for tape drives is the same as backup on virtual tapes.
Support for Tape Libraries, Autoloaders, Retention Time
Automate backups with use of tape drive libraries. Set schedule for tapes to be rewritten for new backup,
NDMP v3.0 Support (Network Data Management Protocol)
Open-E DSS V6 implementation of the NDMP open standard protocol is used to control backup and recovery data streams between primary storage (data server) and secondary storage (tape server) in heterogeneous network environments. Support for NDMP includes: reading data from a disk, producing an NDMP data stream (backup), reading of an NDMP data stream, and writing it to a disk (restore). Open-E’s NDMP implementation is supported by the following backup utilities: Symantec NetBackup, EMC Legato Networker, NDMP Client and Computer Associates Brightstor.
Backup-Agents (Backup Exec®, Retrospect®, BrightStor®)
Open-E DSS V6 backup agents help administrators to back up NAS servers with backup software from Veritas, Dantz, CA BrightStor ARCserve. Using the backup agents, you can administer complete data protection for all data stored on the server. This improves data transfer and provides network security, task monitoring, real-time directory browsing, and cross-platform backup support. Other backup software can do the backup and restore over supported file protocols.
Other
^ back to features listInstallable Version
For increased flexibility and simplified access, Open-E DSS V6 is an easily installable version that can be installed on a hard drive or a pen drive module.
Setup Wizard
The Setup Wizard assists you with the language, network, and time settings for the first time Open-E DSS V6 starts.
Help Feature with Search and Index
The improved help system allows browsing and searching through all help files, making administration of Open-E DSS V6 even simpler.
Extended Save and Restore Settings
Open-E DSS V6 allows saving the system configuration and restores it if required, even on different Open-E servers, increasing the reliability and simplifying the management.
Connections Status
Open-E DSS V6 displays information about current connections.
Remote Support (on demand)
Open-E DSS V6 includes Remote Support which enables our Support Service to access the machine remotely. In many cases this can help speed problem resolution. For security reasons this function can only be initiated by you manually.
Initially Supported Storage Capacity 4 / 8 / 16 / Unlimited (TB)
Overall storage capacity is supported by default in Open-E products. This value can be increased with additional License Keys.
Upgrade Ability
In order to upgrade, you must purchase a License Key enabling additional Storage Capacity (4, 8, 16 or 32 TB). The storage limit is turned off when 48TB of licensed capacity is reached and you can use it for an unlimited amount of storage. You can buy any of the Open-E DSS V6 versions and purchase additional storage license keys.
Screenshots
You log in with your designated data to access Open-E DSS V6.
Setting up the system is quick and easy with our software.
You can easily configure the software according to your needs.
NAS (NFS) Failover Feature Pack for Open-E DSS V6
Open-E delivers automatic NAS (NFS) failover, using a set up with two nodes in an active-passive configuration. It can be purchased as an extension called “Feature Pack - NAS (NFS) Failover”. The NAS (NFS) Failover functionality can only be purchased for usage with Open-E DSS V6 and is NOT working with Open-E DSS V7.
Open-E DSS V6 provides fault tolerance via synchronous NAS Volume Replication for NFS shares. Once configured, all data written to the primary server is mirrored to a secondary server. In the event the primary server fails, Open-E DSS V6 automatically switches operation to the secondary server. NFS locks are also reassigned to the secondary server after the primary server fails.
This functionality requires the purchase of a feature pack. A single license of the feature pack will enable two licensed full version copies of Open-E DSS V6 to operate as a failover solution.
