Xserve RAID

Lore & Background

The Xserve RAID was built in three revisions: the original model (February 2003 – January 2004) with part numbers M8668, M8669, M8670; the SFP revision (January 2004 – October 2004) with part numbers M9721, MA208; and the SFP Late 2004 revision (October 2004 – February 2008) with part number A1009. Each revision featured dual independent RAID controllers, each managing seven of the fourteen drives. The controllers were independent but not redundant: if one controller failed, its seven drives became inaccessible. Redundant cooling units and power supplies were included. The storage array's ports included two Fibre Channel ports for data transfer, a 10/100 Ethernet port for remote management, and a serial port for UPS communication via the Simple Signaling Protocol. Apple shipped a CD-ROM with the Xserve RAID Admin Tools, a Java application that runs on OS X, Windows, Linux, and Solaris. The device was certified for use with servers running Windows Server 2003 or Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and users did not need a Mac to administer it. Models cost between US$5,999 and US$10,999 (later US$12,999), plus configuration and support options. The line was discontinued on February 19, 2008.

Reader's Guide

The Xserve RAID's significance lies in its role as a high-capacity, cross-platform storage solution designed to complement Apple's Xserve line. Its dual independent controllers, while not redundant, allowed for separate management of two drive groups, and the support for multiple RAID levels in hardware and software gave administrators flexibility. The device's certification for Windows Server 2003 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux, along with the Java-based administration tools, meant it could be deployed in heterogeneous environments without requiring a Mac. The Xserve RAID was particularly noted for its use in high-performance technical computing and non-linear video editing, where large, reliable storage was essential. Its discontinuation in February 2008 marked the end of Apple's dedicated hardware RAID offering, but the device remains an example of Apple's attempt to serve enterprise storage needs with a purpose-built, rack-mounted array.

Did You Know?

• The Xserve RAID held up to 14 hot-swappable Ultra-ATA hard drives and could reach 10.5 TB with 750 GB modules.
• Its two RAID controllers were independent but not redundant; failure of one controller made its seven drives inaccessible.
• The Xserve RAID was certified for use with Windows Server 2003 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
• The device was discontinued on February 19, 2008.