The introduction of the VSEM Storage Expansion Module completes the Verari Systems 4Gbp/s Fibre Channel architecture that began with the introduction of the VS7000 storage system last February. With up to 8TB of physical capacity per expansion unit utilizing 500GB disk drives, the VSEM Storage Expansion Module accommodates 2Gb/s Fibre Channel Disk Drive Modules, 4Gb/s Fibre Disk Drive Modules as well as 3Gb/s Serial ATA (SATA) II Disk Drive Modules all within the same enclosure. The VSEM is a 19-inch 3U rackmount shelf available with optional NEBS compliant redundant DC power.

Utilizing unique SATA II drive interface cards with speed matching technology enables each 3Gb/s SATA II disk drive in a VSEM Storage Expansion Module to effectively function as a 4Gb/s drive ensuring the 4Gb/s drive module achieves maximum performance when intermixed with 4Gb/s Fibre Channel and 3Gb/s SATA II drives. Intermixing performance-optimized Fibre Channel drives and capacity-optimized SATA drives enables tiered storage in a single enclosure lowering acquisition and maintenance costs.

The VSEM Storage Expansion Module features redundant, dual-active drive path access to the Fibre Channel and SATA drives maximizing performance and complete data accessibility to all drives in the event of a loop or cable failure. All primary components in each VSEM Storage Expansion Module are customer replaceable and hot swappable. This includes the disk drives, cooling fans, power supplies and environmental services modules.