Sonnet Technologies (http://www.sonnettech) has launched the Fusion
F3, a hardware RAID storage system that encloses a pair of 3.5-inch
SATA RAID drives to achieve 1TB, 2TB, or 3TB configurations in an
aluminum and steel case. One or two Fusion F3 systems can be
rackmounted in a 1U space.
The Sonnet Fusion F3 is a two-drive hardware RAID system that
supports fast (RAID 0), safe (RAID 1), and big (concatenated). The
hardware RAID is OS independent and can be attached to virtually any
computer or device. An eSATA interface is included for maximum speed,
FireWire 800 for medium speed, and FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 for
flexibility.
Connected via eSATA and its drives initialized as a RAID 0 array, the
Sonnet Fusion F3 can sustain read/write transfer rates of 165
MB/second, fast enough to support multiple streams of compressed
video editing. A universal power supply is integrated inside the
Fusion F3 chassis. There’s no external brick to dangle or come
unplugged. The 110-240V, 50-60Hz supply will operate worldwide with
the appropriate standard power cable.
The aluminum and steel case with internal shock isolation is designed
for rough grip handling. Mounted side-by-side, each of Fusion F3’s
drives is individually shock-isolated. Out of the box, Fusion F3
systems may be stacked on a flat surface, or stood on edge with the
included stand. One or two systems side-by-side may be installed in a
standard rack with the optional rackmount kit. The Fusion F3 is 1U
high (1.75-inch), a half-rack wide (8.5-inch), and only 14.25-inch
deep, perfect for even shallow racks. It sports front-mounted
switches for power and drive configuration, as well as indicators for
drive activity, drive fault, and power.
Fusion F3’s attractive milled aluminum faceplate and metal controls
lend it the appearance of an audiophile component. Blue LED
indicators dance with activity, and may be dimmed for darkened A/V
installations. The Fusion F3 line-up will be available in October;
pricing hasn’t been announced.