Large Build Configurations of Storage Systems Using 12Gb/s SAS Data Interfaces Tested at SCSI Trade Association Plugfest Event

Fourth consecutive Plugfest focused on 12Gb/s SAS technology included extensive testing of systems of multiple SAS end devices connected through multiple SAS expanders

SAN FRANCISCO – December 2, 2014 — Demonstrating that Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) technology delivers the performance and reliability required for enterprise-class storage, the SCSI Trade Association (STA) today announced the successful completion of its 16th SAS Plugfest. The fourth for 12Gb/s SAS, the event was held September 22-26, 2014, at the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL). Twenty one companies, including both STA members and non-members, participated.

“This Plugfest was notable for the group of tests that verified the interoperability of systems of multiple SAS end devices connected through multiple SAS expanders,” said Michael Koffman, Host Interface Support, Western Digital Corporation and co-chairperson of the SAS Plugfest Technical Committee. “Another point of emphasis was testing the interoperability of systems implementing SAS Power Management.”

All Plugfests have consistently provided a verification method to preserve existing storage investments, deliver a favorable end-user experience, demonstrate interoperability and support both forward and backward compatibility.

The 16th SAS Plugfest was highlighted by the following activities:

• Extensive compatibility testing of hosts with solid state drives (SSD) and hard disk drives (HDD) running at 12Gb/s SAS including several “Large Build” configurations
• Verification of the interoperability of a system of multiple SAS end devices connected through multiple SAS expanders
• Extensive testing of the latest 12Gb/s SAS PHY power saving modes during times of no link activity
• Interoperability testing of a small SAS system implementing zoning
• Interoperability testing of SAS products, including SAS Initiators, Expanders and SAS Targets
• Extensive testing, including pre-Plugfest testing of the new 12Gb/s SAS managed cable capability that allows each port to support short passive copper cables, active cables and optical cables up to 100m
• Interoperability testing of a small SAS system using various interconnects, such as active or passive cables, and backplanes
• Inclusion of SFF-8630 MultiLink SAS™ and the SAS portion of the SFF-8639 multi-function backplane connector on tested products
• Physical level testing of 12Gb/s SAS technology

“As every business is required to improve, optimize and enhance their storage systems, SAS answers the call with improved system performance, connectivity, and scalability,” said Marty Czekalski, president of the SCSI Trade Association and Interface and Emerging Architecture Program manager, Seagate. “The result of this Plugfest is further validation that SAS can meet the demands of today’s business through improved flexibility and improved deployment topologies, while maintaining the legacy SCSI cost structure.”

The following companies attended the September, 2014 Plugfest:

* Non STA members

Please visit http://www.scsita.org/sas-plugfest-program.html for future Plugfest updates throughout the year.

About STA
The SCSI Trade Association was established in 1996 to provide a focal point for members to communicate the benefits of SCSI to the industry. STA promotes the understanding and use of Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) technology and influences the evolution of SCSI standards to meet future industry needs. The Association has a nine-member Board of Directors, which oversees the Marketing Communications and Technology Committees and all STA activities. For more information, please visit the STA website at http://www.scsita.org, send an email to info@scsita.org or call the STA office at (415) 561-6273.

Media Contact:
Linda Capcara
TechTHiNQ
480-229-7090
linda@scsita.org

# # #