So far, we have shown how using enterprise-grade silicon, wear-leveling, ECC, reserve NAND, and TRIM all contribute to improving the reliability of Nimbus flash modules. However, what if despite all these efforts, a module fails? Nimbus systems incorporate RAID 5, 6 and 10 protection, enabling 1, 2, or even half of the flash modules to fail simultaneously with no interruption in data access or data loss. Users may also elect flash modules, up to two per solid state storage enclosure, to serve as hot-spares to automate resynchronization in the event of a flash module failure. This is where flash shines even brighter by completing RAID rebuilds far faster than disk arrays and avoiding mechanical-related failures altogether.

Every Nimbus enclosure also features redundant hot-swappable power supplies and fans, multiple network IO modules, and dual software images. As shown, building a flash storage system for maximum durability is a science in itself. Nimbus S-Class and E-Class systems provide a balanced combination of quality hardware, dedicated flash management processors, and intelligent software to given our customers confidence to deploy Nimbus in the most IO-intensive environments. Nimbus stands by its products with available extended warranty and service options.

Complementing Nimbus’ S-Class flash systems, the E-Class elevates Nimbus’ multiprotocol solid state storage platform to meet the needs of the most rigorous IT environments. With no-single-point-of-failure, the Nimbus E-Class is ideal for applications such as enterprise-wide server virtualization, Web infrastructure, database clusters, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), and high-performance computing. The E-Class platform consists of a pair of redundant controllers and up to 24 solid state storage enclosures. Nimbus software automatically detects controller and path failures, providing non-disruptive failover. The E-Class also supports online software updates and online capacity expansion.

Nimbus systems feature integrated phone-home capability via email alerts and SNMP notification. Users can set up multiple recipients for alert notification and configure which severity events they want to be notified about. The Nimbus software automatically tracks system temperature, flash module status, network connectivity outages, controller failure, file system utilization, RAID status, and much more.