Rorke Launches Both FC and LVD
MaxArray™ Configurations
Las Vegas, NV, NAB99, Booth #16554/LVCC, April 19, 1999 — Rorke Data announced today that the company has begun shipping both Fibre Channel and LVD versions of its highly-regarded MaxArray disk storage array.
Specifically designed for high-bandwidth applications (digital video and audio), MaxArray incorporates both desktop and rack mount configurations, and allows users the choice of FC or LVD SCSI interfaces, depending on their requirements.
MaxArray-FC (Fibre Channel version) disk arrays offer speeds of 100MB per second (single loop) and 200MB per second (dual loop), as well as connectivity and expandability with optional Fibre Channel HBAs, hubs and switches. MaxArray-LVD offers 80MB per second bus speeds (up to 160 per second with split-bus option) and compatibility with other SCSI devices. The new MaxArray models are available in configurations that range from 18GB to 400GB, and are offered in a four-bay desktop tower, an eight-bay desktop tower, and a wide range of rack mount designs, all utilizing SCA backplane technology.
MaxArray enclosures have been engineered to incorporate Seagate Technology's highest capacity (50GB per drive) devices, as well as the company's 10,000 rpm Cheetah devices. Mike Walton, Seagate Product Marketing Manager for high-end disc products, said "Rorke Data is located in the Minneapolis area, right down the street from Seagate's high-end testing facility. Seagate has worked with Rorke for 10 years on a range of A/V-related issues, from enclosure and backplane designs to OEM-specific micro-code upgrades and drive settings. Rorke is a primary Seagate OEM to the digital A/V industry."
Each MaxArray system features hot swappable drives in a black metal enclosure with removable power supply; quietized ball bearing fans; terminator (where applicable); external SCSI or Fibre Channel cable; and manual. Audible and visual alarms are provided for the system's fan, temperature levels and power-fail LED.
Rorke spokesperson Bob Herzan, Director of Worldwide A/V Sales, said the acceptance of the new MaxArray models is evidenced by the sheer number of A/V industry OEMs displaying the hardware at NAB99. Highlighting the product's flexibility, Herzan said, a diverse range of OEM applications have harnessed MaxArray's features, for applications such as video editing, DAWs, graphics and animation. The product is being exhibited at NAB99 by such well-known companies as Media100, FAST Electronics, Matrox, Sonic Solutions, Adobe, Pinnacle, and TrueVision, to name just a few.
"We've shipped over 100 terabytes of MaxArray storage to the NAB99 trade show floor," said Herzan, "including exhibitor booths, suites and demo labs. Our constant adaptation to, and integration of, new technologies, including Fibre Channel and LVD, has kept MaxArray a leading product. We feel that we're one of the most consistent and trusted suppliers to the A/V industry, and at this point we've maintained relationships with A/V industry OEMs for over ten years. There aren't many storage companies that can make that claim."
"Once again, Rorke Data has tested and delivered the latest data storage products for our customers," said Brenda Bergin, Media100 Peripheral Engineer. "My job is to approve third party equipment for use with Media100 systems. Rorke has been approved by Media100 since the founding of our company, and we are always happy to refer our customers to them on a worldwide basis."
Rorke Data is a full digital storage solutions provider with expertise in SAN-connectivity, FC RAID, high performance tape and optical libraries, Unix, NT and Mac environments, high bandwidth networks, digital asset and document management, and engineering and maintenance services. Founded in 1985, Rorke Data is a privately held Minnesota corporation. Together with its European subsidiary, Rorke Data Europe, located in Emmen, The Netherlands, the company is composed of six divisions: Audio/Video, Prepress, Imaging, Document Management, Digital Media Supplies, and Engineering and Installation Services. More information about Rorke Data can be found at www.rorke.com.
