The ‘Edge in a Box’ from StorMagic and Schneider Electric
There are many advantages to edge locations, remote and branch offices, and small datacenters processing data onsite. These include reduced latency that enables ‘smart processes’ using IoT processors, as well as a low cost and easy to manage method of running mission critical applications.
To do so effectively requires a solution that remedies edge pain points. It is a very dangerous game to run onsite storage with single points of failure, especially if IT support is limited or non-existent. Budget constraints, and parts and people delays will impact the time it takes to restore a system after unplanned downtime.
Sites are also often limited by space, which is a problem that will only become more prominent. The world is getting smarter, more data is moving to the edge and what is considered an edge site is becoming smaller and smaller.
In order to ensure that smaller edge sites remain simple, cost-effective and flexible, StorMagic and APC by Schneider Electric have come together to create ‘Edge in a Box’ – the smallest edge solution ever: the most lightweight virtual SAN on the market, with any two x86 servers, on APC’s brand new 6U rack.
Hardware Components
APC by Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Micro Data Center C-Series 6U Wall Mount
The 6U Wall Mount is an innovative way to deploy server and networking equipment at the edge. Up to 60% less intrusive than a traditional wall mount solution, the unique low-profile design enables large depth devices to be wall mounted in a compact, and less intrusive form factor than traditional wall mount cabinets.
There are numerous UPS and PDU options available, as well as a range of accessories that can be incorporated into the base model. For full specifications and configuration options, refer to the table below, and the APC by Schneider Electric website.
Servers – any x86 server
The Edge in a Box solution can be built with any two x86 servers. However, StorMagic and HPE have announced a partnership to bring the whole solution together from HPE. ProLiant servers have been validated in the Edge in a Box solution and they can be purchased along with the EcoStruxure rack and StorMagic software directly from HPE or any HPE global channel partner.
For more information about using HPE ProLiant servers with StorMagic SvSAN, please refer to this solution brief.
Software Components
StorMagic SvSAN
All of the features necessary for highly available shared storage are included in an SvSAN license. There are also two performance and security-enhancing add-ons available, which are SvSAN’s caching and data encryption features. All of SvSAN’s features, including caching and encryption, can be explored in more detail on the SvSAN Features page.
SvSAN’s data encryption feature enables organizations to encrypt the data being mirrored by SvSAN. This allows vulnerable edge sites and the data they hold to be protected. It is FIPS 140-2 compliant, eliminates the need for expensive OS or hypervisor-level solutions, and is compatible with any KMS that uses KMIP, including StorMagic’s own key manager, SvKMS.
StorMagic SvSAN is licensed based on the usable VSA storage capacity. License tiers are set at 2TB, 6TB, 12TB and Unlimited TB.
SvSAN works with any x86 server that exists on the VMware vSphere ESXi or Microsoft Hyper-V Hardware Compatibility List (HCL). Furthermore, SvSAN will work with any supported internal server disk storage or JBOD array.
SvSAN’s two node configuration is made possible by its witness service, which can be managed remotely on anything as small as a Raspberry Pi. More information on the SvSAN witness can be found on the website.
Hypervisor
SvSAN supports VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V and Linux KVM hypervisors. It is installed as a Virtual Storage Appliance (VSA) requiring minimal server resources to provide the shared storage necessary to enable the advanced hypervisor features.
For greater detail on SvSAN’s hypervisor compatibility, please refer to the SvSAN Data Sheet.
Summary
The Edge in a Box enables highly available servers and storage in the smallest possible footprint and provides robust high availability on the leanest possible IT, inside the smallest wall mounted rack on the market.
StorMagic and APC by Schneider Electric are working closely to develop solutions specifically tailored for the edge computing market. For more information on the partnership, visit the StorMagic website or email [email protected].
APC by Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Micro Data Center C-Series 6U Wall Mount Specifications
Model | AR106V | AR106VI |
Output Power Capacity | 500VA – 1.5kVA | 500VA – 1.5kVA |
Rack Space | 6U Total; 4U w/ UPS | 6U Total; 4U w/ UPS |
Weight Capacity | 250lb Total | 113Kg Total |
Maximum Equipment Depth | 30 in. | 762mm |
Site Power Requirements | 100-120V, 15A, 60Hz | 230V, 50Hz |
Site Outlet Required | NEMA 5-15R | IEC320 C14 Inlet |
UPS Type(s) | Line Interactive, On-Line, Lithium | Line Interactive, On-Line, Lithium |
PDU Type(s) | Basic, Metered, Switched | Metered, Switched |
Dimensions (no casters) | 27 in. x 38 in. x 13 in. | 650mm x 969mm x 331mm |
Weight (Enclosure Only) | 80lb | 36Kg |
Fans | Qty 2. – 220 CFM | Qty 2. – 104 L/s |
Filter | Replaceable – MERV 5 | Replaceable – G3 |
Optional Accessories | Casters, Blanking Panels, Brush Strips | |
Environmental Monitoring (Optional) | Temp/Humid, Water Leak, Wireless Temp | |
Security | Standard – Keylock doors/panels, Optional – Door Contacts, Camera Monitoring | |
Remote Monitoring | EcoStruxure IT Expert / Asset Advisor (mobile, tablet, web) | |
Compliance | UL2416 Listed | |
Warranty | Component level factory warranties |