MetaLAN Server is a multi-point gateway server technology part of a new generation of clustering software that provides the scalability and reliability required to simplify and unify data centers. Combined with the MetaLAN client software, MetaLAN Server virtualizes shared storage and eliminates hotspots and I/O bottlenecks by transparently aggregating the total bandwidth of individual LAN servers.

While both MetaSAN and MetaLAN Server technology allows you to take advantage of the very best that SAN and NAS architectures have to offer, MetaLAN Server is targeting more specifically the economical LAN-based workgroups such as DV editing, render farms, and compositing workstations.

The MetaLAN Server storage backbone can be based on any storage technology, such as Fibre Channel, or iSCSI. This allows multiple MetaLAN Servers to access the same storage pool. But unlike MetaSAN that mounts the SAN volumes for local use, the MetaLAN Server workstations can only be used as gateway servers for the MetaLAN clients (i.e. the SAN volumes are not available locally).

A single MetaLAN Server can be used as a replacement to a conventional NAS appliance. Multiple MetaLAN Server software turns off-the-shelf, industry standard storage and networking components into high-performance, scalable, and manageable NAS-like clusters.

Any number of LAN clients can gain access to the same files concurrently with no single point of failure and with aggregate throughput exceeding 2GB/sec . You can easily add/or remove servers, or clients without disrupting applications or service.

MetaLAN Server software leverages low-cost TCP/IP networking technology, but unlike a NAS appliance, does not rely on any network file protocols such as NFS, SMB, or CIFS. Instead, the MetaLAN client software mounts a logical volume locally, thereby dynamically establishing a virtual, yet persistent connection with the data center through one of the available MetaLAN Servers.

Your entire facility benefits from block-level access, automatic load balancing, transparent failover, client bandwidth usage control, and cross-platform support. In addition, MetaLAN technology lets you easily manage and backup your shared storage as a single resource.

MetaLAN is not a file system. Instead, it builds on the standard file system and tools readily available within your operating system. MetaLAN lets you avoid vendor locking by letting you build your infrastructure using industry standard servers, storage and network components. This is ideal for enterprises looking for cost-effective ways to centralize their assets without the performance bottlenecks and lack of scalability associated with conventional NAS.

MetaLAN enables innovative, flexible, and cost-effective network topology to be implemented with significant cost savings.

Contact us today to find out how you can benefit from Tiger Technology.

Notes:

1. MetaLAN Server is a cost-effective version of Tiger Technology’s flagship MetaSAN software. MetaLAN Server can only be used as a data master, and as such does not mount SAN volumes for local use. It can only be used as a gateway for the MetaLAN clients.
   
   
2. Performance bound to storage and network components.