Final Cut User

Apple just released an upgrade to its XSAN software. The upgraded introduces MultiSAN which allows users on a single workstation to access multiple SANs (Storage Area Network) at once.  The feature that should be highlighted here is that XSAN 2 also qualifies 3rd party RAID Storage to be compatible.  This is a welcomed addition for most, as apple’s RAID storage is notoriously overpriced.  An odd move for Apple though as keeping XSAN proprietary is what most likely drives sales of Xserve RAID.  

This could be an indication of the end of Xserve RAID, as Apple now offers Promise VTrak Fibre Storage in its online store. I haven’t yet found an official release stating so, but Apple tends to not sell products that compete with products they offer. More to come as the day unfolds.

UPDATE:Xserve RAID is DEAD. Its no longer available in Apple’s store. It will come up in a search, but when you click you will get a warning about availability.

UPDATE 2:Just received this email from a friend of mine who is an Xserve RAID Owner.

I called Apple furious today and spoke to the Enterprise department.When they say third-party certification, apparently it means only ONE third party company. They are now in bed with a system called Promise VTrak Raid.The price is nicer than Xserve Raid (6TB for 12k), but I was furious with the guy. My 3.4TB is basically worthless and obsolete right now. They got the info same time we did. And they are still piecing together how this will work.It’s a bit scary. They were so strong on the whole “We are a one-stop shop for pro post production” but they seem to be slowly migrating.It kind of gives the Avid rumor some legs. Why support XServe Raid, when Avid already has a kick ass storage solution. Lets buy Avid or get our edit solution bought by Avid.I don’t know it’s crazy.I asked the guy how I was supposed to trust buying another solution of that magnitude from Apple. I don’t know if he had an answer yet.Johnny

So it looks like third party support means only Promise RAID systems? Can that be true?

UPDATE 3
Macworld Coverage of XSAN 2
Arts Technica XSAN 2