The Array

The arrays are engineered for high performance using flash, for low cost using dense, capacity-optimized disks, and for easy installation and administration.

The array OS is built on the patented Cache Accelerated Sequential Layout (CASL™) architecture. CASL leverages the lightning-fast random read performance of flash and the cost-effective capacity of hard disk drives. Data written to the array is compressed and then stored in the disk-drive layer. The arrays take advantage of multi-core processors to provide high-speed inline variable-block compression without introducing noticeable latency. CASL also incorporates efficiency features like cloning and integrated snapshots to store and serve more data in less space.

Data that is frequently accessed is tracked in the array index, which ensures that frequently and recently accessed data is also held in the large adaptive flash layer. A copy of all data in the flash layer also remains safely in the disk-drive layer to ensure reliability, but now it can be accessed with the high performance and low latency made possible by flash technology.