The VMware Virtual Storage Area Network-- aka VSAN-- emerges from beta to launch as an actual product dubbed VSAN 5.5, a virtual storage array with capacity reaching 32 nodes, 4.5 petabytes and 2 million IOPS.
First revealed at VMworld 2013, VSAN clusters storage from server HDDs and SSDs, with virtual machines tapping into storage capacity as required. It is built on vSphere hypervisor technology through which VMware promises fast performance.
The version numbering is actually relevant in VMware's plans for the project-- after all it matches that of software flagship vSphere 5.5, and allows users to switch VSAN on with just a couple of clicks and a licence key.
VMware also says it already has a VSAN partner ecosystem in place, with vendors including NetApp, Dell, HP, Hitachi, Fujitsu, Cisco, EMC-Intel, IBM, Symantec, Fusion-io and Commvault.
VSAN 5.5 will be available later on March 2014.