Server-Tier Flash Minimizes Latency
FlashSoft software uses flash devices installed in the server to
minimize latency and reduce I/O between server and storage. With
FlashSoft software, the most frequently accessed data is cached on
high-performance flash in the server, accelerating I/O without
requiring modifications to storage infrastructure.
FlashSoft software works with any standard SSD attached via
SATA, SAS, or PCIe. The software also supports any SAN or DAS
storage infrastructure.
Simple Deployment & Transparent Operation
The software installs in a few minutes and runs transparently as
a block-level filter driver within the Windows Server operating
system. FlashSoft software is directed to the SSD that it will use
as a cache, and the administrator identifies the data volumes to be
accelerated. FlashSoft automatically identifies the hot data and
begins accelerating the applications.
Native Windows MMC GUI
FlashSoft for Windows is managed via a plug-in to the Microsoft
Management Console (MMC). Windows administrators can manage
FlashSoft functions and operations directly from the MMC, starting
and stopping acceleration on volumes through an Explorer view and
checking cache performance through PerfMon.
Minimal System Overhead
FlashSoft for Windows requires minimal server
resources--typically just 3 to 5 percent of CPU capacity and 140MB
of RAM. FlashSoft delivers all the benefits of SSD performance with
minimal impact on server resources.
Read-and-Write Caching or Read-Only Caching
FlashSoft provides a read-write cache for optimal performance
with workloads such as databases and transactional applications.
FlashSoft can also be deployed as a read-only cache for
read-intensive workloads such as web servers, data analytics, and
streaming media.
Cache Persistence & Recovery
The cache data and metadata reside entirely on the SSD for
persistence in the event of a server crash or system failure. The
unique metadata model enables full recovery of the cache in
fractions of a second upon system restart.
Data Coherence & Integrity
FlashSoft supports deployment of multiple SSDs in RAID
configurations as well as intelligent tools for data protection and
recovery to protect against data loss in the event of SSD
failure.
Contact a FlashSoft sales representative, 408-801-3567, flashsoft.sales@sandisk.com
Technical Support: 408-801-3558
System Requirements
Operating System
- Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 (64-bit)
SSD Hardware:
- FlashSoft runs on any standard SSD or flash PCIe, SAS, or
SATA.
- Minimum cache size: 8GB
- Maximum cache size: 1TB
The optimal cache size depends on the amount of data on the
volume being accelerated, the applications running on the server,
and the peak utilization. Please consult a SanDisk FlashSoft
representative to discuss the optimal SSD for your needs.
Server Memory & CPU
- Memory utilization: 140MB
- Recommended CPU: Dual core or greater, 2GHz or above, 64-bit
x86 processor
- CPU utilization: 3% - 5%