The HP StorageWorks Modular Smart Array 1000 (MSA1000) is a 2 Gb Fiber Channel storage system designed for the entry-level to mid-range Storage Area Network (SAN). Designed to reduce the complexity, expense and risk of SAN deployment, the MSA1000 is a scaleable, high performance storage system built with investment protection in mind. The modular design of the MSA1000 allows the user to easily add storage capacity as needed.The MSA1000 is a member of the HP StorageWorks Modular Smart Array family, delivering industry-leading technology to meet today's demanding and growing storage needs. These storage solutions offer the best price performance features for direct attach environments, small clusters, and entry-level and mid-range SAN environments. Each solution is designed to maximize transfer rates, reduce management costs, while driving rapid return on investment.The MSA1000 combines the array controller shelf and the drive shelf, which holds up to fourteen 1" universal disk drives in a single 4U rackmount cabinet. More storage can be easily deployed with the addition of up to two HP StorageWorks disk enclosures with space for forty-two drives giving maximum storage capacity of 6 TB when using the new 146 GB drives. The MSA1000 provides the latest 2 Gb Fiber Channel technology to the hosts. Besides the single port 2 Gb Fiber Channel I/O module that comes standard, there is an optional 8-port, 2 Gb Fiber Channel Fabric Switch that fits inside the MSA1000.Another optional I/O module is a 3-port 2 Gb Fiber Channel hub that also fits inside - an ideal low cost solution for simple 2-node clustering. The MSA1000 provides Ultra3 SCSI connections to the hard drives and uses the HP Universal 1" Ultra2, Ultra3, and Ultra320 drives. By utilizing existing SCSI drives, the MSA1000 lowers the total cost of ownership and extends the customer's hardware investments into the future. The MSA1000 can be remotely managed by using management tools such as HP Insight Manager, Array Configuration Utility and the HP StorageWorks Fabric Switch Management Utility depending on the host's operating system.The MSA1000 SAN Starter Kit provides an easy and inexpensive way to build your first Storage Area Network. It includes the MSA1000 itself along with the unique MSA SAN Switch 2/8 embedded option, two of the FCA24214 Host Bus Adapters for Windows or Linux servers, and cabling. As always, the MSA1000 comes complete with configuration and management tools in addition to HP's Selective Storage Presentation software, all at no extra charge.