It seems like every other startup I talk to is pitching VMware-integrated caching, and a spate of acquisitions and announcements from flash companies are legitimizing the idea. Even VMware has gotten in on the game with vFlash Read Cache (vFRC). But integrating caching with VMware vSphere isn't nearly as easy and effective as everyone is making it sound! A Whole Datacenter Of … [Read more...] about VMware-Integrated Caching? Not So Fast!
Marvell
Can Fusion-io Survive Commoditization?
No small storage company has had more press coverage and "buzz" than "ioMemory" maker, Fusion-io. I have long marveled at the company's ability to attract attention, but this has rubbed some analysts wrong. As component vendors enter their space, how can a premium company with proprietary products compete over the long term? The Facts of the Flash Market Fusion-io sells … [Read more...] about Can Fusion-io Survive Commoditization?
What Are The True Eye-Fi X2 802.11n Wi-Fi Capabilities?
My experience with the Eye-Fi connected SD camera card has been frustrating, but I wasn't sure how much blame the company deserved. Uploading massive 14 megapixel photos is going to be slow over a 3G connection using any device, after all. But how fast could the Eye-Fi go on a really great wireless LAN? The company is skimpy with technical specs, but I did manage to figure out … [Read more...] about What Are The True Eye-Fi X2 802.11n Wi-Fi Capabilities?
Iomega USB 3.0 SSD: Hands-On Review
Iomega recently shipped me a USB 3.0 SSD for review. I previewed this unit in December, concluding the ultra-capacity, ultra-performance portable device was a new category rather than a giant thumb drive or overpriced alternative to portable hard disks. Now that I've got some hands-on time with the drive I can enthusiastically affirm that my impression was correct. Warning: … [Read more...] about Iomega USB 3.0 SSD: Hands-On Review
The Best Network Card For VMware ESX Home Lab Machines
I'm building a home/lab server to run a variety of workloads, but VMware ESX is chief among these. Sadly, VMware ESX is especially picky about network interface cards (NICs): Although many are supported, most are intended for servers and thus very expensive and difficult to find at retail. So I set out browsing through the VMware ESX HCL, Newegg, and Amazon to find the best … [Read more...] about The Best Network Card For VMware ESX Home Lab Machines