Transparent Cache Acceleration for Non-Virtualized Servers

Terabytes of Cache Acceleration for Improved Application and Primary Storage Performance

Fusion’s directCache software transforms ioMemory into a block-based storage cache by intelligently placing the most frequently accessed data in flash memory for increased performance. Tightly integrated with Fusion’s flash-optimized ioMemory subsystem and Virtual Storage Layer, directCache in a non-virtualized server minimizes translation layers to deliver lower cache latency and enable immediate application workload performance improvements. Ideal for environments where entire data sets are too large to fit in flash, directCache provides cost effective performance acceleration.  Customers not only benefit from a high performing cache solution, but also with very low memory consumption. 

Designed for any block-based storage volume whether on a disk array, iSCSI target, SAN, or direct attached storage, directCache enables terabytes of cache acceleration to speed performance of non-virtualized servers and associated primary storage.

• Transparent Performance Acceleration of Existing Storage Volumes and Infrastructure

directCache seamlessly integrates with existing block storage devices requiring no changes to the
storage infrastructure, preserving existing SAN and DAS configurations. Host operating systems continue to see and use block devices as-is.  Applications receive maximum benefit with minimum disruption since only the most frequently accessed blocks are cached providing instant performance gains. Existing data protection strategies remain in-place without disruption.

• Maximum Performance from ioMemory

Requests satisfied from ioMemory in the server can be hundreds of times faster than those from disk-based solutions.  ioMemory with directCache removes the overhead of legacy storage protocols by integrating directly with a native PCIe implementation.

• Reduce Cost and Complexity

directCache delivers up to hundreds of thousands of IOPS, reducing the need to configure disks for IOPS and eliminating the need to overprovision drives.  The elimination of complex tiering systems based on Fibre Channel or SAS disks further reduces costs and complexity.

Technical Details 

• Accelerate any OS-visible block storage volume: direct attached, Fibre Channel based and iSCSI basedSAN-attached, and appliance-attached storage
• Supports up to 64 LUNs, volumes, or disks per ioMemory device, each with independent cache settings
• directCache write-through caching provides data security and no data loss since all write I/O is passed through to primary storage
• Supports servers in both standalone and Active-Passive High Availability cluster configurations
• Compatible with most common Multipathing products
• GUI-based Flash and Cache integrated management
• GUI-based display to monitor cache hits and performance
• Data replacement based on least recent writes
• Direct integration with ioMemory subsystem and Virtual Storage Layer (VSL)
  • Fully associative cache enables optimal caching of the active workload,any combination of blocks can be cached
  • Individual storage sector granularity enables fine grained caching down to the individual sectors
  • Advanced wear-leveling ensures long life
  • Full performance of external primary storage even with no cache hits
  • Direct access to metadata improves resource efficiency, metadata lookup times, and metadata recovery after restart
  • Eliminates the need to reserve spare capacity enabling full use of physical capacity for cachingo Adapts to current health and usable capacity of the ioMemory

Product Features

System Requirements

For More Information:

Visit http://www.fusionio.com

To speak with a Fusion-io specialist in the U.S. call: +1 (801) 424 5500

To speak with a Fusion-io specialist outside the U.S.: http://fusionio.com/company/contact