The Compaq StorageWorks RAID Array 8000 UltraSCSI (RA8000 Ultra) system is designed to provide a storage solution that can span a broad range of needs. This solution offers an affordable entry price with scaleable capacity, built-in and optional features for multivendor operating environments, high-availability provisions, and the most demanding performance requirements.The RA8000 UltraSCSI storage controller is the Compaq HSZ80 running Array Controller Software (ACS) V8.3. The HSZ80 is the latest UltraSCSI storage controller in the StorageWorks product line. The ACS software is designed to support multiple platforms providing features including: dual-controller operation, controller failover, mirrored write-back cache, read-ahead cache, RAID implementation, disk mirroring, and disk partitioning capabilities. In addition, ACS manages host interconnect and protocol services to provide data for event notification and supports the status displayed by the StorageWorks Command Console (SWCC). The RA8000 Ultra is supplied in two basic building blocks, a pedestal-style cabinet and a rackable model. The pedestal is a self-contained desk-height cabinet, offered in DIGITAL Classic top gun blue color and in the Compaq opal color to complement existing equipment in a computing environment. The rackable unit is shipped ready to be mounted in a 19-inch Compaq rack or a 19-inch cabinet/rack using a universal RETMA/metric mounting kit (included with each model). RA8000 Ultra solutions incorporate the latest in RAID technology, providing RAID levels 0, 1, 0+1, adaptive 3/5, and non-RAID disks. Compaq�s implementation of RAID capability assures that data availability will be maintained despite hardware failure. Features such as read-ahead cache and mirrored write-back cache improve or minimize the effect on performance while preserving data availability and supporting high availability. RA8000 storage controllers include 64 MB of cache. Cache options allow for 128 MB, 256 MB and 512 MB of cache in each controller. The value of additional cache is dependent on the characteristics of applications being run on the server(s). Many applications derive maximum benefit from additional cache on the server and others benefit from storage controller cache. The RA8000 supports high availability in cluster configurations including support with TruClusters V1.5 on Tru64 UNIX, OpenVMS Clusters, and HACMP with IBM AIX.