Well, this is interesting. Quantum and Group Logic have announced a LAN client for Macs in StorNext networks. This will allow Macs to connect to StorNext-based SANs via Ethernet. Group Logic also announced ArchiveConnect compatibility with StorNext, which will allow Macs to work with StorNext Storage Manager archives.

Availability is "this month." Pricing has not been announced.

The press release is below...

Quantum Corp., the leading global specialist in backup, recovery and archive, today announced it is expanding its StorNext(R) commitment to Apple customers. In combination with technology and channel partners, Quantum plans to offer a new range of file storage products which will enable business organizations that use Apple products to leverage their existing IT investments more effectively. In the first of such offerings, Quantum also announced today software that brings new client access options to StorNext users. Quantum co-developed a new local area network (LAN) client for StorNext with Group Logic, the leading provider of enterprise file access, management and integration for heterogeneous computing environments. The Group Logic LAN Client for StorNext will enable desktop clients running the Mac OS X platform to have native access via a LAN to StorNext's high-performance shared file and archiving system.

Key Highlights

• Quantum has extensive expertise in managing rich media files on the SAN in environments that include Apple products. StorNext is the leading, high-performance scale-out file system and archiving software deployed in the Media and Entertainment market, which is expected to increase 10X in digital storage capacity from 2009 and 2015.(1) The majority of creative professionals use Apple's graphics and editing tools to generate rich media files that are then stored on server and storage systems from Apple. Because StorNext is the only file system that offers native interoperability with Xsan, Quantum has the expertise to effectively address complex data management challenges in environments that include Apple products.
• Quantum extends its commitment to Apple customers. The company is expanding partnerships and investing in enhanced usability and productivity features in StorNext for homogeneous and heterogeneous server environments that include Apple products. For example, Quantum's new partnership with Active Storage led to incorporating StorNext into the recently announced ActiveSAN appliance to be available next quarter.
• First StorNext client to enable native Mac access over IP to StorNext File System and StorNext Storage Manager. Leveraging the Apple File Protocol standard, the Group Logic LAN Client for StorNext will provide greater flexibility for Mac users to leverage StorNext's powerful heterogeneous file system and StorNext Storage Manager(TM) tiered-archiving capabilities, as well as effectively utilize Windows-based storage and print servers. Native access support over LAN will also enable IT departments to cost effectively scale the number of StorNext Mac clients and improve operational efficiencies.
• Group Logic partnership also brings ArchiveConnect to StorNext users. When used with the Group Logic LAN Client for StorNext, Group Logic's ArchiveConnect software operates between Mac clients and StorNext Storage Manager. Mac desktop users can eliminate inadvertent recall of archived files, easily ascertain the status of archived files and increase productivity by recalling batches of files and folders managed by StorNext Storage Manager.

Availability

Group Logic LAN Client for StorNext and Group Logic's ArchiveConnect will be available this month from Quantum and its worldwide distribution partners.