With the end of the Xserve some of us are considering a few small repairs to the way we operate. Please use this thread to brainstorm new ideas. Perhaps the best (or easiest!) will turn into permanent features on Xsanity.

Here are some ideas to kick this off.

In its infancy, Xsanity helped define the standard Xsan install that we know so well: two Xserves, QLogic, Xserve RAID, Open Directory, DNS, Clients. What will the Mac SAN of the future look like? Would a wiki help us define this?

Is the standard MDC of the future a Linux box? I remember an O'Reilly book called "Mac for Unix Geeks." Is it time for a "Unix for Mac Geeks?" Where do you get training for this?

I'm pleased to announce that Archiware has opened a forum on our site for their PresSTORE suite of backup, archive, and synchronization software. While not quite new, PresSTORE is certainly unfamiliar to the majority of Mac storage administrators. Ibrahim Tannir, one of product developers writes:

We welcome any and all input and feedback you are willing to offer on our products and take everything said seriously. So please let us know what your experiences are, what you think we can do better, which features would make you life easier, etc. etc. and we will do our best to improve the product to meet your needs.

It is our policy that everyone is entitled to support, regardless of how big or small his license or his installation is, whether running a demo or running our products for years. So please take advantage of our free support and share your experience and your solutions to encountered problems with the community.

[Disclaimer: Our sponsor, and my employer, Tekserve is a PresSTORE reseller and would love to sell it to you!]

[Editor's Note: Work with me!]

Tekserve seeks Mac OS X Server and Xsan savvy individuals to grow our Professional Services Team.

Candidates will have proven experience with medium to large-scale Macintosh deployment and ongoing support of multiple creative environments. Skills should include but are not limited to Mac OS X Server, Xserve, Xsan, and storage technologies. The ideal candidates will hold the following certifications: Apple Certified Systems Administrator (ACSA), Xsan Administration, Apple Certified Media Administrator (ACMA).

Essential Skills: Client Management skills are absolutely essential. Strong documentation and writing skills are necessary. Candidates should be fluent with Mac OS X Server and be able to perform advanced administration related to the following services and protocols: LDAP (Open Directory), LDAP replication, DNS, DHCP, NetBoot/NFS, Web, Mail, iCal, iChat, Wiki/Blog, AFP, Apple Software Update Server.

Other Desired Skills: Demonstrated skill in scripting languages (Perl, BASH, and AppleScript). Familiarity with Xserve RAID, Promise, and Active storage, fibre channel switches, digital content delivery systems (like Apple Podcast Producer), general network security. Design and support of creative workflows is a plus. As is knowledge of Final Cut Server and Episode Engine.

To be considered, please send a cover letter and resume to jay@tekserve.com.

All Xsanityers in Amsterdam are invited for drinks at our crash-pad:

Friday, September 11, at 20:00
Eerste Laurierdwarsstraat 23

Thanks to Tekserve and Offhollywood Digital for sponsoring.

(Although I can't make it, I'll be sure to wear my wooden shoes. — Aaron)

Today, we are opening the doors on a new forum dedicated to the XRAID line of Mac-focused enterprise storage products. What's more, it will be maintained by Active Technologies's own senior technician (and Xsanity veteran) Jordan Woods. Welcome back Jordan!

For more information about the XRAID, Matt's in-depth review from April is a required reading.

And we remain honored to host the Promise Vtrak forums as well. Now play nice, boys!

Some of us haven't just given birth to storage networks, we're dads to wetware too. In some parts of the world, today is our day. Congratulations especially to those first-time dads out there! (ahem, Bill, ahem)

Speaking of which, why does Versiontracker link to something called "Xsan 2.2"?

Tekserve, New York's premiere authorized Apple reseller and service provider, is looking for a few great people to expand its Professional Services department:

• Xsan engineers
• Final Cut Pro experts
• OS X Server administrators

These are customer-facing positions and excellent interpersonal skills are required.

Consider being part of the team that founded Xsanity. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to work@tekserve.com.