A first look at NZFS and replacing unRAID with NZFS’s Transparent RAID (tRAID)

It was just a few years ago when FlexRAID was introduced on this forum for the very first time.

Let's make it a tradition and let me introduce to you NZFS!
NZFS stands for Next-Generation Zion File System.
More detailed information will be provided in the weeks to come as NZFS is currently in private beta testing.
Nonetheless, here is a first look: http://www.openegg.org/2013/02/12/a-first-look-at-nzfs-and-replacing-unraid-with-nzfss-transparent-raid-traid/
Edited by spectrumbx - 5/5/13 at 9:40pm

One of the things I have on my plate is to provide clarification over the product offerings.

1. I like the name FlexRAID. As such, I don't want it tied to a product. Rather, I want "FlexRAID" to represent a family of products.
2. Under FlexRAID we now have:
- RAID-F: Snapshot RAID, Real-Time RAID, and Storage Pooling over File System (the current FlexRAID features)
- NZFS: a Next-Generation Technology that works below and optionally within a File System

NZFS is not a replacement for RAID-F, but instead it is a competing product.
It is a completely different take at solving the problem of storage protection.

RAID-F works as designed and satisfies a particular niche. I have a system that will always run RAID-F (heck, I created RAID-F because of that system).
The problem of storage data protection can be viewed from different angles; and with each angle, a different solution will seem more appropriate than the other.

The fact that NZFS is a far more advanced solution and now competes with the big dogs (RAIDz and the likes) is not a backhand to RAID-F.

That said, just as unRAID, RAID-F will take a hit from NZFS.
I suspect that many current FlexRAID users will migrate to NZFS.
I am revamping the current RAID-F functionality to give it a fighting chance. But still, NZFS will put some hurt on everyone in the space.

I was wondering how long it would take for the unRAID army to come crying foul.
I am well aware of the provocation. It was done well on purpose.

Current FlexRAID users will indeed get a discount on NZFS.
I prefer not to have a few users meet me in a dark alley and put some discount on me otherwise.
Edited by spectrumbx - 2/12/13 at 6:17pm

1. You mean "the simplicity" of running of full OS. Right?
What's easier? Installing a standard Linux or Windows distribution with greater hardware and application support or an OS with limited hardware and application support?
One thing that will happen with NZFS is that there will be a customized Debian Squeeze + NZFS distribution to give those that want that tailored configuration feel exactly what they want.
Best yet, there will be a Drobo like appliance for those that don't even want their NAS to feel like a computer.

2. No one says unRAID does not work. It better work after 8 years on the scene.
There are many old and arcade technologies that still technically work.
The topic at hand is innovation and moving forward.
Check out the newly added table comparison feature (at the bottom): http://www.openegg.org/2013/02/12/a-first-look-at-nzfs-and-replacing-unraid-with-nzfss-transparent-raid-traid/

Drives are getting larger and larger and issues that used to be muted are now more prevalent. Is your chosen solution keeping up?

Basically, I will use the money I will get from taking unRAID's customer base to fund my competition against Data Robotics, NetApp, and Synology.
Eat the small fish first, get some strength, then go after the big fish.
Straight enough?