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Low end NAS recommendation with good IO for ESXi or XenServer

I have run into a brick wall with a client who refuses to spend more than $6000 for a new server but wants 99% uptime. The best way can come close to this is by virtualizing his server but I need to find a low end NAS box that has raid 5 capability and good IO.

In my typical environments, I have clients that are not afraid to pay for products, but not this time...

Here is what I plan to use for him:
- XenServer
- two Dell Optiplex GX740/8GBRAM/ADM x2 5200 processor/2x260GB HDD RAID1
- SBS 2008 standard

Now for shared storage I am looking for some NAS storage solutions that support RAID5 with good IO. I am aware of openfiler or freenas but I would rather introduce a product with a smaller footprint.

I would really prefer they permit something like the MD3000 from Dell but that is way too much for their budget. Anyone have any thoughts?

If I have to walk away from them I am completely prepared to do so..

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Kerem ERSOY

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Paul Solovyovsky

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za_mkh

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Paul Solovyovsky

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MarkSlingsby

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Irwin W.

ASKER

Thanks. I decided to walk away from the job. It was not worth the headaches when I would have spent more of their money on my billing time. Not that I don't like making money but you know what I mean...

Paul Solovyovsky

I think some of us have been there. When the system goes down they'll go back to you and state that you sold them a solution that doesn't work and then you have to deal with chargebacks. I feel you.