Docking Station and Storage Modules
This storage solution pairs an intelligent Docking Station, controllable through an advanced alpha-numeric LCD display, with an unlimited number of Storage Modules which drop into a precision-guided connector assembly on the top of the Docking Station. This scalable architecture significantly lowers the cost per TB for evidence archiving.
DOCKING STATION
 The Docking Station connects easily to any forensic host computer, over industry standard USB, FireWire and eSATA connections. Redundant temperature-sensing, variable speed cooling fans built into the Docking Station protect the drives within the attached Storage Module. The Docking Station and Storage Module are powered by a single, compact AC adapter which is compatible with 100 - 240VAC operation.
In addition to the acclaimed Tableau Storage Manager utility (for Windows systems), the large, high-contrast alpha-numeric LCD display on the Docking Station allows full command and control over nearly every aspect of drive and RAID volume operation. Using easy to clean membrane buttons, the user can navigate through a menu system providing RAID status reporting and management, SMART reporting of drive status and real-time reporting of remaining RAID volume capacity.
 STORAGE MODULES
An unlimited number of Storage Modules can be moved between several Docking Stations, supporting a broad number of forensic lab workflows. Once examined and logged for trial, evidentiary data can be safely archived in an evidence locker for years, if necessary. The Storage Module features vertical drive loading, for superior heat management, and a double-walled construction protects bare drives from impact, shock, dust and ESD. An industrial-grade connector provides for thousands of insertion / removal cycles.
Integrated Storage Module
 The Integrated Storage Module combines a four-drive RAID-5 array, RAID electronics and fans in a single enclosure. The TMSS-IIO1 is packaged in a sleek, ergonomically-designed plastic enclosure with a sturdy interior metal frame. An integrated recessed handle makes the TMSS-IIO1 easy to carry.
The Integrated Storage Module has eSATA, FireWire800/400, and USB 2.0 host connections, giving the user complete flexibility in attaching the MSS unit to the host computer. The Integrated Storage Module is powered by a compact AC adapter which is compatible
with 100 - 240VAC operation.
- Includes the Tableau Storage Management Software
- Compact, ventilated, fan cooled operation
- Easy carrying via the recessed handle
- Built for direct access via eSATA, FireWire 800, and USB
- Patented slot for "Reference Card & Evidence Tag"
- LEDs display vital operational information
The Integrated Storage Module Includes:
- TMSS-II01 High Availability Forensic Storage unit
- TP4 High Output power supply
- TC9-2M eSATA cable
- TC7-9-9 9-pin FireWire cable
- TC8 USB cable
- TCA7-4-9 4-pin to 9-pin FireWire adapter
- TCA7-6-9 6-pin to 9-oin FireWire adapter
- TB1 kit bag
- One package of Evidence Tags (quantity of 11)
Benefits of Modular Storage Systems
Easy to Use Software
One of the weaknesses of many standalone RAID systems is the poor quality, or even complete lack of RAID management software. Recognizing this issue, Guidance Software created the Tableau Storage Manager, a Windows application which streamlines and simplifies the management of Modular Storage products. Tableau Storage Manager provides a simple user interface for initializing the drive array, monitoring the health of the hard disks, identifying failing hard disks, and rebuilding the drive array after replacing a failed drive.
Portability in the Field
The compact and efficient design allow huge amounts of RAID-protected, high performance evidence data to be easily moved throughout a forensic lab, or to and from a crime scene in the field. In fact, two Storage Modules can be transported in a carry-on Pelican case, bringing up to 18 TB of easily deployed storage, for fast-moving forensic field investigations.
Reliable
Using a RAID-5 architecture, Modular Storage products work to ensure high performance and reliability of sensitive forensic data through redundancy.
High performance comes from aggregating the transfer rates of four drives, creating a single high speed bus. The RAID engine in the MSS operates at over 200 MB/sec.
RAID-5 systems provide an effective capacity of "N-1" drives. So, four-drive systems have an effective capacity of three drives, with a fourth virtual drive's worth of Parity (error checking and recovery) data. Significantly, any one of the four drives can fail without losing access to the data. The system firmware in combination with the Tableau Storage Manager software make it easy to identify failing drives and rebuild a storage array if necessary.
Scalable
Scalability can be measured in two ways: 1) how big an array can be built and 2) how expensive is it to add additional arrays.
Storage Modules support big drives, and it is easy to build huge arrays. For example, an array built using 2TB drives could have an effective capacity of 6TB. An array built with 3TB drives could have an effective capacity of 9TB. Note, however, that not all combinations of operating systems and drivers are capable of supporting arrays larger than 2TB. The Tableau Storage Manager software incorporates features to help ensure that you only build arrays which can be managed correctly by your operating system and drivers.
Adding new Storage Modules can also be dramatically less expensive than when using competitive solutions. The modular Docking Station / Storage Module combination is nothing less than ground breaking. Because the Storage Module brick houses only the hard drives (placing the expensive RAID control / host connection electronics in the separate Docking Station), it is possible to add new arrays simply by purchasing additional Storage Modules. Generally speaking, storage capacity added using this architecture will cost a fraction of conventional integrated storage systems.
Evidence Tagging System
 With innovative Evidence Tags, a forensic examiner can record and track all important case data from within a convenient viewing panel built into the front of the Storage Module Enclosure. It's easy to print more, with included Evidence Tag templates, on standard printer-fed index cards. Future firmware updates will allow case specific information to be digitally stored right on the RAID volume. This "self identifying" feature is unique to the Modular Storage solutions. Download Evidence Tag Refills Here - Front | Back
Modular Storage System Introduction Video
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