Tim Bray was recently ongoing going on about The Databox. Databox is a theory on Protecting Your Data that involves a SOHO NAS RAID device (that’s an anagram for Hadron Oasis by the way) using Solaris and ZFS. I know nothing of Solaris and I know even less about ZFS but if Tim Bray thinks it’s cool then I listen. I also know very little about hardware but I thought I would take a stab at creating a Databox.

DISCLAIMER: Do not go out and buy all of the components listed and expect it to work. This is a list of components that should fit the bill; however, I have not attempted to implement my hair brained scheme. While reading this article it may sound like I know what I am talking about but that is highly unlikely.

Newegg.com made it fairly easy for me to find most of the components one would need to create a Databox. I have listed the items below and you can also find and comment on them here. The only item missing from Newegg was the hot swappable hard drive enclose. Fear not, ZipZoomFly.com to the rescue. You’ll need two of these and can find a steal of a deal here. These prices are accurate as of 2006-07-15.

 

 

There may be a few required components missing from the list, but you get the gist. I think with volume discounts and a little skimping you might be able to purchase all of the hardware components for around $2,000. Coupled with a simple web-based administration interface, you could easily turn this into a turnkey solution. Possible customizations would be the total storage capacity and perhaps an integrated or external tape system for offsite backups. Add in a gigabit switch and some CAT-6 cables and you have yourself an awesome storage device.

 

CAVEAUTS: Just to reiterate, I do not have $2,500 lying around (anyone willing to donate that amount to the “Help Build a Databox Fund” please email me) and I have not attempted to construct this magical device. I do not know if there are driver compatibility problems between the components listed and Solaris. I have no idea how difficult it is to setup ZFS. I don’t know if the finished product will melt down due to the heat generated by 8 drives and a dual core processor. The information provided here is purely a best guess on my part on how to implement Tim Bray’s Databox.

What can $2,500 buy you? Peace of mind in the form of rock solid, extremely fast, network attached storage to the tune of 2 terabytes, expandable to over 5 terabytes using 750 GB drives. What can you store with 2 terabytes?

• 2,500 divx movies
• 4,000 hours of recorded television
• 40 HD-DVD movies
• 20 days of NSA phone call records

A Databox would be the perfect complement to a home brew PVR or the digital video enthusiast. It would also be reliable enough to use as a file server for a small or medium sized business.