How do HP StorageWorks P2000 series products work?

[apliwanai]

Hello all, I am looking to expand my storage options and the StorageWorks P2000 G3 looks perfect for cost efficient, high capacity storage, however it is not a traditional server and I am unsure as to how it operates - does it act as a typical server or do you need to connect it to a host machine to run the drives in a server?

Any advice on how to actually use it as a storage server or any potential alternatives (6-16 bay 3.5 inch servers on the cheap, ideally with a low power draw) would be helpful.

[Cali]

The P2000 is a SAN Storage.
It has One or two "Raid Controllers" and presents the generated Volumes to the attached Server(s).

There is no OS, but a CLI and Web-GUI for Configuration.
And yes it's old but robust and fast.

If you are considering buying one, note that there are three variants, with SAS, iSCSI, or Fiber Channel connection. I think iSCSI would be best for you because for SAS and FC Controller your Host needs a dedicated PCI Card also.

Cali