Other World Computing (OWC) has announced version 8 of its SoftRAID software, setting a new RAID management benchmark for Mac and Windows users. The latest version introduces cutting-edge performance technologies to enhance data access and security across diverse applications, from multimedia production workflows to safeguarding critical business files.
Other World Computing (OWC) has announced version 8 of its SoftRAID software, setting a new RAID management benchmark for Mac and Windows users. The latest version introduces cutting-edge performance technologies to enhance data access and security across diverse applications, from multimedia production workflows to safeguarding critical business files.
OWC’s update to SoftRAID brings speed and efficiency to RAID array management. Users can now quickly set up their drive array with their preferred RAID level and experience significant performance improvements firsthand. This blend of power and user-friendliness establishes SoftRAID as a formidable tool in RAID management.
SoftRAID 8 also introduces two distinct tiers, Standard and Premium:
- The Standard version is free and provides users with full RAID volume access, including the ability to rebuild and replace drives to ensure continuous system operation. It also guarantees access to the latest updates and upgrades, supporting a range of OS versions.
- The Premium tier elevates the RAID management experience with advanced protection and support. This paid subscription tier allows users to create volumes across the RAID pool. Moreover, the proactive monitoring system alerts users to potential issues well in advance, facilitating a preventative approach to data protection. Premium subscribers also benefit from direct support assistance for troubleshooting and critical disk health notifications.
The update is described as an upgrade and a revolution in RAID management. It introduces new RAID levels, enhanced performance, and proactive health monitoring, significantly advancing data security and efficiency across Mac and Windows platforms.
Significant improvements with SoftRAID 8 include performance enhancements with speeds up to 26,000 MB/s, predictive failure features to address potential data loss preemptively, and expanded support for various RAID configurations and monitoring tools. The update also introduces compatibility with USB4, ensuring readiness for next-generation USB arrays. The software’s performance enhancements significantly reduce waiting times for data transfers, allowing for more efficient use of time, which is extremely important to professionals in fields where time is critical.
OWC ThunderBlade
What’s New in OWC SoftRAID 8
Here’s a quick rundown of the main enhancements to version 8:
- Enhanced efficiency: On macOS, SoftRAID 8 is 4x more efficient, requiring as little as a quarter of the resources to run RAID 4 and 5 compared to its predecessor, SoftRAID 7.6.
- Improved Performance on Apple Silicon: On machines with Apple silicon, RAID 4/5 PCIe write speeds are up to 50% faster.
- Significant Speed Increases: Windows users will experience up to 175 percent faster speeds with RAID 5 configured in NTFS format.
- USB4 Support: SoftRAID 8 introduces support for USB4 on macOS and Windows.
- Parity for Windows Users: Windows users will now have additional features such as RAID 4 support, APFS (Apple File System) support, and enhancements to create parity between Mac and Windows experiences.
- Advanced Monitoring Capabilities: The SoftRAID Monitor has been upgraded to include remote notifications, rich email notifications with health reports, direct escalation to OWC support, and SMART data support for OWC NVMe and USB enclosures, like the OWC ThunderBlade and Mercury Elite Pro Quad.
- Range of fixes: Over 60 bugs have been fixed, and patches have been applied to ensure the most stable, efficient, and reliable version of SoftRAID.
OWC SoftRAID 8 Availability and Pricing
The software includes a 30-day risk-free trial for the Premium tier, with ongoing access to its features requiring an active subscription ($149.99 for the first year, then $79.99 onward). Additional options for seats and upgrades from previous versions are also available.
SoftRAID 8 supports macOS 10.14 and later, Windows 10 and later, and Windows Server 2019 and later.
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