An SME needs a SAN when two or more servers must use the same storage at the same time, usually so virtual machines can fail over from one host to another. The HPE MSA 2060 is an entry-level SAN built for that job: two controllers, a choice of Fibre Channel, iSCSI or SAS connections, and room to grow by adding drive enclosures. If you only need shared folders, a NAS costs far less and is easier to run.
What is the HPE MSA 2060?
The MSA 2060 is a shared block-storage array. Servers see its volumes as if they were local disks. It has two controllers so that one can fail without taking storage offline, and it comes as a small-form-factor chassis for 2.5-inch drives or a large-form-factor chassis for 3.5-inch drives.
| Feature | What it means for an SME |
|---|---|
| Dual controllers | Storage stays online if one controller fails |
| Fibre Channel, iSCSI or SAS host ports | Choose the connection that fits your servers and budget |
| Mix of SSD and HDD with tiering | Busy data sits on flash, the rest on cheaper disks |
| Expansion enclosures | Add capacity later without replacing the array |
Source: HPE MSA product documentation. Compiled 12 November 2026. Confirm drive counts and supported configurations on the HPE QuickSpecs for your exact model.
When does an SME need a SAN instead of a NAS?
| Situation | Better fit |
|---|---|
| Shared folders and PC backups | NAS |
| One server with internal drives | Neither; internal RAID is enough |
| Two or three virtualisation hosts that must fail over | SAN |
| A database that needs consistent low latency | SAN, with SSD tier |
| CCTV recording | NAS or NVR |
We compare the storage types in more depth in NAS vs SAN vs object storage.
A SAN is bought for uptime across several servers. If there is only one server, the SAN adds cost without adding protection.
Fibre Channel, iSCSI or SAS?
| Connection | Needs | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| SAS | SAS adapter in each server, direct cables, no switch | Two to four hosts in the same rack; lowest cost |
| iSCSI 10/25GbE | Ethernet switches and network cards | Sites that already run 10GbE and want one network skill set |
| Fibre Channel 16Gb | FC adapters and usually FC switches | Sites wanting a dedicated storage network |
For a small cluster in one rack, direct-attached SAS avoids buying storage switches at all. That is often the cheapest route to shared storage.
MSA 1060, 2060 or 2070?
| Model | Position | Listed example | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSA 1060 | Smallest, fewer host ports and less expansion | SAS, 12 x 1.2TB HDD, 14TB | S$14,935.20 |
| MSA 2060 | Mainstream, more ports and more expansion | SAS, 12 x 2.4TB HDD, 29TB | S$19,806 |
| MSA 2060 | Same, iSCSI | iSCSI, 12 x 2.4TB HDD, 29TB | S$20,745.60 |
| MSA 2060 | Same, Fibre Channel | FC, 12 x 2.4TB HDD, 29TB | S$21,511.20 |
| MSA 2060 LFF | High capacity | FC, 12 x 20TB HDD, 240TB | S$32,175.60 |
| MSA 2070 | Newer generation, all-flash bundles | FC, 12 x 3.84TB SSD, 46TB | S$110,145.60 |
Listed 12 Nov 2026; prices change; ask for a current quotation. Capacities shown are raw; usable capacity after RAID is lower.
CALC: the 29TB SAS bundle at S$19,806 works out to S$19,806 / 29 = about S$683 per raw TB. The 240TB LFF bundle at S$32,175.60 is S$32,175.60 / 240 = about S$134 per raw TB. Small fast drives cost about five times more per TB than large slow ones, so buy for the workload, not the headline capacity.
What else belongs in the budget?
- Host adapters and cables for each server, and switches for iSCSI or Fibre Channel.
- A UPS sized for the array and hosts. Use our UPS size calculator guide.
- Backup. A SAN is not a backup; RAID protects against drive failure only. See whether LTO tape still makes sense for an offline copy.
- Support contract for the array, since it becomes a single point of dependence for every host.
Buying in Singapore
Besides the bundles above, the bare HPE MSA 2060 16Gb Fibre Channel SFF Storage chassis is listed at S$14,436 for sites that want to choose their own drives (listed 12 Nov 2026; prices change; ask for a current quotation). Host servers such as the HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 are price on request.
To start, use Request for Quotation on the product page, call (65) 6978 3502, email Sales@sourceit.com.sg or use our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MSA 2060 a NAS? No. It provides block storage to servers. It does not share folders to users directly.
Do I need Fibre Channel switches? Not always. A small cluster can connect directly by SAS or directly to the controller ports.
Does a SAN replace backup? No. It protects against hardware failure, not deletion, ransomware or site loss.
Can I add capacity later? Yes, by adding drives or expansion enclosures, within the limits in the HPE QuickSpecs.
SourceIT Approved
Researched and verified by the SourceIT team for Singapore buyers.
