Application platforms (client workstations) are physically connected to BrightDrive through Ethernet (LAN) or fibre channel (SAN) connections. As depicted, Ethernet clients can map workspaces as network drives (the icon with the tail) and fibre channel clients can map workspaces as local drives (icon with no tail). Not surprisingly, Ethernet access is significantly slower than fibre channel but can be significantly more cost effective. Each workspace (set of DiskPacks) is independently mappable/mountable to any mix of application workstations simultaneously. Ethernet connected workstations map a drive using standard Windows/SMB and Unix/NFS protocols while fibre channel connected workstations map a workspace using cross-platform client software.

In this example, Workspace N:/ appears as a network disk on an Ethernet client and a local disk on a fibre channel client. It is important to note that both clients (and any others that map N:/) see, refer, and access exactly the same physical disks. Any changes are immediately visible on all clients who have N:/ mapped/mounted.

DiskPacks can be dynamically added to a workspace to increase capacity and up to 16 Workspaces are supported in a single BrightDrive. Optional expansions are shown in grey.