iscsi Initiator users

[iMac2019]

I'm looking for ISCSI Initiator users who could share their experience of their personal use/solution over time.
I don't understand Apple's policy of not natively providing the client (iscsi initiator) and the possibility to connect to a SAN infrastructure storage solution to the OS.
A bit like a printer manufacturer not providing a driver for its use, forcing a paid 3rd party solution.
Of course, business is money, but this is bordering on the ridiculous.
What's more, the paid alternative is overpriced, for a personal use, with a single user License (and eventually support) costing $195!
I mean ATTO XTEND product.
Apple users, open your wallet...
Feedback welcome

 

[Slartibart]

Which version of macOS?

• You can e.g. use for <BigSur the free iSCSIInitiator.
• Or >=BigSur: Demon Tools (total cost ~8€) or ATTO‘s XTend SAN

Demon Tools does the job. 🤓

 

[iMac2019]

Hi Slartibart,

Currently running macOS Monterey 12.7.5 on a iMac2019 that should be eligible up to Sequoia 15.
I'm considering a SAN backup based solution that must be solid and reliable.

So I'm looking for a permanent solution.

The iMac belongs to my wife and my workstation is running Kubuntu, and I wish to setup cross backups between our machines.
I had used KernSafe iSCSI Initiator (Free license available) successfully in the past, but unfortunately the product is no more available for recent macOS.

If you use Demon Tools on a daily basis, what is your configuration/solution ?
what are your findings about?

I wonder about the huge price difference $8 vs $195???

 

[Slartibart]

At the university where I work(ed) we are using iSCSI mounts in some high-bandwidth fast-access specialised analytical networks from a few selected, smaller Mac clusters. Because it’s university, money is… let’s say „sparse” 🤪… and Demontools work, and there is even a free version.
Other solutions where evaluated, but did not offer significantly better performance as far as I know (the current solution is in a way transitory due to the fact that it is, while fast, not as fast as directly connected technologies like Thunderbolt. Which btw. is probably a possible reason why Apple has not added support to their desktop OS, but your guess is as good as mine here 😃).

 

[iMac2019]

Thanks for your reply.
I understand better the work environment you were using and priorities : in universities, money is... let's say "sparse"
I'm not particularly looking for the best performance ever, my backup usage requires long term reliable operations and contained cost for personal use.