18-120 TT - Network Storage

The University of Waterloo Information Systems and Technology department is looking for information for a potential new network storage solution.  We are specifically interested in software defined storage solutions that can provide cost reductions through commodity hardware while maintaining enterprise support and performance with the software.
In preparing answers to this RFI please provide the software defined storage solution AND the required hardware to meet the requirements. 
If providing a software defined storage solution and you cannot provide pricing for the commodity hardware, please provide the server specifications as either Dell or Cisco servers and we will obtain pricing.  
If the solution is a storage appliance solution and the hardware and software components do not naturally separate, please put all costs into hardware.
Please keep the hardware solutions separate and easily replaceable from the software solution.  The hardware solution should be specified to meet the minimum performance requirements.
One or more subsequent Request for Proposal or request for competitive quotes may be issued to clarify final requirements and purchase any solution.  It is not the intention of the University of Waterloo to make an award, nor form any contractual arrangement as a result of this RFI.  Pricing included in responses to this RFI will be used to set our budget.