Any network storage is a very important aspect of an enterprise’s health and productivity. With a really good storage management solution, enterprises and small businesses can maximize server performance and be prepared in case of a disaster and such a solution is SAN storage as it helps greatly in achieving the goals of the enterprise.
What is SAN Storage Really?
SAN storage, in simpler terms, is a high-speed network that
is dedicated and connects data storage tools with larger networks. SAN storage
facilitates the communication between computer systems and networks by
connecting to pools of storage via SAN switches.
SAN Storage Functions
SAN storage has many functions apart from just communicating
between storage devices and computers. SAN storage exhibits several other
distinctive functions as well, such as the following:
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SAN storage conducts
application traffic and as well as administrative traffic also.
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SAN storage operates a wide
range of network technologies which range from ethernet to Fibre Channel (FC).
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SAN storage connects
diverse types of storage devices which includes robotic libraries, RAID
subsystems, file servers and tape drives.
The versatility of SAN storage encourages innovation in many
ways. This leads to sustained developments in processing and storage of digital
information and benefits the enterprise in many ways.
SAN Storage Characteristics
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SAN storage solutions incorporates
multipurpose servers instead of single servers or dedicated servers used by
other storage networks.
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SAN storage uses open
operating systems whereas other storage networks such as NAS uses propriety
operating systems.
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SAN storage is fairly easy
to upgrade as compared to other storage networks,
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SAN uses a wide range of
protocols including fiber channel, ethernet and hyperSCSI.
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SAN storage uses block
protocol, which means that SAN storage can use detached and high-speed networks
to transport data in blocks to the storage arrays. Other than this, SAN storage
application servers host their file systems directly which saves additional
passage of data through another server.
SAN Storage Can Improve Enterprise Performance
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Improved Disk
Utilization: SAN storage offers improved disk utilization. It offers a more
effective and efficient use of resources.
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Disaster Recovery: SAN
storage lets enterprises recover data from multiple appliances a lot quickly as
compared to other storage networks.
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Application
Availability: SAN storage, thanks to data protection algorithms, keeps data
consistent and accessible, all the time.
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Increase Backup Speed:
With SAN storage, enterprises can backup large amounts of data in fairly less
amount of time.
Conclusion
SAN storage can be very beneficial for any enterprise that
chooses to adopt it. Even though it can be a little costly, the payoff is quite
worth it as it offers a secure, organized and more accessible network that most
storage networks cannot offer.
