Storage consolidation is a method of centralizing data storage among multiple servers. The objective is to facilitate data backup and archiving for all subscribers in an enterprise, while minimizing the time required to access and store data. Other desirable features include simplification of the storage infrastructure, centralized and efficient management, optimized resource utilization, and low operating cost.
There are three storage consolidation architectures in common use: network-attached storage (NAS), redundant array of independent disks (RAID), and the storage area network (SAN). In NAS, the hard drive that stores the data has its own network address. Files can be stored and retrieved rapidly because they do not compete with other computers for processor resources. In RAID storage consolidation, the data is located on multiple disks. The array appears as a single logical hard drive. This facilitates balanced overlapping of input/output (I/O) operations and provides fault tolerance, minimizing downtime and the risk of catastrophic data loss. The SAN is the most sophisticated architecture, and usually employs Fibre Channel technology. SANs are noted for high throughput and ability to provide centralized storage for numerous subscribers over a large geographic area. SANs support data sharing and data migration among servers.
In today's current business environment, file sharing, database, and messaging applications are critical to the success of enterprise operations. System downtime, unavailable data, or hindered processes affect a company's success and its ability to perform at its most productive level.
To support increasingly complex and distributed environments, many organisations are increasingly running into problems with managing the growing proliferation of servers and dispersed data storage.
NetApp storage consolidation solutions simplify management, increase availability, heighten productivity and reduce costs in the collaborative environments to which they are applied.
NetApp offers a range of products and technologies to deliver highly available, scalable, and cost-effective storage consolidation solutions in any size of organisation.
NetApp enterprise level storage solutions have proven interoperablity across all enterprise datacentre platforms and are fully supported by extensive service expertise.