Unified Storage

With the trend toward server virtualization and consolidation, enterprises of all sizes are looking for ways to consolidate file- and block-level data onto a single platform. The exponential growth in Big Data and Cloud Computing is driving the need for high-performance, high availability and scalable storage solutions to reduce latency and deliver five nines reliability, while maintaining focus on total cost of ownership (TCO).

The typical legacy vendor model for enterprise storage requires silo storage systems for each desired storage function. A particular storage appliance may be deployed for network-attached storage (NAS) and separate devices for storage area networks (SANs) with additional platforms for secondary storage, caching servers and archive due to the use of archaic file systems. Often systems from these legacy vendors offer NAS and SAN components with a one size fits all architecture that includes piecemealed management infrastructures, backup requirements, and rarely offer the scalability and performance necessary in today’s enterprise environments.

Defining unified storage architecture?

A unified storage solution simultaneously enables storage with file-based and block-based access in a single storage architecture and supports fibre channel SAN, IP-based SAN (iSCSI), and NAS (network attached storage). For a unified storage solution to be truly unified it must include; multiprotocol support, a single management interface, integrated data protection, support for multiple tiers of storage (primary, secondary, and archive/compliance), quality of service, and the ability to act as a front end for legacy storage systems.

Area Data Systems Approach

By optimizing each element of your storage environment for performance, capacity and data efficiency, Area Data Systems will determine and design the ideal unified storage management architecture to combine these features into a single platform tailored to meet your end-to-end storage needs. By providing the remedy for the multivendor legacy environment, Area Data provides proficient proven solutions, while demonstrating significant performance and cost-of-ownership advantages.

Performance Features

• • Maximize disk resources for unified storage by utilizing thin provisioning
  • Ensure end-to-end data integrity is always in tune with a single management interface
  • Optimize storage hierarchy with hybrid storage pools  (Automated Tiered Storage)
  • Streamline data backup and recovery with unlimited snapshots
  • Consolidate data into a highly available platform with file-level control and block-level functionality