Understand Storage Area Network

About storage area networks

What is a storage area network? - Storage Area Network (SAN) is a separate, independent network of high-speed storage devices. A storage area network device is a dedicated system that contains disks for storing information... [Read More]

The future of network attached storage - Storage area networks were developed in order to overcome some of the problems associated with network attached storage (NAS). This is because... [Read More]

Alternatives to storage area networks - The main alternative to storage area network is network attached storage. At first glance, the differences appear to be few but it is imperative that you have a complete understanding of both before... [Read More]

Why storage area network? - A storage area network is better suited to large organisations and Government bodies that have a disparate network, i.e. where offices are located across the globe or over a geographically widespread area. This means that information... [Read More]

What can I expect to gain by implementing a a storage area network? - A storage area network is generally better suited to an organisation where there are many hundreds, if not thousands, of users. Implementing a SAN will mean that there is... [Read More]

Benefits of a storage area network - A storage area network can be easier to manage than other storage systems. By consolidating information into one easily accessible place, it becomes easier to access information while also making it simple to increase capacity as and when required... [Read More]

Potential pitfalls - There seem to be very few technological pitfalls to a storage area network. The main pitfalls are based around cost. Not because the storage is expensive, but because installing it can be expensive. It is fair to state that a SAN is best suited to... [Read More]

Buying and installing storage area networks

Six steps to successfully buying a storage area network - In the initial phase, an organisation must ask questions such as what sort of information do my employees store and retrieve... [Read More]

Points to remember when installing a storage area network - Storage area networks are generally best suited to larger organisations. The installation of a SAN can be complex and it is better that the company supplying the SAN (assuming that they have the technical capability) also installs and continues to maintain it. Implementation and ongoing maintenance can be tricky and this needs to be considered before placing an order... [Read More]

Storage case studies

Coming soon.

Questions and answers

What is a storage area network (SAN)? - A SAN is a completely independent storage system. It makes storage generally available across a network of computers... [Read More]

Why do I need a storage area network? - You may need a storage area network depending on the size of your organisation and its storage requirements. SAN can utilise existing storage which can therefore possibly be used as part of the system thereby further increasing the return on investment... [Read More]

Is a storage area network something that I can install myself? - Most unlikely! These installations are best left to experts unless you have the expertise and knowledge... [Read More]

How does it work in practice? - Storage area networks are easy to use so personnel will still be able to access their files and data without requiring a large amount of training. They will simply see the SAN as another storage device... [Read More]

< Read more questions and answers about a storage area network.

In summary about SAN

A storage area network is an excellent solution but potentially expensive. However, for the right environment and organisation there is probably no better system.

For a comparison between storage area network and network attached storage see alternatives to storage area networks.

At first glance these systems seem very similar and both have their merits and advantages. It should be noted, however, that for smaller organisations with lower storage requirements, network attached storage will suffice. It should also be noted that they complement each other and many organisations use both to their advantage.

The issue of storage technology is highly complex and potential purchasers should be very clear what their current and potential future requirements are before buying anything. Taking advice from a number of potential suppliers will also help you get a better understanding of which technology is a better suited to your company.

Glossary

Local Area Network - A local area network (LAN) is the technology that allows a group of computers to communicate or share information across a small area.

Wide Area Network - A wide area network (WAN) is the technology that allows computers to communicate across regions, counties and across the world. A WAN is formed by linking several LANs together. The most commonly used WAN is the internet.

Fibre Channel - Fibre channel is a high speed, highly reliable method of communication that allows storage, servers and other devices, to exchange data with each other extremely quickly.