Tape Storage

Tape Storage for backup and archiving data

Are you tired of traditional storage methods that are slow, unreliable, and expensive? Look no further than tape storage! While it may seem like an outdated technology, tape storage has come a long way in recent years and is now one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to backup and archive data. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of tape storage, how it works, the different types available, and when to use them. So sit back, relax, grab some popcorn (or your favourite snack), and let's dive into the world of tape storage!

The Problem with Traditional Storage Methods

Traditional storage methods, such as hard disk drives and solid-state drives, have been the go-to options for many years. While they may be convenient, these types of storage devices come with their own set of problems.

Firstly, traditional storage methods can be quite expensive. The cost per gigabyte is higher compared to tape storage. This becomes especially problematic when you need to store a large amount of data over time.

Secondly, there's always the risk of hardware failure when using traditional storage methods. If your hard drive fails or becomes corrupted, you could lose all your valuable data unless you've made backups elsewhere.

Thirdly, storing large amounts of data on traditional devices can take up a lot of physical space in your office or server room. This means that if you need more space down the line, you'll have to keep buying new drives and constantly expanding your infrastructure.

While traditional storage methods may seem like a good option initially due to their convenience and accessibility, they are not always practical for long-term backup and archiving needs.

The Benefits of Tape Storage

Tape storage has been around for decades and is still considered a reliable, cost-effective solution for backup and archiving data. While other storage methods such as hard drives or cloud services may seem more modern, tape storage offers its own set of benefits.

One major advantage of tape storage is its durability. Unlike hard drives that can be damaged by physical shocks or exposure to magnetic fields, tapes are less susceptible to damage from external factors. This makes them an ideal option for long-term backups and archives.

Another benefit of tape storage is its scalability. As your business grows and generates more data, you can easily expand your tape library without the need for additional hardware or software upgrades. This makes it a flexible and practical solution that can adapt to changing needs over time.

In addition to being durable and scalable, tape storage also offers high-capacity options at a lower cost compared to other forms of storage media. With the ability to store multiple terabytes on a single cartridge, tape storage provides significant savings in terms of both space and budget.

While newer technologies continue to emerge in the world of data backup and archiving, there's no denying the unique benefits that tape storage brings to the table when it comes to reliability, scalability, affordability, and longevity.

How Tape Storage Works

Tape storage is a reliable and cost-effective method for backing up and archiving data. But how does it actually work?

At its core, tape storage uses magnetic tape to store data in long, thin strips. These tapes are typically enclosed in protective cartridges to prevent damage from dust or debris.

When data needs to be stored on the tape, it is first converted into binary code - a series of 0's and 1's that can be read by the computer. This code is then written onto the magnetic surface of the tape using a device called a write head.

To retrieve the stored data, the process works in reverse. The read head detects fluctuations in magnetism on the tape and translates them back into binary code that can be understood by computers.

One advantage of this process is that tapes have no moving parts aside from spinning reels used during reading or writing processes which reduces mechanical failures compared to other forms of storage devices such as hard drives.

While it may seem like an antiquated technology compared to modern cloud-based solutions, many companies still rely on tape storage for its reliability and low cost per gigabyte.

The Different Types of Tape Storage

When it comes to tape storage, there are a few different types of tapes that you can choose from depending on your needs. Linear Tape-Open (LTO) is one popular type of tape storage that offers high capacity and fast access times. It uses an open format, meaning that multiple manufacturers produce LTO drives and cartridges.

Another type of tape storage is Digital Data Storage (DDS), which is commonly used for small-scale backup solutions. DDS tapes have a lower capacity compared to other types of tapes but they are more affordable and offer reliable data protection.

Advanced Intelligent Tape (AIT) is another option for those looking for high-capacity storage options. AIT has been designed specifically for the enterprise market with features like error correction and automatic self-cleaning heads.

There's the 3592 tape format which offers very high capacities up to several terabytes per cartridge in some cases. This makes it ideal for use in large scale data centers or archival systems where long term retention of critical information is essential.

Choosing the right type of tape will depend on how much data you need to store, how often you need to access it and what kind of budget you're working with.

When to Use Tape Storage

Tape storage is a reliable and cost-effective solution for long-term data backup and archiving. It offers excellent durability, portability, and compatibility with legacy systems that make it an ideal choice for certain use cases.

One of the primary scenarios where tape storage shines is in industries that deal with large amounts of sensitive data on a regular basis. For example, healthcare organisations, financial institutions, and government agencies may use tape storage to keep decades' worth of patient records or financial transactions securely stored away from prying eyes.

Another area where tape storage can be invaluable is in disaster recovery planning. In case of a catastrophic event like a fire or flood, having physical backups on tapes that are stored offsite ensures that critical data remains available even if the primary infrastructure is destroyed.

Businesses may also choose to use tape storage as part of their compliance strategy. Certain regulations require companies to keep specific types of data archived for extended periods; using tapes can help ensure these requirements are met without overspending on more expensive solutions.

While not suitable for every situation or organisation's needs, there are many instances where tape storage can provide significant benefits over other forms of backup and archiving methods.

Conclusion

Tape storage is a reliable and cost-effective solution for backing up and archiving data. While traditional storage methods like hard drives may seem more convenient, they are not always the best option when it comes to long-term data retention.

Tape storage offers numerous benefits such as high capacity, durability, and longevity. It also reduces the risk of data loss due to hardware failure or cyber attacks.

There are different types of tape storage available in the market today that cater to various needs and budgets. It's important to choose the right type based on your requirements to get optimal results.

So if you're looking for a secure and efficient way to store your critical data, consider implementing tape storage into your backup strategy. With its proven track record over decades, it's definitely worth considering as an essential component of any organisation’s backup infrastructure.

Read our article on LTO Tape Technology.

If you need a quotation for tape storage please call +44 (0)1256 331614 or email solutions@data-storage.uk

HPE Proliant Servers

HPE Proliant Data Centre Server Models

Are you in the market for a new data centre server but not sure where to start? Look no further than HPE Proliant! With a variety of models to choose from, HPE Proliant offers reliable and efficient options for any business. In this blog post, we'll explore the different types of servers available and dive into the pros and cons of each HPE Proliant server Model. By the end, you'll have all the information you need to make an informed decision on which model is best suited for your business needs. Let's get started!

HPE Proliant is a trusted name in the world of data centre servers. They offer a variety of server models, each with its own unique features and benefits.

The HPE Proliant DL360 model is known for its versatility and high performance. It's ideal for businesses that require a lot of processing power and storage space. The DL360 also has low energy consumption, making it an environmentally friendly option.

For businesses that prioritise security, the HPE Proliant ML350 model is a great choice. With advanced security features such as secure boot and run-time firmware validation, this server provides peace of mind to businesses dealing with sensitive information.

Another popular model from HPE Proliant is the BL460c Gen11 Server Blade. This server blade offers exceptional performance in a compact design, making it perfect for businesses that need high-density computing solutions without taking up too much physical space.

If you're looking for a server that can handle a lot of traffic, the HPE Proliant DL380 Gen11 Server is the perfect option. It has a maximum capacity of 60 processing cores and 8 TB with 256 GB DDR5!

No matter which model you choose from HPE Proliant server line-up, rest assured that you're getting quality hardware backed by industry-leading support services.

The Different Types of Servers

Servers are the backbone of any data centre, and they come in different types to suit various needs. One type is the tower server, which looks like a desktop computer and is suitable for small businesses or remote offices. The rack server, on the other hand, can be mounted on a rack and takes up less space. It's typically used by larger organisations that require more computing power.

Blade servers are another type of server that can be stacked vertically in a chassis. They're ideal for virtualisation because they have high-density computing capability while consuming minimal energy. Meanwhile, modular servers allow you to add or remove components without disrupting operations. This flexibility makes them perfect for evolving business needs.

There's the microserver which is small enough to fit into tight spaces but still offers reliable performance needed by small businesses or home offices with limited budgets.

Each type has its own set of benefits depending on your organisation’s needs; it's essential to understand these differences so you can make an informed decision when choosing your data centre hardware solutions.

The Various HPE Proliant Server Models

HPE Proliant offers a wide range of data centre server models that cater to different business needs. One of their most popular server series is the HPE Proliant DL line, which features rack-mounted servers designed for enterprise-level computing.

For businesses requiring high-performance computing, the HPE Proliant DL380 Gen11 server model could be an excellent choice. It boasts powerful Intel Xeon processors and supports up to 8 TB of memory, making it ideal for virtualisation and demanding workloads.

On the other hand, small to medium-sized businesses may opt for the HPE Proliant ML line of tower servers. The HPE Proliant ML350 Gen11 server model can support up to two processors and 8 TB of memory in a compact form factor, perfect for space-limited environments.

For businesses with cloud-based infrastructure requirements, there's also the HPE Apollo family of systems such as Apollo 6000 system that provides a dense solution suited for web hosting or big data analytics applications.

Choosing among the various HPE Proliant server Models depends on your business' unique IT requirements. By identifying your specific needs and working closely with an IT expert you will make an informed decision about what fits best your organisation.

The Pros and Cons of Each Model

When choosing a server model for your data centre, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully. The HPE Proliant line offers a variety of models designed to meet different business needs.

The HPE Proliant DL360 Gen11 is an excellent choice for businesses that need high performance in a compact form factor. Its small size makes it ideal for companies with limited space in their data centres. However, its compact design also means that expansion options are limited.

On the other hand, the HPE Proliant DL380 Gen11 provides more room for growth and scalability than the DL360. It is suitable for businesses that require flexibility as they grow but may not have limitations on physical space or budget constraints.

For businesses looking to balance performance with cost-effectiveness, the HPE Proliant ML350 Gen11 could be an attractive option. It offers ample storage capacity while still being reasonably priced compared to other models in the series.

However, one disadvantage of this model is its larger size which may not be suitable for smaller data centres or offices. Additionally, if you need high availability features like redundant power supplies and fans, then this might not be your best bet.

Each model has its own unique benefits and drawbacks depending on your business requirements and priorities - whether it's performance vs cost-efficiency or scalability vs physical space limitations.

Which HPE Proliant Server Model is the Best for Your Business?

When it comes to choosing the right HPE Proliant server model for your business, there are several factors that you need to consider. One of the most important considerations is the size of your business and its specific needs.

For small businesses with limited budgets and less complex IT requirements, an entry-level server like HPE ProLiant ML110 Gen11 or DL20 Gen11 may be a good fit. These models offer basic functionalities and can support up to two processors, making them ideal for single applications or workloads.

Medium-sized businesses with more demanding workloads may require advanced features such as faster processing speeds, higher storage capacity, and better performance. In this case, HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen11 could be a suitable option that offers high scalability, security features, fault-tolerant design and supports multiple operating systems.

Large enterprises with mission-critical applications or intensive workloads will likely benefit from high-performance servers like HPE Superdome Flex or Synergy 660 Gen10 Plus Blade System. These models provide extreme scalability while delivering exceptional computing power under heavy loads.

Ultimately, identifying which HPE Proliant server model is best for your business requires careful analysis of current needs versus future growth projections alongside budget constraints. Once you have considered these factors in detail will help determine which model suits best for your organisation's requirements.

Conclusion

After delving into the different types of servers and the various HPE Proliant server models, it's clear that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for businesses. Each model offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages depending on your unique needs.

It’s important to carefully evaluate what your organisation requires in order to make an informed decision when choosing a server model. Whether you are looking for high-performance computing power or a more cost-effective option, there is certainly an HPE Proliant server model out there that will meet your requirements.

Ultimately, investing in an HPE Proliant server can help improve productivity, security, and efficiency within your business operations while ensuring scalability as your company grows. With the right server choice, you’ll be able to effectively manage and store data with ease while also enjoying a reliable network infrastructure system.

Therefore, we highly recommend considering HPE Proliant servers due to their excellent performance record across all industries worldwide which has earned them recognition as market leaders for enterprise solutions.

If you need a quotation for a HPE Proliant server please call +44 (0)1256 331614 or email solutions@data-storage.uk

DELL PowerEdge

Why Dell PowerEdge is the Future of Server Technology: A Comprehensive Overview

Looking to take your business to the next level? Look no further than Dell PowerEdge - the future of server technology. With its cutting-edge features and unparalleled performance, this powerful platform is revolutionizing the way businesses operate in today's fast-paced digital landscape. In this comprehensive overview, we'll dive deep into what makes Dell PowerEdge stand out from the competition, how it can benefit your business, and why it's poised to dominate the server market for years to come. So buckle up and get ready for a thrilling ride through some of the most exciting advancements in modern computing!

What is Dell PowerEdge?

Dell PowerEdge servers are designed for businesses that require advanced data center capabilities. They offer a unique combination of features and performance that make them the ideal choice for enterprise applications. With Dell PowerEdge servers, you can achieve high availability, scalability, and flexibility to meet the ever-changing needs of your business.

Dell PowerEdge servers are built on a foundation of industry-leading technologies that provide best-in-class performance, reliability, and security. The latest generation of Dell PowerEdge servers features the Intel Xeon Scalable processor family, which delivers up to 20% more cores than the previous generation. This increase in core count enables you to run more workloads simultaneously while reducing overall costs. In addition, Dell PowerEdge servers now offer support for NVMe storage devices, which provide incredibly fast storage performance for demanding applications.

The combination of these powerful hardware features with Dell's robust software ecosystem makes Dell PowerEdge servers the ideal platform for today's demanding workloads. Whether you're running enterprise applications, virtualization platforms, or cloud-native workloads, Dell PowerEdge has the capabilities you need to drive your business forward.

What Makes Dell PowerEdge Different?

Dell PowerEdge servers are designed to provide superior performance, flexibility, and efficiency. With a powerful combination of features and capabilities, they are ideal for a wide range of workloads and business needs. Here are some of the things that make Dell PowerEdge servers different:

-Award-winning design: Dell PowerEdge servers have won numerous awards for their innovative design. They are built with quality components and offer a robust set of features.

-Superior performance: Dell PowerEdge servers offer outstanding performance thanks to their latest Intel processors, large memory capacity, and fast storage options. They can easily handle demanding workloads while providing excellent energy efficiency.

-Flexible expansion: Dell PowerEdge servers offer flexible expansion options to accommodate growing businesses. They can be easily upgraded with additional memory, storage, and networking capabilities.

-Comprehensive management: Dell PowerEdge servers come with a comprehensive set of management tools that make it easy to deploy, configure, and manage them. These tools include the iDRAC8 controller with Lifecycle Controller technology, which makes it easy to keep your server up-to-date and running smoothly.

Benefits of a Dell PowerEdge Server

A Dell PowerEdge server can offer a number of benefits for businesses, including increased flexibility, scalability, and performance. With the ability to easily scale up or down as needed, a Dell PowerEdge server can provide the perfect solution for businesses that are growing or have fluctuating demands. In addition, Dell PowerEdge servers are designed for high performance and can offer significant gains in speed and efficiency.

How Does Dell PowerEdge Compare to Other Servers?

The Dell PowerEdge server has been designed with the future of server technology in mind. With its unique features and performance, the PowerEdge is able to provide businesses with a competitive edge that other servers simply cannot match. Here is a detailed look at how the PowerEdge compares to other servers on the market:

Performance: The Dell PowerEdge server delivers up to twice the performance of other servers in its class. This is thanks to its powerful Intel processors and advanced memory technology.

Scalability: The PowerEdge server is highly scalable, meaning it can easily be expanded to accommodate future growth. Other servers often require extensive redesign and reconfiguration when adding new components, but the PowerEdge can simply be expanded with minimal disruption.

Reliability: The Dell PowerEdge server is built for reliability, with redundant components and hot-swappable drives. This means that if one component fails, there are others that can take its place without any downtime.

Energy Efficiency: The Dell PowerEdge server is designed for energy efficiency, with a number of features that help to reduce power consumption. This includes low-voltage processors and power-efficient fans.

Cost: When compared to other servers on the market, the Dell PowerEdge server offers exceptional value for money. It delivers superior performance while also being more affordable than many of its competitors

Cost and Availability of Dell PowerEdge Servers

Dell PowerEdge servers are available in a variety of configurations to suit any business need. Prices start at around £500 for the entry-level model, and go up to around £4,000 for the top-of-the-line option. Dell also offers custom configurations for businesses with specific needs.

Dell PowerEdge servers are widely available from online and offline retailers. They can also be ordered directly from Dell, either online or over the phone. Delivery times vary depending on the chosen configuration, but are typically within 2-3 weeks.

Real World Use Cases for Dell PowerEdge Servers

As the world progresses, so too does the way we do business. With more and more emphasis placed on digital operations, it's no surprise that server technology is constantly evolving to meet the needs of businesses large and small. One of the most trusted names in servers is Dell, and their PowerEdge line is at the forefront of server innovation. In this article, we'll take a comprehensive look at why Dell PowerEdge servers are the future of server technology.

One of the most important aspects of any business is uptime. Downtime can cost a company dearly in terms of lost productivity and revenue. That's why Dell PowerEdge servers are designed for maximum uptime with features like hot-swappable components and redundant power supplies. Dell's Active System Manager also makes it easy to monitor your system and quickly identify any potential issues before they cause downtime.

Another key consideration for businesses is security. With data breaches becoming increasingly common, it's essential to have a server that can protect your critical information. Dell PowerEdge servers offer best-in-class security features like advanced encryption and intrusion detection. They also support secure booting from external media, so you can be sure your system hasn't been tampered with before it even boots up.

Scalability is another important factor for businesses as they grow and change over time. The modular design of Dell PowerEdge servers makes it easy to add or remove components as needed, so you can easily scale your system up or

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dell PowerEdge is a revolutionary server technology that offers businesses of all sizes the ability to reduce costs and increase productivity. It helps companies keep their data secure, while also providing them with powerful tools for managing and scaling their infrastructures. With its innovative features such as advanced virtualization technologies, intelligent storage optimization, and integrated security measures, it is no surprise that Dell PowerEdge has become the go-to solution for many organizations looking to stay ahead of the curve in terms of IT infrastructure. We look forward to seeing how this technology will continue to evolve in the future.

If you need a quotation for a DELL PowerEdge server please call +44 (0)1256 331614 or email solutions@data-storage.uk

Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Network Attached Storage (NAS) File Storage

A Network Attached Storage (NAS): NAS refers to a file-level storage architecture that provides centralised data storage and enables multiple devices to access and share files over a network. NAS devices are popular for home and small business use.

Are you tired of constantly worrying about running out of storage space on your computer or external hard drive? Do you want to easily access your files from anywhere without the need for complicated file transfers? Then it's time to consider Network Attached Storage (NAS). NAS is a versatile and efficient way to store and access your data, and in this blog post, we'll explore all the benefits of using it. From choosing the right type of NAS to setting it up, we've got you covered!

How to Choose the Right NAS

Choosing the right Network Attached Storage (NAS) can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. The key is to first determine your specific needs and requirements.

Consider how much storage space you need and what types of files you will be storing. For example, if you mainly store large media files such as videos or high-resolution photos, then a NAS with higher capacity hard drives would be more suitable for your needs.

You should also consider the number of devices that will be accessing the NAS at any given time. If you have multiple users who need access simultaneously, then a NAS with better processing power would ensure smoother performance.

Another important consideration is connectivity options. Make sure that the NAS has enough Ethernet ports for all your devices and supports Wi-Fi connectivity if needed.

Read our full article on Network Attached Storage

Object Storage

Object Storage Safe Scalable Storage

Object storage is a method of storing and managing data as discrete, self-contained objects rather than using a traditional file hierarchy. In this storage architecture, each object contains the data itself, associated metadata, and a unique identifier. This approach is different from file-based storage, where data is organised in a hierarchical file system.

Here are some key characteristics and features of object storage:

1. Scalability: Object storage is designed to scale horizontally, allowing for the storage of massive amounts of data. It can easily handle petabytes or even exabytes of information, making it suitable for organizations with large data requirements.
2. Metadata: Every object in an object storage system is associated with metadata, which provides descriptive information about the object. This metadata can include details like the object's name, creation date, size, and other customizable attributes. Metadata plays a crucial role in object identification, searchability, and data management.
3. Unique Identifier: Each object in object storage is assigned a unique identifier, typically referred to as an Object ID or Object Key. This identifier distinguishes objects from one another and enables efficient retrieval and management of specific objects.
4. Flat Address Space: Object storage systems use a flat address space, which means that objects are stored and accessed directly through their unique identifiers rather than navigating through a hierarchical directory structure. This provides faster access times and simplified data management.
5. Redundancy and Durability: Object storage systems often include built-in redundancy and data protection mechanisms. Object storage platforms typically use data replication or erasure coding techniques to ensure data durability and integrity even in the event of hardware failures.
6. Accessibility and Distributed Access: Object storage is designed to be accessible over a network. It provides a uniform interface, such as Representational State Transfer (RESTful) APIs, allowing applications and users to easily retrieve and manipulate objects. Object storage can be accessed locally within a data centre or over a wide area network (WAN) for distributed access.
7. Versatility and Use Cases: Object storage is versatile and can be used for various purposes, such as backup and restore, content distribution, archiving, data lakes, and as a foundation for cloud storage services. It is well-suited for handling unstructured data like documents, images, videos, log files, and other types of large-scale data.

Overall, object storage offers a scalable, durable, and flexible approach to storing and managing large amounts of data. Its design focuses on simplicity, efficiency, and accessibility, making it an increasingly popular choice for businesses dealing with vast and growing data volumes.

Read our full article on Object Storage.

Spectra Stack Tape Library

The Spectra Stack Tape Library has been built to provide the maximum amount of storage flexibility in highly dense and modular design. The stack fully supports LTO-7, LTO-8 & LTO-9 drives to store natively 180TB to over 10PB with support for up to 560 slots and 42 tape drives.

Affordable storage that scales

Businesses rely heavily on data, but storing it for the long term can be expensive. However, there is a cost-effective solution that has established itself as a leader in this field: tape technology, particularly LTO tape media. Known for its affordability, density, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, LTO tape has become the go-to option for managing the ever-increasing amount of data and storage challenges. Spectra Stack leverages the power of LTO tape technology, providing a dependable and cost-effective solution that offers the industry's most affordable cost per gigabyte (GB).

Both Spectra and the Spectra Stack library offer seamless migration plans, ensuring a smooth transition. Typically, when users switch to a new tape library, they have to give up their investment in tape drives. However, Spectra Stack's MigrationPass eliminates the need to make such a costly decision. With MigrationPass, you can migrate your existing tape drives directly into the Spectra Stack library, preserving your investment. Additionally, the program includes assistance for migrating to future LTO generations as they become available. This exceptional offering safeguards user investments and embraces an open approach to technology that is designed for multi-generation use.

Spectra Stack Datasheet

For more information visit this link

Improving quality of life for cancer patients through AI breakthroughs in genomics

Cancer genome medicine or precision cancer medicine is to provide the optimal treatment based on genetic mutations in cancer tissue. This field holds the promise of personalized medical care that is appropriate to the genomic information of each patient’s cancer. Hopes are high that this could be “a dream cancer treatment.”

Cancer genome medicine is being promoted in developed countries around the world. On the other hand, challenges remain: there is a shortage of specialists with knowledge of advanced genome information, while selecting therapeutic agents is difficult.

Fujitsu is advancing the “Healthy Living” initiative to work towards a world that enriches the life experience of everyone and continues to expand their potential.

https://corporate-blog.global.fujitsu.com/fgb/2022-06-24/01/

Fortune’s annual Global 500 List

HONG KONG, August 3, 2022 – After achieving historical FY21/22 fiscal year results, Lenovo has been ranked #171 on FORTUNE’s annual Global 500 List and in the top 20 (#14) of all Technology sector companies cited in the List. This is Lenovo’s best performance on record among technology companies, moving up one spot from the previous year. 

Lenovo ranked 171 on the ‘FORTUNE Global 500’ List – ranks in the top 15 of all technology companies in the world - Lenovo StoryHub

SAN vs NAS

The differences between a SAN & NAS

A storage area network and network attached storage both provide data storage across a network to deliver either file or block storage. SAN vs NAS are two completely different types of storage.

SAN storage is a block-level storage protocol. Blocks are presented to the application or operating system as LUNs (logical unit numbers, these are provided by the SAN storage and connect to the server via a HBA (host bus adapter). The data blocks appear as locally attached storage (DAS), when in reality the storage resides on the SAN. SAN storage uses either fibre channel or iSCSI to create the SAN and this is normally a separate dedicated network.

NAS storage provides a centralised file sharing area for storing files. The NAS has an operating system that uses variants of Linux or Windows Storage Server and this integrates directly with LDAP or Active Directory to allow designated users to store and access files across the network.

A SAN normally has multiple storage arrays, servers and network switches connected to the same network.

SAN vs NAS Performance

The debate regarding SAN vs NAS continues to be discussed. In most data centres today running 32Gb/s Fibre Channel the SAN would win. If a business starts to deploy 100Gb/s Ethernet then you could argue the NAS would win, but remember you can also have an iSCSI SAN which would in effect be faster than the NAS over the same network.

SAN storage is faster than NAS due to the lower processing overhead the fibre channel and iSCSI protocols use, this enables almost wire speed to transmit data across the SAN. Both systems can have HDD’s, NVMe & SSD drives internally, but performance will be greater across a SAN.

SAN storage connectivity

Connecting SAN storage to your storage area network will utilise one or more of the following:

8/16/32/64Gb/s Fibre channel = FC SAN

1/10/25/100Gb/s Ethernet = iSCSI SAN

A SAN normally has multiple redundant switches connected to redundant storage arrays, from these arrays the storage is carved up and served out as data volumes. These volumes could provide storage for virtualisation, local disk storage to servers attached to the SAN or provides disk storage to backup appliances where block storage is a key requirement.

NAS storage connectivity

Connecting NAS storage to the network normally uses Ethernet and these are the normal network connections.

• 1/10/25/100Gb/s Ethernet
• 10/25/100Gb/s FCoE

A NAS normally connects to one or two network switches. The NAS storage is then carved up into volumes, these volumes are then used to provide files and folders to be accessed across the network as CIFS/SMB/NFS shares to which users map to their desktops.

How do SAN vs NAS storage differ?

SAN – Storage Area Network

NAS – Network Attached Storage

A NAS has an operating system, CPU, memory, data storage, network connections; SAN storage on the other hand has a CPU, memory, data storage, network connections and an embedded operating system for storage management. SAN storage will not allow you to add extra functionality i.e. photo sharing app. SAN storage is more secure than NAS storage as the embedded operating system cannot be changed or modified.

Normally fibre channel is a point-2-point protocol, this means the LUN can only be seen by the server connected host, although there is software available to share LUNs with multiple hosts and this is normally used in post-production to share large files across the network, but lock files when they are being accessed.

A NAS on the other hand by default shares all the available volumes across the network to any user who has file/folder permissions.

Which should I choose?

In the SAN vs NAS debate, ultimately it boils down to your budget and requirements.

A SAN requires a totally separate dedicated network, although iSCSI will operate over an existing Ethernet network, it is recommended that it also resides on a dedicated network.

Whereas a NAS will happily sit on your network and provide local shared files and folders for users.

If you want performance and the most secure infrastructure, then choose a SAN. In the end it is horses for course NAS for file and SAN for block.

Unsure on what’s best for you and how to implement?

Give us a call!

We help a magnitude of customers achieve their desired I.T. strategies.

We work with customers from primary schools all the way through to large multi-national businesses.

We take an individual approach to every project.

Lenovo HX Powered by Nutanix

Lenovo ThinkAgile HX

Lenovo and Nutanix have partnered to deliver the Lenovo ThinkAgile HX series of Nutanix nodes or appliances, a best-in-class hyperconverged infrastructure solution with Nutanix’s Acropolis industry-leading software preloaded on Lenovo award winning server platforms.

Lenovo ThinkAgile HX Series are fully validated and certified Nutanix nodes and appliances running the Nutanix Acropolis software. They are designed for easy deployment and manageability in scale-out clusters with a choice of models and configurations to suit a wide variety of workloads and applications. The components of your hyperconverged solution are certified right down to the firmware on the drives and HBAs, to eliminate worries that firmware upgrades might break compliance. Pre-validated software updates delivered on a predictable schedule enable you to benefit from continuous innovation available from Nutanix.

Running Nutanix Acropolis software the Lenovo ThinkAgile HX provides the ability to build and manage scale-out clusters through a single interface. Achieve even simpler IT operations by using Nutanix Prism for one-click provisioning, insights, and firmware updates. Lenovo XClarity, a fast and intuitive resource management tool, can be used in concert with Prism.

Nutanix Licensing

Lenovo ThinkAgile HX appliances include a bundled Life of Device license, which remains with the appliance for its lifetime. For customers who prefer to provide their own Nutanix software licenses, Lenovo offers another choice: the ThinkAgile HX Certified Node, which includes:

• Fully validated and integrated hardware and firmware, certified with Nutanix software
• Preloaded Nutanix software for ready deployment, Nutanix term license obtained separately
• Flexibility to bring your own Nutanix term-based license, transferable to other HX certified nodes
• Flexibility to provide your own deployment services or optionally use Lenovo Deployment Services

Simple Ordering Process

Lenovo has designed, tested, and validated ThinkAgile HX certified nodes and appliances to provide the solutions quickly and easily you need, with the confidence required, to exceed the stringent requirements of today’s IT. The result is that you can quickly deploy a robust, high-performance HCI solution and rapidly solve your IT challenges.

Lenovo ThinkAgile HX are built with certified hardware components streamlining the ordering process for validated configurations, that allow businesses to deploy solutions quickly and easily, all based on Lenovo ThinkSystem award winning server hardware.

Get up and running quickly with purpose-built Nutanix Acropolis integrated systems from ourselves a fully accredited and certified Lenovo DCG partner. The systems come fully ready to run and offer consistent, end-to-end customer support no matter whom you call.

Lenovo ThinkAgile HX certified nodes or appliances are available in multiple form factors 1U, 2U or 4U, with either 1 or 4 nodes per chassis.

Key Benefits

• Simplicity : Lenovo XClarity extension integrates with Windows Admin Center from Microsoft, providing a unified single-pane-of-glass simple management experience across infrastructure, virtual machines, software, and hardware.
• Flexibility : Lenovo ThinkAgile HX Nodes offer a wide range of processor, memory, and storage options to provide the maximum flexibility for customizing your infrastructure.
• Faster time to value : In traditional IT, a solution is designed, tested, implemented, and maintained requiring significant time and energy. With HCI, this burden has been transferred to the solution provider. Nutanix helps to solve the Hyperconverged Infrastructure challenges by choosing Lenovo ThinkAgile HX thus ensuring a robust and viable platform.

Lenovo ThinkAgile HX Advantages

Lenovo ThinkAgile HX Certified Nodes are designed for deploying industry-leading Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI) software from Nutanix on Lenovo enterprise platforms that feature the second generation of the Intel Xeon Processor Scalable family (Xeon SP Gen 2) or AMD EPYC processors. They deliver fully validated and integrated Lenovo hardware and firmware that is certified with Nutanix software and preloaded with the Nutanix AHV hypervisor. Nutanix offers a unique, software-defined approach to hyper convergence, leveraging the hypervisor to deliver compute, storage, and management in a tightly integrated software stack.

All Lenovo solutions https://www.lenovofiles.com/3dtours/products/

Lenovo ThinkAgile MX for Microsoft Azure Stack HCI

Lenovo ThinkAgile VX VMware vSAN certified nodes