Unified Storage... Simplified for YOU

What is Unified Storage?

Unified storage (sometimes termed network unified storage or NUS) is a storage system that makes it possible to run and manage files and applications from a single device. To this end, a unified storage system consolidates file-based and block-based access in a single storage platform and supports Fibre Channel SAN, IP-based SAN (iSCSI), and NAS (network attached storage).

How is it implemented in practice?

Unified storage is often implemented in a NAS platform that is modified to add block-mode support.

Benefits:

· Simultaneously enables storage of file data and handles the block-based I/O (input/output) of enterprise applications.

· Reduced hardware requirements – Instead of separate storage platforms, like NAS for file-based storage and a RAID disk array for block-based storage, unified storage combines both modes in a single device.

· Easy to administer since there is only a single device to be deployed.

· Lower Capital expenditures for the enterprise.

· Simpler to manage.

· Advanced features like storage snapshots and replication.

· Unified storage systems generally cost the same and enjoy the same level of reliability as dedicated file or block storage systems

The Storage Disk Space you bought recently is soon exhausting. Are you considering buying more disk space?

Ever thought of reducing your Backup Window?

Read on…

Data De-Duplication often called "intelligent compression" or "single-instance storage" is a method of reducing storage needs by eliminating redundant data, operating at the file, block, and even the bit level. Only one unique instance of the data is actually retained on storage media, such as disk or tape. Redundant data is replaced with a pointer to the unique data copy. Hence only one instance of the data is saved.

Why do you need it?

Data de-duplication helps to improve data protection, speed up service and reduce cost.

Where does de-duplication take place?

De-duplication can happen at:

1. The Host or Source: Here, the data is checked for duplicate matter at the client itself before sending the data to the storage system.

2. The Destination: Here, the complete data is sent over the network to the designated storage system. Then the De-duplication system starts working at the disk device or on the virtual tape library as a process after the data is received.

Host Based systems are significantly advantageous over the Destination based systems because they send only one instance of the data over the network, thereby ensuring that the network bandwidth is not clogged. Also, since only the unique data is received by the storage system, it makes it easier and faster to store the data and create recovery points.



What are the Key business benefits of data de-duplication?

The following are the benefits derived by an organization that implements data de-duplication:

· Increasing overall data integrity and end with reducing overall data protection costs.

· Lower storage space requirements – it reduces the amount of disk space needed by users for backup by 90 percent.

· Longer disk retention periods

· Reduced power, space and cooling requirements

· Higher restore service levels

· Media Handling errors are reduced

· Availability of more recovery points on fast recovery media

· Efficient use of disk space

· Better recovery time objectives for a longer time

· Reduces the need for tape backups

· Reduces the data to be sent over a WAN for replication, remote backups and disaster recovery, which in turn ensures that the network bandwidth is not choked.