Solutions Architecture Framework

Saturday, July 12th, 2008 at 10:21 am

When considering the possibilities for your data storage, you can hear the word tiered storage architecture and wonder what it is. Tiered storage is the automatic transfer Data for the lowest cost storage system based on performance, availability, protection and recovery requirements. Okay. Fine, you say. But what does it mean?

Think of the system design, like home design. IT systems require sets similar home plans. The system design will have "space", like a home. These rooms have specific functions through the grouping of data. The resulting structure is the system architecture. Tiered storage architecture takes the process further, that a pattern in the systems of rooms devoted to various forms of storage. The architectural design decides the rooms take account of what files are stored.

When architecture is presented in addition, can automate the process begins, and data can be stored under specified parameters. There are three types of storage, which is involved in tiered storage architecture, each with its own characteristics fit specific needs. Once you learn the parameters you can determine the storage function to be used in your system and how.

Direct Attached Storage (DAS) is the most basic storage subsystem. This storage relate to different types of drives such as SCSI, SATA, flash and optical drives. When you work on your computer you will probably save your files on your hard drive or an external hard drive. You can use rewritable CDs or a memory card available. You probably base your decision about where you store your information on its importance in daily functioning. Working within a tiered storage framework will have the same results.

A Storage Area Network (SAN) is a step up from a DAS system. With SAN, files can be accessed from multiple servers. This is important if you expect down time for any reason and your backup servers need to access data. This goes beyond basic storage, allowing more flexibility in your system. Although it may resemble DAS storage, its ability to connect multiple servers to distinguish it from the basic storage. Information stored in this type of subsystem files you might need at any given time.

The third type of storage system called Network Attached Storage or NAS. This system involves loading your data on remote file servers. If you decide to build a website and buy a hosting package, your predominant files will be stored on your hosting company's server. You pay for this service and have a certain amount of storage space in your hosting agreement. This is true regardless of the size of your business or the extent of servers used in your hosting package. This can include your entire network also. In this system, storage decisions file must be based on necessity.

This is just basic information on tiered storage architecture and the types of storage involved. Storage is a issues rarely covered in great length, when decisions for websites, networks and other entities who may be in need of storage solutions. Similarly, the importance of tiered storage architecture is only part of the answer. You'll also be able to decide what architectural storage solutions best benefit your business.

Basic storage is cheaper. You can buy a product, storage, and your cost ends there. You store data on the drive, and it is to retrieve when you need it. However, transfer and time involved in downloading can be a problem. You probably want to reserve this form of storage of larger files, those there is no need at a moment's notice.

Mid-level storage is important for data to be retrieved from multiple sources. This is important for the daily files to be be available to a system where a second crash, or the data for different users. Your cost factor will increase here too, so it is important to maintain and delete unnecessary files.

Network Storage is the fastest to store and easier to retrieve. It will also cost as much as you want pay recurrent fees depending on your hosting agreement. Since the server space is at a premium, it should be used when choosing what to store here.

rel = "nofollow" href = "http://xioss.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=21&Itemid=67"> Tiered storage architecture can work for you effectively. Known to all involved, can help you make your storage decisions that will benefit you most with least money.

Mark has been in the data management industry for just under ten years in various roles. Currently he works with a data storage company, XIOSS, providing cutting edge data management solutions to Fortune 1000 organizations and various SMB's.

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