Storage resource management (SRM) is the process of optimizing the efficiency and speed with which the available drive space is utilized in a storage area network (SAN). In recent years, numerous programs have become available that can help SAN administrators accomplish this task. This diverts the burden of performing the chore manually, which can be considerable, away from administrators.
Functions of an SRM program include data storage, data collection, data backup, data recovery, SAN performance analysis, storage virtualization, storage provisioning, forecasting of future needs, maintenance of activity logs, user authentication, protection from hackers and worms, and management of network expansion. An SRM solution may be offered as a stand-alone product, or as part of an integrated program suite.