Home > Ask the Storage Technology Experts > Questions & Answers > Evaluating SAN storage solutions
Ask The Storage Expert: Questions & Answers
EMAIL THIS

Evaluating SAN storage solutions

Christopher Poelker EXPERT RESPONSE FROM: Christopher Poelker

Pose a Question
Other Storage Categories
Meet all Storage Experts
Become an Expert for this site


Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   


>
QUESTION POSED ON: 02 October 2001
Our company is evaluating SAN storage solutions from IBM (ESS) and EMC (Symmetrix). If you based it only from the technology point of view (performance, tool set, architecture) what would be your recommendation?

>

I cannot answer that question for you. You need to compare the two against your current applications, and see who wins. If that is not possible, choose a standard tool like IOMETER to benchmark the products. I would also widen your scope. Ask other storage vendors to respond to an RFP with your requirements and see what they come back with. You may be surprised by how low the cost gets when there is a lot of competition for your business.

Make sure you test ALL the aspects of what you need in a SAN. Test backup, automation capabilities, DR capabilities, and cluster capabilities. Try different HBAs and switches if you can to see how open they are. Most importantly, try out the management interfaces to find out which vendors products are the easiest to use, and most flexible in what you can do with the product. Then test services. This is the only way you will get a true indication of which product will be better for you.

Chris

Editor's note: Do you agree with this expert's response? If you have more to share, post it in our Storage Networking discussion forum at http://searchstorage.discussions.techtarget.com/WebX?replyToMessage ((Content component not found.)) .MullaECzaUO^1@.ee83ce4!viewtype=convdate or e-mail us directly at editor@searchstorage.com.


Digg This!    StumbleUpon Toolbar StumbleUpon    Bookmark with Delicious Del.icio.us   



RELATED RESOURCES
2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems
Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts
Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary



Search and Browse the Expert Answer Center
Search and browse more than 25,000 question and answer pairs from more than 250 TechTarget industry experts.
Browse our Expert Advice



Search for Data Management Tools
TechTarget Storage Media
Storage Magazine View this month\\'s issue and subscribe today.
Storage Decisions Apply online for free conference admission.
SearchStorage.com
HomeNewsMagazineTopicsLearningMultimediaWhite PapersBlogsEventsAbout Us

About Us  |  Contact Us  |  For Advertisers  |  For Business Partners  |  Site Index  |  RSS
TechTarget provides technology professionals with the information they need to perform their jobs - from developing strategy, to making cost-effective purchase decisions and managing their organizations' technology projects - with its network of technology-specific websites, events and online magazines.

TechTarget Corporate Web Site  |  Media Kits  |  Site Map




All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2000 - 2009, TechTarget | Read our Privacy Policy
  TechTarget - The IT Media ROI Experts