Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• Are SSDs the best VM storage option for high performance?

  Storage expert Phil Goodwin describes how solid-state drives can improve performance in virtual environments, if they're deployed effectively.  Continue Reading

• Can software-defined storage be used in a private cloud environment?

  According to Phil Goodwin, SDS may not provide the performance a physical array can, but that doesn't mean it's useless to private clouds.  Continue Reading

• Are SSDs necessary to perform analytics on big data efficiently?

  Storage expert Phil Goodwin explains how SSDs can speed up analytics, but solid-state technology is only needed in certain types of environments.  Continue Reading

• Data loss concerns with write caching products

  George Crump of Storage Switzerland discusses how data loss issues can be mitigated in write caching products.  Continue Reading

• Comparing network-, server- and storage-based flash caching

  George Crump of Storage Switzerland discusses the variety of ways flash caching can be implemented today in this Expert Answer.  Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of file- and block-based flash caching

  George Crump of Storage Switzerland discusses pros and cons of file and block flash caching and how they can be implemented in this Expert Answer.  Continue Reading

• What is the top storage challenge with in-memory databases?

  Wikibon CTO David Floyer said the greatest challenge with an in-memory database from a storage perspective is recovery in the event of a problem.  Continue Reading

• Considerations when using server-side caching in virtual environments

  George Crump of Storage Switzerland outlines issues associated with using server-side caching in virtual server environments in this Expert Answer.  Continue Reading

• How do VM-aware storage and virtual storage appliances differ?

  Virtual storage appliances and VM-aware storage both cater to virtual environments, but in different ways, explains expert Phil Goodwin.  Continue Reading

• How will server SAN adoption play out in IT organizations?

  Wikibon senior analyst Stuart Miniman offers up his prediction for how server SAN adoption will play out in IT organizations.  Continue Reading

• How storage IT pros can support the recovery of in-memory databases

  Wikibon CTO David Floyer provides advice on how storage IT pros can support the recovery of an in-memory database to avoid hours of downtime.  Continue Reading

• MLC flash controller improvements increase reliability, performance

  George Crump discusses how flash controller improvements have increased the performance and reliability of MLC flash in this Expert Answer.  Continue Reading

• Comparing performance and cost of DRAM vs. NAND

  George Crump of Storage Switzerland compares the performance and cost of DRAM to NAND flash in this Expert Answer.  Continue Reading

• What are the pros and cons of storing VMs on a unified storage array?

  Phil Goodwin outlines and gives examples of how unified storage can be beneficial in virtual server environments -- but not without difficulties.  Continue Reading

• Comparing write-through, write-back and write-around caching

  George Crump of Storage Switzerland compares three common types of caching -- write-through, write-back and write-around -- in this Expert Answer.  Continue Reading