Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• How hypervisor-aware are today's virtualized server environments?

  New virtualized server environments created hypervisor-aware storage systems. But some products are more hypervisor-aware than others.  Continue Reading

• When should you consider the purchase of an all-flash storage array?

  The decision to buy an all-flash storage array depends on finances; use case; and needs for performance, functionality and scalability.  Continue Reading

• What options exist when placing storage in the cloud?

  Object storage is a popular choice for moving storage to the cloud, but it can present a number of challenges. This tip presents three alternatives.  Continue Reading

• How can Atlantis ILIO USX be used to optimize VMware vSAN storage?

  Atlantis Computing's ILIO USX could be offered as a joint offering with VMware's Virtual SAN. Find out how it can improve capacity and performance.  Continue Reading

• How does VMware VDPA work with VMware's vSAN?

  VSphere Data Protection Advanced is currently the primary product for backing up VMs running on VMware's vSAN. Brien Posey explains how it works.  Continue Reading

• What hardware should be used in a VMware Virtual SAN environment?

  The compatibility of VMware vSANs with hardware is flexible, but there are some requirements. Find out which hardware to use and which to avoid.  Continue Reading

• How does a scale-out NAS environment affect storage management?

  Phil Goodwin explains how scale-out NAS systems simplify storage management through a single point of control and by combating performance problems.  Continue Reading

• 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