Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• Are software-defined technology developments influencing storage?

  With storage developments moving from hardware toward software, many vendors are reworking products to capitalize on the software-defined technology movement.  Continue Reading

• How do VMware containers work?

  Brien Posey explains the difference between storage virtualization and storage containers, and the benefits of using containers for VMs.  Continue Reading

• What's the best way to protect against HDD failure?

  HDD failure can put bytes of data at risk. Is multi-copy mirroring or erasure coding the more efficient data protection approach?  Continue Reading

• Should I use open source software-defined storage for primary data apps?

  While it has yet to make a large impact in the market, open source software-defined storage is becoming an option for primary data applications.  Continue Reading

• Should you move to PCIe flash storage?

  PCIe flash can offer lower latency than array-based flash in some cases. However, it has limitations. Find out if PCIe flash storage is right for you.  Continue Reading

• What are some of the concerns around cloud-integrated storage?

  Cloud-integrated storage uses object storage as a tier to keep costs low, but migration and performance limitations are holding it back.  Continue Reading

• What are some considerations around cloud object storage performance?

  Object storage in the cloud may be attractive because of its low cost, but you might want to reconsider if you need top-tier performance.  Continue Reading

• Why is storage QoS so important for flash arrays?

  Storage quality of service (QoS) is important in SSD environments because of resource contention, says Brien Posey in this expert response.  Continue Reading

• When will TLC flash come to enterprise storage arrays?

  Triple-level cell (TLC) flash is designed to overcome one of the key problems with flash storage: capacity.  Continue Reading

• Will memristor technology replace NAND flash?

  Brien Posey says that with HP working on a memristor-based computer it plans to launch by 2020, the technology could eventually succeed NAND flash.  Continue Reading

• Will we see more PCIe-based flash storage access similar to EMC's DSSD?

  Attaching flash directly to the PCI Express bus offers very low latency, but space is limited for on-board server-side flash. PCIe-based access for storage arrays may be the answer.  Continue Reading

• How can storage arrays take advantage of vSphere VVOLs?

  Virtual Volumes allow storage features to be provisioned to VMs, but the available feature set depends on the hardware.  Continue Reading

• How can I best provision storage for virtual servers?

  When it comes to provisioning storage for virtual machines, techniques such as golden images and thin provisioning are key.  Continue Reading

• What do I need to know about implementing vSphere VVOLs?

  VSphere VVOLs are making a splash in the storage market. Taneja Group expert Tom Fenton answers questions regarding updates to firmware and software.  Continue Reading

• What are some key considerations for VM data protection?

  In physical environments data protection often means restoring an entire system, but using the same methodology for virtual servers is inefficient.  Continue Reading