SAN-in-a-box

A SAN-in-a-box, also known as a SAN-in-a-can or a SAN kit, is a data storage product that includes all the basic storage area network (SAN) components in a single package. The kit simplifies installation and provides a cheap and easy way for small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to deploy a basic storage area network.

According to a SearchStorage.com feature article, a SAN-in-a-Box is typically "a souped-up disk array with redundant components, IP and/or FC (Fibre Channel) ports, and some combination of SCSI, FC or SATA disks." Such a product generally includes some type of SAN virtualization software, as well as a user-friendly graphical interface and simple administration features for non-technical users. A SAN-in-a-box may also offer more sophisticated features, such as storage snapshots or replication.

Vendors of SAN-in-a-box products include Dell, EMC, Hitachi, HP, NetApp and QLogic Corp.