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Complete guide to server-based storage in its modern forms
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Article
Can SAN and NAS stand up to the hyper-converged hype?
More vendors are getting into the hyper-converged game, but does that spell the end for standalone SAN and NAS? Read Now
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Article
Hyper-convergence meets needs of virtual environments
Virtualization requirements are constantly changing, and hyper-converged storage needs to be up to the task. George Crump explains how hyper-converged storage fits the bill. Read Now
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Article
Ease of deployment, management boost hyper-converged market
Thanks to its exciting vendor landscape, hyper-converged storage is seeing some confusion along with the enthusiasm. See what has people buzzing about this server-based storage technology. Read Now
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Video
How to implement hyper-converged storage
As the list of hyper-converged appliance vendors continues to grow, so do the number of hyper-converged technology options. Watch Now
Editor's note
Technologies like hyper-convergence and software-defined storage have brought server-based storage back to the forefront for shareable storage.
With the explosive growth in unstructured data, organizations are scrambling to nail down a storage method that is easy to implement and upgrade and allows them to maximize capacity resources. The advent of cloud storage also plays a part in the renewed interest, and server-based data storage has cemented itself as the favored storage infrastructure of cloud providers. Cost is another compelling factor for direct-attached storage (DAS). By using commodity servers and directly attached disks with software that can create a shared storage pool, more open platforms are able to offer server-based storage at a lower price than traditional storage systems.
Hyper-convergence has made a splash lately, combining storage, compute, virtualization and networking into one package. However, unlike a converged architecture, the components of a hyper-converged appliance are so well-integrated that they cannot be separated or used independently.
Other server-based storage methods include virtual storage appliances (VSAs), distributed file systems and server SANs. In this guide, we will dive into the different options for direct-attached storage and understand where they work best.
1Hyper-converged and software-defined storage
On the software side, hyper-convergence is joined by software-defined storage in the server-based data storage space. With the dual benefits of flexibility and scalability, software is not to be overlooked. This section digs into hyper-converged software options and software-defined storage.
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Article
DataCore releases hyper-converged storage software
DataCore's SANsymphony -V10 updates the vendor's virtualization software with significant additions like hyper-convergence, backup and deduplication. Read Now
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Article
The three definitions of software-defined storage
What exactly is software-defined storage? According to Jon Toigo, the explanation may be more complicated than you think. Read Now
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Article
Understanding software-defined applications
Software-defined applications have the benefit of adding resiliency and flexibility to the data center, but this server-based storage technology may require some additional management. Read Now
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Article
Hyper-converged software options may need more testing
If you decide on a software-only hyper-converged architecture, be prepared to put some extra work into choosing the hardware. Read Now
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Article
The pros and cons of software-defined storage
Confused about the variety of terms and features being thrown around in the software-defined storage market? We dive into the different types of software-defined, as well as the benefits and drawbacks. Read Now
2Server SAN and cloud
In addition to the hyper-converged and software options for server-based storage, server SANs and the cloud are also being used in the data center to pool storage. The cloud is a popular option for shared storage with the ability to scale and keep costs low. A server SAN architecture, consisting of multiple storage devices directly attached to separate servers, has been favored by companies like Facebook and Google. With the links below, see where these server-based data storage options are being used.
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Article
Integrating hyper-converged with the cloud
Both hyper-converged storage and the cloud are popular forms of server-based storage. Brien Posey explains where the two fit together. Read Now
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Article
Cloud and hyper-convergence transforming the data center
Both cloud and hyper-convergence have been surrounded with a bit of hype, and may shape the future of the data center. Read Now
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Podcast
Google, Facebook lead the way for server SAN model
The server SAN model is the server-based storage model of choice for companies like Amazon, Google and Facebook, but will it catch on with enterprise IT? Listen Now
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Article
What is server SAN's place in IT organizations?
According to Wikibon analyst Stuart Miniman, server SAN adoption may pick up speed in IT thanks to its ability to grow and easily migrate. Read Now