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• Cloud-based archiving: Is it right for your environment?

  Cloud-based archiving is becoming popular due to its data accessibility features and price point. Find out what you need to consider before moving to a cloud archive. Continue Reading

• When using SSD is a bad idea

  As with most technologies, it’s as important to know when to use SSD as it is when not to use it. Here are some cases when using SSD is a bad idea. Continue Reading

• Microsoft to drop Hyper-V shared storage requirement with Windows Server 2012

  In Windows Server 2012, Microsoft will abandon Hyper-V shared storage as a prerequisite for advanced functionality. Read up on this as well as other storage-related changes to Hyper-V 3.0. Continue Reading

• Converged architecture offerings pick up momentum with IT shops

  Converged architecture options are gaining interest from IT shops hoping to simplify the deployment of storage, servers, and networking. Continue Reading

• Citrix StorageLink integrates SAN with virtualization environment

  Find out what benefits Citrix StorageLink delivers to Citrix XenServer, such as access to advanced features on the storage array, offloading of storage operations to the array, and more. Continue Reading

• How convergence can make your storage more valuable

  The term “convergence” may have been overused by IT marketers, but it’s an important concept that should represent an ongoing design principle and can maximize storage investments.Continue Reading

• Understanding data movement in Tier 0 storage

  Knowing how SSD tiering software works will help storage managers match data access characteristics of applications.Continue Reading

• vSphere file systems: VMFS 5 plus VMFS vs. NFS

  Learn what makes VMFS unique among file systems, what VMFS 5 brings to the table and how to configure it. Plus, get info on VMFS vs. NFS.Continue Reading

• Determining the best location for flash SSD storage: Part 2

  Marc Staimer looks at three more flash SSD storage applications, including HDD form factor flash SSDs and PCIe flash SSD storage cards.Continue Reading

• Find the best spot for flash SSD storage

  There are six different flash SSD storage implementations, each aimed at reducing latency, improving IOPS and throughput, and reducing storage TCO.Continue Reading

• A guide to moving applications to the cloud

  When considering moving applications to the cloud, it's important to understand which applications will perform well, and which aren't a good fit.Continue Reading

• Various cloud gateway options and use cases

  Arun Taneja explains why a cloud gateway is essential for cloud storage, and drills into the various types of cloud gateways on the market today.Continue Reading

• Why you should incorporate a cloud disaster recovery plan

  Implementing a cloud disaster recovery plan can lead to financial savings, but also ensures a company's data is safely secured off-site.Continue Reading

• Dealing with cloud storage service providers: Avoiding vendor lock-in

  Vendor lock-in remains a top-of-mind issue for cloud users. Arun Taneja explains what precautions can be taken when committing to cloud storage service providers.Continue Reading

• Addressing VDI challenges with a WAN optimizer

  Find out how to use a WAN optimizer to address VDI challenges, including details on WAN optimization techniques and vendors, such as F5, Riverbed, Citrix and Silver Peak.Continue Reading

• The state of SSD TRIM today

  SSD TRIM cleans up deleted data blocks from your storage media. Find out the role it plays in solid-state storage devices.Continue Reading

• Four use cases when SSD arrays are the right solution

  SSD arrays offer optimized data location and device-independent deployment. SSD arrays also solve the I/O problem of aggregate throughput.Continue Reading

• FC technology still dominates enterprise storage networking

  FC technology will likely remain the dominant storage networking technology in enterprise IT for at least two years, as 10 Gigabit Ethernet options mount a stiffer challenge.Continue Reading

• RAID with SSD: A primer

  While RAID is still a storage standard, questions remain about RAID’s relevance with SSDs. This tip will explore the basics of using RAID with SSD.Continue Reading

• Step by step: Implementing Profile-Driven Storage in vSphere 5

  The process of implementing Profile-Driven Storage in vSphere 5 is not intuitive. Find out how it can ease your storage management chores, and then follow these step-by-step instructions to deploy.Continue Reading

• Top 10 enterprise data storage terms from SearchStorage.com

  Our list of the top 10 data storage terms allows IT pros to dig deeper into popular storage industry terminology.Continue Reading

• Implementing a network-based storage virtualization appliance

  In the fourth installment of our series on storage virtualization, we examine network-based storage virtualization appliances.Continue Reading

• How SSD software can improve SSD cache performance

  SSD software vendors claim an improvement in performance over using SSD cache alone. This tip will help you choose the right SSD software.Continue Reading

• Array-based storage virtualization software: How it works and what it's used for

  Learn about storage virtualization software in the storage array, including information on how Hitachi Data Systems and NetApp implement the technology.Continue Reading

• IT data storage priorities 2012: Virtualization, dedupe and cloud

  A TechTarget survey of IT data storage priorities has managers and staff claiming a growing interest in storage virtualization, data dedupe and cloud storage.Continue Reading

• How storage stacks stack up

  Storage stacks bundle storage, servers and networking in a single pretested product. While the parts may not be best of breed, a stack may be the best bet for your firm.Continue Reading

• Scale-out network-attached storage: Options in today’s market

  Scale-out NAS systems are gaining interest due to rapid growth of file data and “big data” analytics. Here’s a look at the scale-out NAS vendors.Continue Reading

• What you should know before choosing a desktop or laptop solid state drive

  Desktop and laptop solid state drives are now widely available at affordable prices. Learn what you should consider before adding an SSD to your PC.Continue Reading

• Scale-out network-attached storage: What you need to know

  Scale-out NAS is replacing traditional network-attached storage. In this guide, you’ll find out how to stay ahead of this emerging technology trend.Continue Reading

• Virtual storage appliances drill-down: Optimizing VSAs

  Read about one type of virtual storage appliance, the optimizing VSA, which improve the performance of storage access either via large caching mechanisms or via customized file systems.Continue Reading

• How to implement storage virtualization technology at the server level

  Learn about storage virtualization technology at the server-, or host, level, including info on products from Virsto, VMware, DataCore, LeftHand and FalconStor.Continue Reading

• Ancestry.com adopts Isilon, BlueArc scale-out network-attached storage

  With billions of records requiring PBs of capacity, Ancestry.com turns to scale-out network-attached storage that exceeds limits of traditional NAS.Continue Reading

• VMware’s vSCSI filter: What it does and how it works

  Find out how VMware’s vSCSI filter tool operates upon iSCSI data to handle data loss prevention as well as to offload replication tasks from the host and save money on replication.Continue Reading

• Block-level storage virtualization: Reasons to implement it

  Learn about the reasons to implement block-level storage virtualization, in Part 1 of a four-part series.Continue Reading

• Primary storage deduplication options expanding

  Primary storage dedupe seems to be on the rise as startups and major vendors extend the technology to arrays, appliances and solid-state storage.Continue Reading

• Consumer SSDs vs. enterprise SSDs

  Dennis Martin, president of Demartek, discusses the differences between consumer and enterprise SSDs in this Expert Response.Continue Reading

• What you need to know about SSD TRIM

  Dennis Martin, president of Demartek, explains what you need to know about SSD TRIM in this Expert Response.Continue Reading

• Why you should care about SSD program/erase cycles

  Dennis Martin, president of Demartek, explains why you should care about SSD program/erase cycles in this Expert Response.Continue Reading

• SSD caching vs. tiering

  Dennis Martin, president of Demartek, discusses SSD caching vs. tiering for SSDs in this Expert Response.Continue Reading

• SSD form factors today

  Dennis Martin, president of Demartek, discusses the variety of SSD form factors available today in this Expert Response.Continue Reading

• SSD IOPS: Important metrics to consider

  Dennis Martin, president of Demartek, discusses two important metrics for SSD IOPS to consider in this Expert Response.Continue Reading

• SSD cost vs. traditional hard drives

  Dennis Martin, president of Demartek, discusses SSD cost vs. traditional hard drives in this Expert Response.Continue Reading

• Primary storage deduplication and SSDs

  Dennis Martin, president of Demartek, discusses primary storage deduplication and SSDs in this Expert Response.Continue Reading

• NAND flash reliability: Concerns associated with process geometry

  Dennis Martin, president of Demartek, discusses NAND flash reliability concerns associated with process geometry in this Expert Response.Continue Reading

• Long term MLC SSD reliability

  Dennis Martin, president of Demartek, discusses the long term reliability of MLC SSDs in this Expert Response.Continue Reading

• MLC SSD reliability concerns

  Dennis Martin, president of Demartek, discusses MLC SSD reliability concerns in this Expert Response.Continue Reading

• How 3D NAND flash works and why it is important

  Dennis Martin, president of Demartek, discusses how 3D NAND flash works and why it is important in this Expert Response.Continue Reading

• SLC vs. MLC SSDs

  SLC vs. MLC: Dennis Martin, president of Demartek, discusses the differences between SLC and MLC SSDs in this Expert Response.Continue Reading

• SSD vs. hard disk drive (HDD)

  SSD vs. HDD: Dennis Martin, president of Demartek, discusses SSDs vs. hard disk drives (HDD) in this Expert Response.Continue Reading

• Top five tips on data management tools for small to medium-sized businesses

  SMBs face unique challenges when it comes to storage management. Check out our five favorite tips on data management tools from the past year.Continue Reading

• vStorage APIs for Storage Awareness improve view into arrays in VMware environments

  The new vStorage APIs for Storage Awareness (VASA) improve visibility into storage arrays that support VMware environments. In this tip, find out how VASA can help admins better manage storage.Continue Reading

• Top five tips for choosing a network attached storage device

  The editors of SearchSMBStorage.com have closely followed the network attached storage (NAS) device market. Here are our top five NAS device tips.Continue Reading

• Testing the cloud: Tips for data storage pros

  For IT pros or organizations interested in testing the cloud, cloud-enabled storage arrays can make for excellent, worry-free options.Continue Reading

• Solid-state storage technology defined

  Solid-state storage technology is becoming a viable storage alternative for high-performance applications. Learn the important acronyms surrounding the technologyContinue Reading

• I/O performance in need of a fix

  Despite technological advances, unacceptable I/O performance could hold the entire industry back. Here are some solutions that have materialized.Continue Reading

• Virtual storage appliance market: Categories, capabilities

  A virtual storage appliance (VSA) enables shared storage without dedicated storage hardware. Learn about the four loose categories of VSA as well as the capabilities of each category.Continue Reading

• Cloud storage review: Cloud storage requirements to know

  In this cloud storage review, learn what differentiates storage in the cloud from cloud storage and the technology requirements associated with cloud storage.Continue Reading

• SSD architecture: Three deployment options

  Learn about the three main ways to deploy an SSD architecture, and the pros and cons associated with each approach.Continue Reading

• Weighing the pros and cons of a hybrid cloud model

  The hybrid cloud model holds a number of benefits and risks. Read about which ones may be the most valuable, as well as the most concerning, to your company.Continue Reading

• Server virtualization storage performance metrics: Which ones matter?

  Get advice on which storage performance metrics you should pay attention to when monitoring and assessing your server virtualization storage environment.Continue Reading

• Cloud initiatives: Prioritizing what goes in the cloud

  Firms with new cloud initiatives can become overwhelmed when it comes to moving information to the cloud. Read our tips about why it's a good idea to start with non-strategic apps.Continue Reading

• Interest in data reduction methods needs to keep pace with data growth

  Data reduction methods aren’t used as often as they should be, experts say. Find out how to utilize these techs in your firm.Continue Reading

• vSphere 5’s Storage DRS and storage profile function deliver control over storage resources

  New to vSphere 5, Storage DRS load balances VMs based on I/O and capacity, and Profile-Driven Storage ensures that VMs are stored on devices that have specific characteristics.Continue Reading

• Use strategies from cloud storage companies to your advantage

  IT departments need to adopt some practices of cloud storage companies to provide quality service to their own business users during a cloud implementation.Continue Reading

• Hybrid cloud model attractive but still has weak spots

  The future of cloud storage may be in the hybrid cloud model; however, some development is needed before hybrid clouds can enter the mainstream.Continue Reading

• Need to improve application performance grows as data storage explodes

  Servers and networks are up to speed, but storage is struggling to keep pace. Find out why improving application performance is a top concern.Continue Reading

• FC, iSCSI, NAS: How to choose storage for virtual servers

  In the September 2011 cover story of Storage magazine, Eric Siebert clears up some of the confusion as he looks at the characteristics of Fibre Channel, iSCSI and NAS and reviews the pros and cons of each for virtual environments.Continue Reading

• How to set up an iSCSI connection in Windows Server 2008

  Frequent SearchSMBStorage.com contributor and Microsoft MVP Brien Posey offers a crash course in how to set up an iSCSI connection in Windows Server 2008.Continue Reading

• VDI best practices: Making VDI cost-effective for SMBs

  Learn how to make VDI cost effective for your company and get VDI best practices in this tip.Continue Reading

• Storage performance management: 10 storage system performance tips

  Need some help with your storage performance management? These 10 effective, but often overlooked, tips will help you get the most out of your storage arrays and networks.Continue Reading

• Is free storage software worth the risk?

  Learn about the pros and cons of using free storage server software for your organization.Continue Reading

• Creating a private cloud: Architecture and building blocks

  Creating a private cloud can lead to considerable benefits. In this tip, learn the important steps to take when building a private cloud architecture.Continue Reading

• vSphere Storage I/O Control: What it does and how to configure it

  vSphere’s Storage I/O Control enables segmentation of I/O demands by data store, to enable finer-grained I/O prioritization. Find out how Storage I/O Controls works.Continue Reading

• vStorage APIs for Multipathing: How the APIs work

  While using vStorage APIs for Multipathing improves storage efficiency, improper configuration and compatibility problems can affect their operation. Find out how the APIs work.Continue Reading

• Cloud-based archiving for e-discovery/compliance: Five "need to knows"

  Cloud-based archiving holds great promise for storage managers, but it can be a risky change to implement. Learn some important questions to ask before your firm takes the plunge.Continue Reading

• vSphere storage functionality gets big boost in vSphere 5

  Learn about the vSphere storage enhancements in vSphere 5, including a storage-centric Distribute Resource Scheduler tool, a new API for storage awareness, a higher LUN size limit and more.Continue Reading

• How to build an efficient data storage environment

  Explore the areas you should consider when it comes to building an efficient data storage environment and learn the latest developments in storage efficiency tools.Continue Reading

• Tips for implementing an automated storage tiering strategy

  Learn about the different vendors that offer inter-array tiering in their products, and determine if it is the right automated storage tiering strategy for your environment.Continue Reading

• Automated storage tiering options for your environment

  Automated storage tiering (AST) is an integrated feature in many appliances, but there are several different options to choose from.Continue Reading

• Enterprise cloud storage providers: What does it take to succeed?

  Find out who today’s main enterprise cloud storage providers are and what they have to offer users.Continue Reading

• Should you bypass the hypervisor for storage I/O?

  Passing storage I/O through a hypervisor can seem inefficient, so does it make sense to bypass the hypervisor and allow virtual machines to mount data storage directly?Continue Reading

• Cloud strategies: Plan carefully before jumping on the cloud bandwagon

  Consider cloud strategies such as building in-house expertise and questioning your vendor about its private cloud plans before implementing cloud technology in your company.Continue Reading

• Unified data storage adoption rate rising among users

  Unified data storage provides a single shared pool of storage that can be used where and when needed. Find out more reasons why users are adopting the technology.Continue Reading

• Cloud service-level agreement shields data from outages

  With cloud outages still frequent and unpredictable, a cloud service-level agreement provides added protection for organizations looking to safeguard their data.Continue Reading

• VMware’s vStorage APIs for Array Integration (VAAI): How they work and which arrays support them

  The vStorage APIs for Array Integration (VAAI) offload storage tasks from the virtual server host to the storage array. Find out which vendors support them and how to disable them.Continue Reading

• Storage vMotion: Application and performance

  In this tip, learn how Storage vMotion operates, its uses, its system requirements and the steps to take to perform a Storage vMotion.Continue Reading

• Cloud storage infrastructure spending will grow through 2011

  Find out why users are beginning to spend more money on a cloud storage infrastructure for their IT environments. Terri McClure fills us in on the latest ESG stats.Continue Reading

• Small business email archiving solutions explained

  Follow these tips and experts advice to help you choose the best small business email archiving solution.Continue Reading

• Automated tiering primer: How to implement auto tiering

  In this podcast, Ashish Nadkarni discusses the ins and outs of automated storage tiering. Learn how to choose between manual tiering and auto tiering in your storage environment.Continue Reading

• Hyper-V P2V conversion process and storage considerations

  Learn how to perform a Hyper-V P2V conversion, and find out how to best handle iSCSI- and Fibre Channel-based storage for Hyper-V guest machinesContinue Reading

• Storage thin provisioning benefits and challenges

  Storage thin provisioning requires transparency into your storage environment and an understanding of how the technology works. We detail the benefits and challenges.Continue Reading

• Using SSD technology to support memory overcommitment in vSphere

  Using SSD in a vSphere environment helps with memory overcommitment. Find out how memory overcommitment works and why SSD is better at supporting it than mechanical disk.Continue Reading

• SAN booting alternatives for data storage managers

  SAN booting and server virtualization are fueling the trend toward diskless servers. Learn about the move from internal to external storage, as well as other booting alternatives.Continue Reading

• FCoE SAN multi-hop technology primer

  FCoE SAN is growing in popularity, but the lack of multi-hop switching support remains a problem. Find out what vendors and users are doing to improve FCoE performance.Continue Reading

• How to avoid VDI boot storm problems using SSD

  Learn about the two ways to use solid-state drives (SSDs) to avoid a VDI boot storm problem, including putting certain files on SSD and using SSD as a caching layer.Continue Reading

• The impact of SSD technology on the network and CPU

  SSD technology can have a noticeable effect on the network and CPU utilization. Learn how increased traffic loads can change the bottlenecks in your environment.Continue Reading

• SSD caching vs. primary storage for data placement

  SSD caching and primary storage are the two main ways to implement solid-state storage technology with respect to data placement. We explain both strategies.Continue Reading

• Cloud storage options: Public vs. private vs. hybrid cloud storage

  Cloud storage options include public cloud, private cloud and hybrid cloud storage. We weigh their scalability, security, performance, reliability and cost.Continue Reading

• Using NAS storage devices in a virtualized server environment

  Are NAS storage devices a fit for a virtual server environment? We list factors in choosing these devices, and explain their impact on your storage systems.Continue Reading

• Secure data storage strategies and budget-friendly security tools for SMBs

  Learn about secure data storage strategies and budget-friendly storage security tools in this tip.Continue Reading