Posted by Crystal Nichols on Mon, Oct 12, 2009 @ 08:37 AM
Enterprise storage, in the most basic sense, is the use of a centralized storage system to manage, protect and provide access to the enterprise’s data. An enterprise storage solution gives connectivity to that data from whatever source or application can effectively use that data.
It’s important to understand, first of all, how enterprise storage is different from basic consumer storage. Enterprise storage requires vastly larger amounts of storage capacity. Enterprise storage also utilizes different and more advanced technologies than consumer storage.
Types of Enterprise Storage Solutions
Historically, there have been three different types of storage solutions available to the enterprise. Direct Attached Storage (or DAS) was, historically, the first to come about. Direct attached storage is storage that’s directly connected to a host computer. In this model, access to the data is provided through the enterprise’s Local Area Network.
For obvious reasons, DAS has fallen out of vogue. It has significant limitations, not the least of which is the impact that this solution has on the rest of the data network. DAS exists today only in the sense that the storage media are attached to storage server nodes, which may or may not be attached directly to the LAN.
Network Attached Storage (or NAS) is exactly that sort of storage. It refers to a storage device that’s part of a server located on your LAN. Network Attached Storage takes the form of data servers that are directly integrated into your LAN architecture. Network file servers typically make up an Network Attached Storage solution.
NAS has its limitations, as well. NAS doesn’t offer compatibility with certain applications, for example. In addition, NAS still can create something of a drag on your Local Area Network.
A Storage Area Network (or SAN) is probably the most widely-used type of enterprise storage solution today. SAN lets you connect more than one host to a storage device. This frees up your server resources in a number of ways, and gives you many more options when it comes to things like redundancy and failover. In addition, a SAN tends to create less drag on the Local Area Network, because much of the passing of data takes place only in the SAN environment.
Choosing the Right Enterprise Storage Solution
When it comes time to choose an enterprise storage solution, there are some things to keep in mind.
First of all, you need to choose a solution that is scalable. The explosive need for data storage means that a system that isn’t scalable can be obsolete in months.
You also need a secure storage solution. Make sure your solution is secured against threats on the network. Make sure your solution has backup and disaster recovery options, as well.
Finally, you need an enterprise storage solution that meets regulatory compliance issues. Depending on what industry your business is in, this may or may not be particularly difficult, but it is an issue that needs to be brought up before you choose a solution, rather than after.
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Posted by Dan Webber on Mon, Aug 31, 2009 @ 06:00 AM
Many articles today are being written which focus on IT cost reduction. “Spend only what is essential to keep the lights on.” With reduction in staff, IT Leadership is being asked to do more with less. Some tactics may allow certain companies to re-architect, re-energize, simplify, and eliminate some of the headaches that engulf too many IT shops.
Re-Architect
Take a look at all of your current assets and see where there is wasted capacity. I am always amazed that when you take the time to “walk around” the enterprise, there is a lot of IT equipment which is not being utilized. Pull out your software maintenance contracts and match them against the usage which is measured by your IT asset management system. If you do not have an IT asset management system, get one. Look in all of those closets and see where departments are hoarding equipment or set aside a laptop or monitor. Are you using all of the software that you are paying maintenance for? Are you buying new software, you really don’t need? Look at your service levels and contracts. Ask the hard questions, when was the last time we needed someone out in 4 hours? Could you expand the time frame to next day? Could you buy a hot spare that would accommodate and cost you less? Have you looked at third party maintenance? Have you had a frank discussion with your vendor and asked to renegotiate the contract?
Re-Energize
This is a great time to tighten up the governance process or in some cases establish the governance process. Make them, “Make the case.” It is a great time to engrain the business as the driver of projects for the business. Standardization of the business case that feeds the process is essential. Many companies that are successful in driving good business cases add the anticipated revenue or deduct the estimated cost savings to the budget upon completion of the project. This factor leads the project initiator to be more realistic in its goals for the project.
Simplify
Take the time to review the application portfolio of the business. How much is each application being used? How well are applications performing? Is the application costing more to maintain than it is adding back to the business? Is there existing functionality within your core ERP application that is not being used that could replace another application? Have a member of the IT Team spend time working with the business in that role. It is amazing the knowledge that can be gleaned about how individuals use systems vs. how IT thinks the business is using systems.
Eliminate Some of the Headaches
Since technology is never perfect, you can never eliminate the headaches associated with IT. You can transfer some of the headaches to outsourcers or systems in the cloud. When the systems fail, it is still a headache to the business. By taking the time to Re-Architect, Re-Energize, and Simplify, you are communicating and exposing IT to the business. By streamlining the platform, it will reduce the footprint that then can be extended to support the business as it evolves and gets back to growing.
Dan Webber is a CIO in Atlanta, GA. He delivers his unique perspective as Chief Information Officer on technology, business, and the Atlanta 
IT industry. He is a recent recipient of Oracle's CIO of the quarter award.
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