Unified storage refers to a data storage framework wherein various storage technologies are amalgamated within a singular, integrated system. The aforementioned storage solution provides an all-encompassing methodology to data storage. It enables organisations to effectively support diverse workloads through the utilisation of multiple access protocols within a unified platform. This storage demonstrates both flexibility and efficiency. This makes it highly suitable for contemporary data centres and enterprise environments.
We will discuss the top factors which decide why unified storage is becoming a business essential by scrolling below in this blog.
Combines Multiple Storage Protocols
Unified storage is a type of storage system that combines both NAS and SAN. It allows users to access both file-level and block-level storage in one system. This combination is made possible by using storage controllers and protocols that can do both NAS and SAN tasks. These are few relevant factors of these unified type of storage systems:
- Single Storage Platform: A unified type of storage system is a single platform that can store both files and blocks. This means that in one storage device, you can have both regular files accessible through NAS protocols and storage that is divided into blocks accessible through SAN protocols.
- Protocols Support: These storage systems can handle both NAS and SAN protocols. These controllers can convert requests from different protocols into the right storage commands. Meaning the system can handle different storage access requirements.
- File-level Access: This storage system allows users to access files and folders over a network using NAS capability. They can use regular methods to view, edit, and control the files in this folder, such as NFS or SMB/CIFS.
Offers Scalability to Accommodate Growing Data Needs
Unified storage systems can be made bigger by adding more stuff to the current storage. This could mean making hard drives bigger or adding more storage controllers to handle more work. Vertical scalability means that an organisation can increase how much they can store without causing big problems for what they’re already doing. Some storage systems allow you to easily add more storage devices to expand the capacity. These arrays work together like one unit to store more data and perform better. Horizontal scalability similarly means that organisations can increase their storage capacity in a straightforward manner as they need more data.
Leads to Cost Savings
This storage system integrates file-level (NAS) and block-level (SAN) storage functionalities within a singular storage array. This consolidation obviates the necessity for distinct storage infrastructures tailored to specific objectives. This leads to diminishing the quantity of physical apparatuses and related expenditures on hardware. Unified storage streamlines data protection procedures by enabling the backup and safeguarding of all forms of data irrespective of whether it pertains to file-level or block-level information. It does this through the utilisation of a coherent methodology. This phenomenon can potentially lead to economic benefits in relation to backup software, storage media, and the overall backup infrastructure.
Allocates Storage Resources More Efficiently
Numerous integrated storage systems facilitate the implementation of storage tiering. Data is efficiently redistributed across various storage tiers, predicated upon its frequency of access and level of significance. Data that is frequently accessed may be retained in high-performance storage options such as SSD. Meanwhile data that is accessed less frequently could be stored in more economical and high-capacity storage alternatives such as HDDs. This hierarchical storage strategy maximises performance and cost-effectiveness.
Upgrading Hardware Is Straightforward
A substantial number of unified storage systems possess the capability to facilitate hot-swapping of hardware components. This feature enables system administrators to promptly substitute malfunctioning or obsolete components while ensuring uninterrupted system functionality. This characteristic mitigates operational disruptions and guarantees uninterrupted provision of services throughout the process of upgrading. When considering the enhancement or replacement of hardware components, such as drives or controllers, the process of data migration may need to be undertaken.
This storage system ought to possess the capability of facilitating seamless data migration, without any data loss or noteworthy disruption to services. Data migration refers to the process of transferring data between dissimilar storage tiers or from outdated hardware components to new ones.
Integrate Seamlessly with Existing It Infrastructures
The concept of unified storage is purposely formulated to ensure seamless integration within the current IT infrastructures, thereby presenting itself as an appealing choice for organisations seeking to centralise storage resources and enhance managerial processes. This storage is capable of facilitating the utilisation of various storage protocols, namely NFS, SMB/CIFS, iSCSI, and Fibre Channel. This guarantees the seamless integration of the storage system into pre-existing network environments, allowing for access by diverse applications and operating systems.
These storage systems typically include management software that offers a centralised interface for the configuration and monitoring of storage resources. The capacity to seamlessly integrate with preexisting IT management tools and frameworks has the potential to streamline the oversight of overall infrastructure management.
Summing It Up
Unified storage is a potent and adaptable solution that effectively tackles the intricacies associated with contemporary data storage landscapes. Unified storage is an integrated platform that amalgamates file-level (NAS) and block-level (SAN) storage capabilities. This convergence facilitates the streamline of storage management processes and optimised resource allocation.
