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Are Traditional Data Storage Options Still Sufficient?

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Historically, storage arrays were developed with only minor differences in basic design. However, in today's world of storage virtualization, there are several options to consider, including: traditional storage, modular storage and Intelligent-Clustered Storage (ICS), the next generation of modular storage.

When evaluating these critical data storage systems, everyone seems to agree on the key desired attributes:

• Acceptable Levels of Performance
• Easy to Manage (including Remote Administration)
• Snapshots or Continuous Data Protection (CDP)
• Ability to Replicate Data to Remote Locations (i.e., Disaster Recovery Planning)
• Non-Disruptive Additions
• Non-Disruptive Scheduled Maintenance
• Pay-As-You-Grow (Substantial Scalability)
• Industry Standard Technology (non-proprietary)
• Realistically Priced
• Support for Virtualization Platforms (e.g., VMware, Citrix, Microsoft, Linux)
• BONUS Feature: Automated Tiered Storage & Automatic RAID
• BONUS Feature: Support for SSD (Solid State Disk) Drives
• BONUS Feature: Support for Data Encryption or Enhanced Security
• BONUS Feature: Power Friendly (idles drives not being accessed to conserve power)

 So, how do different data storage solutions stack up?

Traditional Storage Arrays

Traditional storage arrays are comprised of a head unit that typically holds one or two storage controllers, the various interfaces to the storage network, and connectivity for storage shelves or cabinets. This design can scale only to a certain point and consequently a specific level of performance. Once those limits are reached, a forklift upgrade to a larger system is required. 

For this reason, one must usually estimate the projected storage growth and acquire a system much larger than what is required to meet current storage needs.

Often people do not like the idea of buying more than they need in anticipation of future developments, nor are they interested in expensive proprietary systems since "open" alternatives are plentiful.  

In data storage, nothing is more "open" than a truly virtualized storage environment because of the flexibility afforded by the basic premise of the design. 

Modular (Virtualized) Storage

A more modern approach, offered by storage manufacturers like DELL EqualLogic, Compellent and Hewlett Packard (LeftHand P4000), is the modular storage node architecture reminiscent of a grid-computing paradigm. Each storage node includes controllers, interfaces and drive space; therefore, scalability is much greater than the traditional storage array architecture.

A significant comparative to traditional designs is that one need only purchase the amount of storage required to meet current needs. This is because simply adding another storage node accommodates expansion. Due to the integrated virtualization layer in modular storage units, more storage is usually accomplished without the complicated reconfiguration required by traditional storage arrays.

Of further contrast to traditional designs, the modular storage node approach actually realizes a performance increase as it is expanded. This is a result of each node having controllers and dedicated storage network connections, in addition to disk space,

Also worth noting, day-to-day management, system upgrades and important features like Snapshots, Thin-Provisioning and Replication (synchronous and asynchronous) are more easily implemented in the modular design — typically at a much lower cost and decreased levels of downtime.

Note: Some manufacturers offer storage virtualization solutions in the form of front-end appliances or host-based software solutions that are positioned in front of these traditional storage arrays. This offers an opportunity to upgrade an otherwise outdated system without a complete overhaul.

The Latest Option: Intelligent Clustered Storage (ICS)

Some people view ICS technology as being so significant that they refer to it as a paradigm shift in the way we'll work with data storage going forward. This intriguing storage technology has roots in the General Parallel File Systems (GPFS) that were created several years ago by IBM in partnership with Intel. In fact, this technology is pervasive in the majority of production super-computer platforms deployed today.

Essentially an ICS solution is comprised of a number of physically independent storage nodes that have complete awareness of one another, and present themselves as a single, logical pool of storage.

The storage nodes are referred to as intelligent because each node has processors, controllers, memory, network interfaces and hard disk drives along with the enabling software. This could be considered to be storage virtualization software, because what is presented to the host operating system is not the true physical storage, but rather a logical representation of the storage that we want the operating system to see or have access to. 

Fault resilience is inherent in this design, as data is automatically saved to multiple intelligent storage nodes. Consequently, a single disk failure, or the failure of an entire storage node, will not disrupt service. This is because data is split into blocks that are striped across all of the nodes within the intelligent storage cluster. In fact, some manufacturers can provide protection from multiple storage-node failures in their design.

While the storage system attributes mentioned above are difficult, expensive or unavailable in traditional storage array solutions, they are commonplace in the ICS design.

Virtual Storage Options Offer Increased Business Agility

Bringing server virtualization together with storage virtualization enables an environment that can respond quickly and effectively to business changes that require more computing power and/or more storage. Furthermore, it is no longer necessary to bet too much capacity as a hedge against the dynamic nature of business, saving money both upfront and ongoing. 

In the early adoption phase of this virtual technology wave, management of virtualized storage solutions may have been labeled complex or cumbersome. Those days are behind us as manufacturers have made great improvements in easing management techniques and interfaces, as well as simplifying underlying architecture.

Today, virtualized storage options are affordable, scalable and easy-to-manage, and worth consideration if you are looking for a new, dependable storage solution that can grow with your business.

Perry Szarka is a Solution Consultant at MCPc with expertise in data storage and network infrastructure. He works closely with clients to understand their business objectives and discover solutions to help them achieve their goals.