Create a pool of centralised storage using iSCSI and install on each of the servers the iSCSI initiators, using disk manager you can mount storage from the disk pool to servers which can be Windows, Linux, UNIX, MAC or Novell based. These operating systems must support iSCSI and have an iSCSI initiator.
The centralised storage server can be Mirrored/RAIDED or Snapshot. If you put iSCSI TOE controllers in each of your servers, you can then boot from the centralised storage.
iSCSI major advantages are:
- No dedicated specialised networks as in Fibre Channel
- Buy servers with no RAID controllers or Disk
- As the storage is IP based you can serve up information across Wide Area Links or the Internet
- Should a server fail, then the storage can be mounted on another server instantly
- Reduces cost by buying smaller more compact servers
- Backups are reduced because you can make snapshots and back them up during the day
- One person can administer and control all you storage requirements from a single system and allocate disk on demand
- Cut down on Backup Software Licensing costs as all you need to do is Snapshot or Mirror the information to another server and backup just one server! This really is amazing technology and is supported by Microsoft, Cisco, IBM etc....
We guarantee you will save money in terms of storage management costs, server pricing and maintenance.
For a demonstration please call us on 01256 782030.
