Organizations depend heavily on data storage solutions to effectively store and manage their data in the modern data-driven environment. The storage server solution is one of the most common storage options and has many underappreciated advantages. In this article, we’ll look at a few quick facts about a storage server solution that nobody is aware of.
Handles Primary and Secondary storage requirements
Storage server options are generally used only for backup and disaster recovery. However, storage server solutions can also be used as a company’s main data storage device. Companies can use this server solution to store their data, ensure that it is safe and secure, and access it swiftly and easily.
- Primary storage: Storage server solutions that offer quick and dependable data access can take care of primary storage needs. These performance-optimized solutions employ solid-state drives (SSDs) to deliver quicker access times. Furthermore, high-performance storage protocols like NVMe or Fibre Channel enable quicker data transfer speeds.
- Secondary storage: Storage servers can meet secondary storage needs by offering a scalable and affordable way to store big amounts of data. These solutions use network-attached storage (NAS) or high-capacity hard disk drives (HDDs) to store massive volumes of data. It can be set up to automate data archiving and backup procedures.
High-tech Features
Advanced features like data deduplication, compression, and encryption are common in storage server solutions. The most advanced technology known as data deduplication lowers storage costs, whereas compression lowers the amount of data that has to be stored. Some other features are-
- Snapshots: Data point-in-time copies known as snapshots are useful for data recovery and testing. These server solutions take regular data snapshots which enable businesses to easily restore data.
- Replication: Replication enables data to be replicated to a different storage server for disaster recovery needs. Storage solutions can replicate data in real-time or on a predetermined schedule. They ensure that in the situation of a disaster, a copy of all important data is always accessible.
- Expandable Storage: Organizations can store it on several types of storage media using the expandable storage options in the storage servers. To save storage costs, storage server systems can be set up to automatically migrate data between different storage tiers based on established rules.
Support of numerous storage protocols
Storage servers support numerous storage protocols. These protocols specify the methods for managing, accessing, and transferring data on the storage server.
- Network File System (NFS): A protocol called NFS shares files over a network. Storage servers can support NFS to enable various operating systems to access and store data on the server. It is frequently used in Unix and Linux environments.
- Common Internet File System (CIFS): A technology called CIFS enables file sharing over a network. Windows-based workstations can access and store data on storage servers that implement CIFS.
- Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI): A network can access block-level storage due to the iSCSI protocol. It lets storage servers appear to other networked devices as directly attached storage devices when presenting storage volumes to them.
Scalability as a core feature
Storage server solutions have the scalability to expand and change to meet evolving storage needs. The scalability of these servers can handle growing data volumes without compromising performance or dependability. It refers to the capacity to increase storage as per needs without significantly altering the underlying infrastructure.
However, this can entail expanding an existing server with more storage drives or expanding a storage cluster with new servers. Having a scalable storage solution has several advantages. It enables businesses to begin small and expand as their storage requirements grow over time.
Configuration is done in many ways
Storage solutions can get configured in many ways depending on the unique demands and objectives of the company.
- Direct Attached Storage: In this type of networking a server is directly connected to storage devices. Internal or external storage devices are both acceptable, such as USB or Thunderbolt drives. It is an affordable option for small-scale storage requirements.
- Storage Area Network: A dedicated network called SAN links servers and storage devices to enable fast access to data. SAN solutions typically offer high-speed connectivity using fiber channels or iSCSI protocols. This server network connects many servers to use the same storage resources.
- Hybrid Storage: The advantages of each storage technology are combined in this arrangement while minimizing their downsides. It includes a combination of DAS, NAS, and SAN.
In-built management software
Numerous storage server systems include management tools that simplify control and keep an eye on storage consumption, performance, and security. The danger of data loss or downtime is decreased by this technology. Also, it can manage storage options efficiently.
Overall, businesses that need to handle and store massive volumes of data depend on storage server solutions. Companies can select the best storage server solution for their management to ensure that their data is secure, accessible, and protected.
