Interoperability Between Operating Systems

[Previous] [Next]

SANs can make fast, reliable storage devices more cost-effective. In the majority of data centers, once the backup is done, the equipment just sits until the next scheduled backup. Each separate system and different platform (Windows 2000, UNIX, and Novell) requires its own storage subsystem of backup devices and connections. A SAN opens up multiple connections between different servers, allowing a free flow of information to storage—void of device incompatibility problems.

SAN-Ready Solutions

Vendors of SAN-ready hardware include Advanced Digital Information Corp. (ADIC), IBM, EMC, StorageTek, and Storage Computer. All offer tape, optical disk, and disk solutions with SAN compatibility via Fibre Channel or other SAN interfaces. Leading backup software vendors such as SCH REEL, Legato, and Veritas support SAN architectures that simplify the administrative upkeep of backup and recovery as well as mirrored site implementations.

"Serverless" Backups via SAN

In 1999, several vendors debuted direct disk-to-tape "serverless" backups via SAN technology. Specialized software drivers and storage managers enable intelligent and direct disk-to-tape data transfer, without server overhead and loss of bandwidth. Offloading the server backup workload encourages more frequent backups. In addition, offloading backup cycles from the CPUs inspires more point-in-time backups, with frequency based on the criticality of the application. This strategy decreases response time and increases productivity in the event of a failure.

As the requirements for speed and availability of data and applications increase and more pressure is placed on networks, emerging technologies such as storage area networks might allow companies to keep pace.