SAN: Whether to go for it or not?

SAN primarily addresses the issues related to large-scale data storage, by enabling access to a central pool of storage resources. SANs are built on the server-attached model via the creation of a separate network of storage devices, independent of the organization's LAN or communications network. You can purchase SAN separate from servers, and allocate and share it as required, over a very fast optical network. SAN can include disk drives, RAID devices, tape libraries, and other storage equipment. Multiple servers— and even client systems— can participate in the storage network to gain access to these devices. The creation of a network of storage devices offers an organization many more options than the traditional approach of connecting storage devices directly to servers.

Looking at the Pros of SAN

The ability to leverage a central pool of intelligent storage to simplify data replication and centralize backup over a fast optical network is a major advantage of a SAN. If we prepare quick pointers for the same we have

• Better Disk Utilization with Centralized Storage
• Reliable DR Solution for multiple applications with quicker back ups
• Continuous Availability of applications
• Higher availability to storage by use of multiple access paths
• Ample free space at disk that defers disk procurement
• Fewer, smaller servers leading to reduced data center rack/floor space
• No distance limits of SCSI-connected disks

Considering the Cons of SAN

• Complex system
• Need to hire technical staff
• Significant Investment in form of fiber optic network and communications equipment
• Inability for multiple servers to attach to the same device for direct file sharing or data-sharing
• Spiraling Cost and Budget
• Few SAN product vendors and very few mega enterprises going for SAN set up

Since the storage area network (SAN) first broke the traditional server/storage bond, some of the storage vendors have dedicated themselves in helping organizations lower their total cost of storage ownership with their collaborative approach to supporting this innovative technology. Through their SAN solutions the technology driven solutions make large storage pools shareable across the enterprise, centralize storage management, and dramatically improve storage utilization, resulting in lower costs.