What is a storage area network (SAN)?
A SAN is a completely independent storage system. It makes storage generally available across a network of computers.
Why do I need it?
You may need a storage area network depending on the size of your organisation and its storage requirements.
SAN can utilise existing storage which can therefore possibly be used as part of the system thereby further increasing the return on investment. Within a mission critical environment, a SAN system ensures that information is available 100% of the time thereby negating risk and loss of revenues in certain environments.
Is it something that I can install myself?
Most unlikely! These installations are best left to experts unless you have the expertise and knowledge.
How does it work in practice?
Storage area networks are easy to use so personnel will still be able to access their files and data without requiring a large amount of training. They will simply see the SAN as another storage device which they can access. This is regardless where the information is located.
When would I need a storage area network?
A storage area network is generally best suited to organisation who have very high storage requirements, offices at multiple locations, multiple servers and hundreds or thousands of users.
Are there any pitfalls to installing a storage area network?
Storage area networks are very stable and highly reliable so there really very few (if at all) issues.
What are the limitations of a storage area network?
There are a few limiting factors. Those factors tend to based around your organisation’s requirements and budgets.
Can I use a storage area network at home?
You can gain access to your organisation’s storage area network from home and this would generally need to be set up for you by a specialist.
How do I find the right vendors and partners?
Conjungo is a great start point, because it will let you find the right supplier according to your location, company type, size and whether they have the right accreditations. Furthermore, Conjungo is completely unbiased, has most of the major vendors’ partners included and supported by the vendors as well as being fee to use.