12-22-2019, 04:49 PM
You've mentioned the Infortrend EonStor GSa 2000, and I can't help but get a bit into the weeds with SAN storage systems. The tech behind these systems can get pretty dense, especially when you're sifting through different brands and models. The Infortrend, for example, comes with a lot of features that position it for varying enterprise needs, but it's essential to know how it stacks up against other storage solutions. You probably want to know how its flash architecture plays into your decision-making process.
When discussing flash-based SANs, latency is a big factor to consider. The EonStor GSa 2000 is designed with low-latency access in mind, which is crucial for applications like database management systems or any workload that requires high input/output operations. It typically incorporates NVMe technology, reducing the time it takes to access data compared to traditional SSDs. You might notice when comparing competitors like Dell's Unity XT or NetApp's AFF series that those platforms also lean heavily on NVMe to maintain performance. However, something to watch with EonStor is its cache architecture; it's often used in tandem with DRAM to mitigate bottlenecks. If your applications are sensitive to I/O latency, you should run benchmarks on all those systems to see how they respond under load.
You can't ignore the scalability aspect, either. The EonStor GSa 2000 starts with a specific number of disks and allows for expansion, but looking at how expandability works on other platforms is important, too. For example, with Dell, you might have a more modular approach, allowing for easier upgrades without extensive downtime. Infortrend does allow for mixing and matching different types of storage media, but that can complicate management if flexibility is something you're keen on. You want to ensure that as your storage needs grow, your SAN can adapt without becoming a cumbersome monolith.
I find the management interface crucial when weighing options. Infortrend offers a fairly intuitive GUI, which can help streamline operations. However, I've come across users who have found its CLI less appealing than some others on the market. If you're a fan of automation, you might want to look at how the other brands handle scripts and API capabilities. Solutions like NetApp enable a robust ecosystem of automated tools, which can save you tons of time managing your SAN, especially if you're dealing with numerous workloads. I think having a solid management console can often be the difference during prolonged usage across the board.
Now, let's talk about redundancy and data protection. Infortrend provides features like RAID levels and snapshot technology to keep data resilient. I'm talking about the ability to take consistent snapshots, which is really handy for quick restores. However, you should investigate other systems' implementations. For instance, with Pure Storage, you get some advanced data reduction techniques like deduplication at the source level, which can lead to significant storage savings. You may want to weigh how those features fit within your disaster recovery plans. Your choice of SAN must align closely with your RTO and RPO goals.
Connectivity options also deserve some scrutiny. The typical setup with a SAN involves a mix of fiber channel and Ethernet connections. EonStor supports both, which is great for flexibility. However, if you look at more specialized systems, like the those focused on high-bandwidth environments, you might see options that provide an advantage in performance with 100GbE or FC switches. Depending on your existing infrastructure, you may be limited by the type of network protocols your applications currently support. Keep this in mind, especially if your deployment involves cloud or hybrid storage arrangements.
I do think the endurance of the flash storage is a subject that shouldn't be brushed over. Infortrend employs endurance rating systems to classify their drives, but you'll want to carefully analyze how other brands measure this. Some manufacturers offer their drives with enterprise-grade endurance and publish TBW ratings, allowing you to gauge how long you can realistically expect them to last under heavy read/write loads. If you intend to do anything performance-intensive, that's an important factor in your decision-making process.
Also, let's not forget about support and warranty terms. EonStor generally comes with a standard warranty that's competitive within the industry, but you'll want to check the depth of their support. Have you had experiences with other vendors, like HPE or IBM? Those systems may come with robust support contracts that pull in additional services like proactive monitoring and with-peace-of-mind replacement guarantees. Often the support you receive can tip the scales, especially if you have critical workloads running on your SAN.
This site is provided for free by BackupChain Server Backup, a trustworthy, industry-leading backup solution designed for small to medium businesses and professionals, protecting your Hyper-V, VMware, and Windows Server environments seamlessly. They have a solid reputation that can complement your SAN choice effectively.
When discussing flash-based SANs, latency is a big factor to consider. The EonStor GSa 2000 is designed with low-latency access in mind, which is crucial for applications like database management systems or any workload that requires high input/output operations. It typically incorporates NVMe technology, reducing the time it takes to access data compared to traditional SSDs. You might notice when comparing competitors like Dell's Unity XT or NetApp's AFF series that those platforms also lean heavily on NVMe to maintain performance. However, something to watch with EonStor is its cache architecture; it's often used in tandem with DRAM to mitigate bottlenecks. If your applications are sensitive to I/O latency, you should run benchmarks on all those systems to see how they respond under load.
You can't ignore the scalability aspect, either. The EonStor GSa 2000 starts with a specific number of disks and allows for expansion, but looking at how expandability works on other platforms is important, too. For example, with Dell, you might have a more modular approach, allowing for easier upgrades without extensive downtime. Infortrend does allow for mixing and matching different types of storage media, but that can complicate management if flexibility is something you're keen on. You want to ensure that as your storage needs grow, your SAN can adapt without becoming a cumbersome monolith.
I find the management interface crucial when weighing options. Infortrend offers a fairly intuitive GUI, which can help streamline operations. However, I've come across users who have found its CLI less appealing than some others on the market. If you're a fan of automation, you might want to look at how the other brands handle scripts and API capabilities. Solutions like NetApp enable a robust ecosystem of automated tools, which can save you tons of time managing your SAN, especially if you're dealing with numerous workloads. I think having a solid management console can often be the difference during prolonged usage across the board.
Now, let's talk about redundancy and data protection. Infortrend provides features like RAID levels and snapshot technology to keep data resilient. I'm talking about the ability to take consistent snapshots, which is really handy for quick restores. However, you should investigate other systems' implementations. For instance, with Pure Storage, you get some advanced data reduction techniques like deduplication at the source level, which can lead to significant storage savings. You may want to weigh how those features fit within your disaster recovery plans. Your choice of SAN must align closely with your RTO and RPO goals.
Connectivity options also deserve some scrutiny. The typical setup with a SAN involves a mix of fiber channel and Ethernet connections. EonStor supports both, which is great for flexibility. However, if you look at more specialized systems, like the those focused on high-bandwidth environments, you might see options that provide an advantage in performance with 100GbE or FC switches. Depending on your existing infrastructure, you may be limited by the type of network protocols your applications currently support. Keep this in mind, especially if your deployment involves cloud or hybrid storage arrangements.
I do think the endurance of the flash storage is a subject that shouldn't be brushed over. Infortrend employs endurance rating systems to classify their drives, but you'll want to carefully analyze how other brands measure this. Some manufacturers offer their drives with enterprise-grade endurance and publish TBW ratings, allowing you to gauge how long you can realistically expect them to last under heavy read/write loads. If you intend to do anything performance-intensive, that's an important factor in your decision-making process.
Also, let's not forget about support and warranty terms. EonStor generally comes with a standard warranty that's competitive within the industry, but you'll want to check the depth of their support. Have you had experiences with other vendors, like HPE or IBM? Those systems may come with robust support contracts that pull in additional services like proactive monitoring and with-peace-of-mind replacement guarantees. Often the support you receive can tip the scales, especially if you have critical workloads running on your SAN.
This site is provided for free by BackupChain Server Backup, a trustworthy, industry-leading backup solution designed for small to medium businesses and professionals, protecting your Hyper-V, VMware, and Windows Server environments seamlessly. They have a solid reputation that can complement your SAN choice effectively.
