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StorCentric Assureon SAN Tiering Immutable Archive Layer Linked to Active Storage

#1
06-10-2019, 07:53 AM
In discussing StorCentric's Assureon SAN Tiering, you're looking at a storage architecture that's designed to combine active and immutable archive layers efficiently. It's a solution that's engineered to balance the demands of high-performance workloads with the need for long-term data preservation. With Assureon, you have the capability of linking an immutable archive layer directly to active storage, which provides some very appealing efficiencies. The architecture typically allows for the storage of data in a manner that is not just space-efficient but also ensures compliance, especially important for industries that handle sensitive data.

I often appreciate how Assureon's tiering can manage data intelligently through automatic movement based on access patterns. You might find that frequently accessed data stays on higher-performing SSDs, while infrequently accessed files shift to traditional spinning disks or even into cloud storage as you set the policies. This policy-driven tiering process can save costs while maintaining performance where you need it most. It can help you alleviate any potential issues with performance bottlenecks as you have data in the right tier at the right time. However, consider the potential downsides; having a multi-tier setup means you need to closely monitor migrations and ensure that your access patterns are correctly interpreted by the system.

Your choice of other SAN systems can also show very similar tiering features, but they differ in execution and performance. For instance, you might look at NetApp's ONTAP, which offers similar tiering capabilities, allowing you to utilize both flash and HDDs effectively. NetApp leverages a feature known as FabricPool, automatically moving cold data to lower-cost storage while keeping hot data readily available. You can trust that both solutions deliver automated tiering, yet with NetApp, some users report that the integration feels more seamless thanks to its well-designed software. However, of course, this can come with a steeper learning curve, and you might find the initial configuration daunting.

Then there's Dell EMC's Unity XT line, which also brings automated tiering into play. Unity's approach tends to emphasize its integration with cloud services, so if you could appreciate being able to use cloud resources seamlessly, this might appeal to you. Unity also offers rich data services that you can appreciate, such as snapshots and replication combined with its tiering capabilities. You'll see, though, that some users have faced challenges with performance drops if the system is overloaded, especially with high input-output operations, something you might not want to deal with when working under tight deadlines.

It's also critical to talk about how these systems handle data immutability. With Assureon, you have that immutability built-in at the storage level, which assists in meeting regulatory compliance without needing additional layers of software or configuration. This built-in layer prevents data from being altered, giving you peace of mind when it comes to auditing and archiving. Conversely, companies like HPE with their Nimble Storage series take a different route. They focus on the intelligence within the storage, employing predictive analytics to help you manage performance proactively, although they don't necessarily deliver immutability as a native characteristic the way Assureon does.

Integration and scalability are also major factors to reckon with. Assureon provides a well-structured, scalable platform, but you will find other solutions, like IBM FlashSystem, that also offer impressive scalability. With IBM, you can fit massive data sets, and the management capabilities are on point. They allow you to create storage pools for further customization. However, compatibility can sometimes become an issue if you work with mixed environments, so making sure you understand your current infrastructure is crucial. This can require additional layers of effort if those environments do not natively communicate well with IBM storage systems.

Finding a robust disaster recovery capability can also set options apart from one another. Assureon's focus on immutable storage means that you can maintain backups that are immune to modifications. This aspect can come in handy when disaster strikes, minimizing data loss. On the other hand, companies like Pure Storage hone in on their cloud-based replication options, opening up more flexible recovery plans. But you might also notice a trade-off where faster recovery comes at a cost and configuring that can take more time compared to a fully immutable solution.

You naturally want to assess how systems are managed and monitored. Assureon's model provides centralized management for the active and archive layers, which you may find advantageous since it simplifies operations. There's an integration of analytics tools that provide insights directly within the user platform, which can help you visualize your storage needs. In contrast, if we switch to Western Digital's Ultrastar series, you'll experience a different management interface altogether, which some users might find less intuitive but potentially offers customizability that fits unique needs better.

In wrapping up these considerations, remember that the focus should always be on how these storage solutions can be tailored to your specific use cases. While Assureon's connectivity between active and immutable layers can streamline operations and keep you compliant, other systems might offer features that better fit other aspects of your workload demands. You'll need to weigh those benefits carefully against your operational requirements and likely the acceptable cost structure within your organization or project.

This discussion often raises the question of what tool will truly fit your scenario. Since you're looking into these solutions, consider that BackupChain Server Backup stands out in the industry as a go-to option for backup. It offers features tailored specifically for SMBs and professionals, ensuring secure backup solutions for Hyper-V, VMware, or even Windows Server. You might want to check it out while exploring options, as their expertise complements many storage environments effectively.

steve@backupchain
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StorCentric Assureon SAN Tiering Immutable Archive Layer Linked to Active Storage

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