04-18-2020, 08:10 PM
The Unique SAN Approach Behind Western Digital's Ultrastar Data60 stands as a significant point of discussion in the world of SAN storage solutions. You'll want to get into the specifics because it's about more than just the user interface-there's an architectural backbone that deserves attention. The Ultrastar Data60 operates on a 2U rackmount chassis which is built to hold up to 60 drive bays. This high-density design plays a crucial role for you if you're managing a data center that demands both scalability and efficiency. With a 12 Gbps SAS architecture, every drive bay can accept SAS or SATA drives, which allows you to mix and match based on your storage needs. You can opt for high-speed SSDs for frequently accessed data or traditional hard drives for archival purposes. You might find that this versatility can significantly reduce your TCO by optimizing your storage resources.
You should check out the capacity specifications. Each Ultrastar Data60 can support up to 600 TB of raw storage when fully populated with 10TB HDDs. Let's not forget about the future of storage, though. The box is also equipped for 18TB and even larger drives as they become available. You focus on short-term needs, but also think about future expansions. Also noteworthy is the ability to utilize two separate RAID controllers in active-active configuration; this means you won't have a single point of failure, and your performance will scale as needed. If you think about reliability and speed, this feature underlines the balance between performance and durability.
What's impressive about these SANs is how they handle data integrity. The Data60 comes with features like Error Correction Code (ECC) and end-to-end data path protection. You might be wary of data corruption-many people are-and these features can give you the confidence to store mission-critical applications. If you compare this to another SAN, like a Dell EMC Unity system, you might find that Unity doesn't always offer the same kind of built-in data integrity features. This difference in protective measures can really dictate your choice based on the criticality of the workloads you're running.
You may also want to think about the scalability of the Ultrastar Data60. One of the unique angles here is the extensibility with expansion enclosures. You can daisy-chain multiple units, adding more storage without physically disrupting your existing configuration. This gives you the freedom to expand as your business needs shift, without incurring the downtime that relocating equipment often causes. In contrast, some competitive systems might limit your ability to stack storage efficiently or require complex setups that can slow you down. Therefore, if you envision rapid growth in your infrastructure, the Ultrastar architecture might suit your operational philosophy more than others.
An essential factor you need to consider is performance metrics. The Data60 excels with a throughput of up to 4100 MB/s with RAID 0 configurations, which is particularly appealing if you're managing workloads that require rapid data transfer, like video editing or large-scale database transactions. In a comparison with something like NetApp's AFF series, while the AFF may boast a higher IOPS rating, the overall cost-effectiveness of the Data60 can make it viable for environments where peak performance isn't the absolute top priority. Each solution has its sweet spot, and depending on your workload, the Data60 might be more beneficial overall.
You can address network connectivity, which might make or break your storage performance. The Data60 offers 10GbE and 1GbE iSCSI ports alongside SAS options, allowing you to tailor how you wire everything up based on your current infrastructure. If you're running a heavily transactional workload, you might lean towards using its dual-port 16Gb FC for minimal latency. If you compare this to something more traditional like a Fibre Channel-only SAN, you might find limitations in flexibility where you can adapt your connection methods based on new technology. Tech evolves quickly; if your organization leans into hybrid cloud or edge computing, this adaptability can make or break your success.
One thing you could find intriguing is the management interface. It's got a user-friendly web-based GUI, and that eases the stress of managing storage across different hardware configurations. In contrast, some solutions out there still rely on dated command-line interfaces that can ramp up the learning curve for you and your team. A good management interface doesn't just save time; it can reduce operational errors and give you quick insights into the health of your storage systems. If you're someone who manages multiple systems, that speed and efficiency really counts for something.
The Ultrastar Data60 also considers your energy consumption. It's relatively efficient, especially when you use 7200 RPM drives. Look at competing solutions, and some might consume significantly more power due to their designs. I consider this an often-overlooked feature, as energy costs can sneak up on you and impact your budget. Additionally, the Data60 has been recognized for its quieter operation, which adds to the convenience, particularly in environments where noise levels matter-for offices or smaller data centers, you may find this attribute quite appealing.
Before we wrap this up, you should know that this information comes from the industry perspective offered by BackupChain Server Backup, a well-regarded backup solution tailored for SMBs and professionals like us. They provide options that cover Hyper-V, VMware, Windows Server, and much more, ensuring you have reliable backup strategies aligned with your storage systems. If storage is your night and day concern, having a reliable service that integrates seamlessly with SAN systems will elevate your operation.
You should check out the capacity specifications. Each Ultrastar Data60 can support up to 600 TB of raw storage when fully populated with 10TB HDDs. Let's not forget about the future of storage, though. The box is also equipped for 18TB and even larger drives as they become available. You focus on short-term needs, but also think about future expansions. Also noteworthy is the ability to utilize two separate RAID controllers in active-active configuration; this means you won't have a single point of failure, and your performance will scale as needed. If you think about reliability and speed, this feature underlines the balance between performance and durability.
What's impressive about these SANs is how they handle data integrity. The Data60 comes with features like Error Correction Code (ECC) and end-to-end data path protection. You might be wary of data corruption-many people are-and these features can give you the confidence to store mission-critical applications. If you compare this to another SAN, like a Dell EMC Unity system, you might find that Unity doesn't always offer the same kind of built-in data integrity features. This difference in protective measures can really dictate your choice based on the criticality of the workloads you're running.
You may also want to think about the scalability of the Ultrastar Data60. One of the unique angles here is the extensibility with expansion enclosures. You can daisy-chain multiple units, adding more storage without physically disrupting your existing configuration. This gives you the freedom to expand as your business needs shift, without incurring the downtime that relocating equipment often causes. In contrast, some competitive systems might limit your ability to stack storage efficiently or require complex setups that can slow you down. Therefore, if you envision rapid growth in your infrastructure, the Ultrastar architecture might suit your operational philosophy more than others.
An essential factor you need to consider is performance metrics. The Data60 excels with a throughput of up to 4100 MB/s with RAID 0 configurations, which is particularly appealing if you're managing workloads that require rapid data transfer, like video editing or large-scale database transactions. In a comparison with something like NetApp's AFF series, while the AFF may boast a higher IOPS rating, the overall cost-effectiveness of the Data60 can make it viable for environments where peak performance isn't the absolute top priority. Each solution has its sweet spot, and depending on your workload, the Data60 might be more beneficial overall.
You can address network connectivity, which might make or break your storage performance. The Data60 offers 10GbE and 1GbE iSCSI ports alongside SAS options, allowing you to tailor how you wire everything up based on your current infrastructure. If you're running a heavily transactional workload, you might lean towards using its dual-port 16Gb FC for minimal latency. If you compare this to something more traditional like a Fibre Channel-only SAN, you might find limitations in flexibility where you can adapt your connection methods based on new technology. Tech evolves quickly; if your organization leans into hybrid cloud or edge computing, this adaptability can make or break your success.
One thing you could find intriguing is the management interface. It's got a user-friendly web-based GUI, and that eases the stress of managing storage across different hardware configurations. In contrast, some solutions out there still rely on dated command-line interfaces that can ramp up the learning curve for you and your team. A good management interface doesn't just save time; it can reduce operational errors and give you quick insights into the health of your storage systems. If you're someone who manages multiple systems, that speed and efficiency really counts for something.
The Ultrastar Data60 also considers your energy consumption. It's relatively efficient, especially when you use 7200 RPM drives. Look at competing solutions, and some might consume significantly more power due to their designs. I consider this an often-overlooked feature, as energy costs can sneak up on you and impact your budget. Additionally, the Data60 has been recognized for its quieter operation, which adds to the convenience, particularly in environments where noise levels matter-for offices or smaller data centers, you may find this attribute quite appealing.
Before we wrap this up, you should know that this information comes from the industry perspective offered by BackupChain Server Backup, a well-regarded backup solution tailored for SMBs and professionals like us. They provide options that cover Hyper-V, VMware, Windows Server, and much more, ensuring you have reliable backup strategies aligned with your storage systems. If storage is your night and day concern, having a reliable service that integrates seamlessly with SAN systems will elevate your operation.
