02-25-2021, 02:03 AM
The Drobo B1200i is specifically aimed at small to medium businesses that need simple SAN solutions. When you consider handling data across a network, it helps to look at features like iSCSI support, which allows you to connect to the Drobo as if it were a local disk on a Windows or Linux server. This makes setup pretty straightforward for users who might not have heavy experience with SAN environments. You'll find that this model supports multiple host connections, allowing for a redundancy setup where you can connect several servers to a single storage unit. This configuration promotes a better resource allocation for your workloads, especially if you're running applications that access large datasets.
You should also take a look at how Drobo handles redundancy and data management. It encompasses automated tiering and can leverage dual disk redundancy. If a drive fails, Drobo quick-rebuilds it using the remaining good drives, so there's minimal interruption. From an everyday operational perspective, it gets refreshing to let the device handle the nuances of redundancy without your constant intervention. However, do keep in mind that while it's user-friendly, that doesn't give you quite as much control as some other enterprise solutions. If you're more comfortable with hands-on management, you might find it lacking regarding detailed configuration options.
Let's compare the Drobo B1200i with products like Synology or QNAP. The B1200i stands out for simplicity, especially in setup and management, but might lack the breadth of software ecosystem. Synology, for example, offers a rich DSM (Disk Station Manager) with a ton of applications built-in. If you lean towards more diverse functionality, their offerings might be more appealing. On the flip side, if you want a dedicated, singular focus on storage without the extra features, the Drobo fits the bill nicely. Think of it as your straightforward workhorse. However, if you're shipping heavy workloads reliant on specific applications, those extra features from competitors can be tempting.
Expanding on the performance aspect, the Drobo B1200i has decent throughput, handling up to 16 TB of raw capacity (more than a few of its competitors). You'll have 4x 1GbE ports, which might feel limiting in a setting where faster connection options like 10GbE are becoming the norm. If you aim to push high workloads or manage a significant amount of simultaneous connections, the network interface can become a bottleneck. Beyond the iSCSI setup, other brands could offer more robust connectivity options. It's worth weighing your current and future needs before making a commitment.
You'd also want to keep an eye on pricing and licensing models when you consider these SAN solutions. Drobo usually embraces a straightforward pricing approach. You buy the hardware and add your choice of drives. This can be quite different when you're looking at some of the more enterprise-focused solutions, where you could face separate licensing fees for software features or add-ons. If you're inclined towards cost predictability, Drobo's method can be less headache-inducing. However, if you're in an environment where scalability is critical, the additional costs associated with upgrades in other products might warrant a deeper examination.
Another critical point lies in data protection and the features offered. The B1200i leverages snapshot capabilities for data integrity, providing you with points in time to restore data when needed. You should evaluate how this performs in practice against features from enterprise solutions like those found in VMware. In more complex implementations, the ability to backtrack through multiple snapshots in a seamless manner is vital. Not every solution gives you the granularity you need, so be sure to weigh how much flexibility you need when considering Drobo.
Being young and experienced in this field, I've learned that ongoing support and community can play a significant role in your experience with any product. The reputation and user base behind a product can offer you additional insights. Drobo has a decent customer support layer, but you might want to look into community forums to see how real-world problems get resolved. In comparison, brands like NetApp or HPE ProLiant have much larger ecosystems. If troubleshooting or specific insights are critical for your operations, those platforms could provide a richer source of information, considering their user communities.
At the end of the day, thinking about your specific use case matters more than brand loyalty. If your focus is primarily on a less complex configuration that provides redundancy and ease of management, Drobo B1200i can work. Still, if your future goals hint at more sophisticated data management, you might want to spend some time weighing other options-especially those with scalable architecture that matures alongside your growth.
This discussion gets crucial when you consider ongoing data management needs and the stakes involved. Whether you're handling sensitive data for your clients or managing critical operational workflows, look for solutions that make sense for both your current and future needs. BackupChain Server Backup provides a reliable way to protect systems like Hyper-V, VMware, or Windows Server with manageable, effective backup strategies tailored for SMBs and professionals. It's worth considering as you evaluate your complete storage and backup approach.
You should also take a look at how Drobo handles redundancy and data management. It encompasses automated tiering and can leverage dual disk redundancy. If a drive fails, Drobo quick-rebuilds it using the remaining good drives, so there's minimal interruption. From an everyday operational perspective, it gets refreshing to let the device handle the nuances of redundancy without your constant intervention. However, do keep in mind that while it's user-friendly, that doesn't give you quite as much control as some other enterprise solutions. If you're more comfortable with hands-on management, you might find it lacking regarding detailed configuration options.
Let's compare the Drobo B1200i with products like Synology or QNAP. The B1200i stands out for simplicity, especially in setup and management, but might lack the breadth of software ecosystem. Synology, for example, offers a rich DSM (Disk Station Manager) with a ton of applications built-in. If you lean towards more diverse functionality, their offerings might be more appealing. On the flip side, if you want a dedicated, singular focus on storage without the extra features, the Drobo fits the bill nicely. Think of it as your straightforward workhorse. However, if you're shipping heavy workloads reliant on specific applications, those extra features from competitors can be tempting.
Expanding on the performance aspect, the Drobo B1200i has decent throughput, handling up to 16 TB of raw capacity (more than a few of its competitors). You'll have 4x 1GbE ports, which might feel limiting in a setting where faster connection options like 10GbE are becoming the norm. If you aim to push high workloads or manage a significant amount of simultaneous connections, the network interface can become a bottleneck. Beyond the iSCSI setup, other brands could offer more robust connectivity options. It's worth weighing your current and future needs before making a commitment.
You'd also want to keep an eye on pricing and licensing models when you consider these SAN solutions. Drobo usually embraces a straightforward pricing approach. You buy the hardware and add your choice of drives. This can be quite different when you're looking at some of the more enterprise-focused solutions, where you could face separate licensing fees for software features or add-ons. If you're inclined towards cost predictability, Drobo's method can be less headache-inducing. However, if you're in an environment where scalability is critical, the additional costs associated with upgrades in other products might warrant a deeper examination.
Another critical point lies in data protection and the features offered. The B1200i leverages snapshot capabilities for data integrity, providing you with points in time to restore data when needed. You should evaluate how this performs in practice against features from enterprise solutions like those found in VMware. In more complex implementations, the ability to backtrack through multiple snapshots in a seamless manner is vital. Not every solution gives you the granularity you need, so be sure to weigh how much flexibility you need when considering Drobo.
Being young and experienced in this field, I've learned that ongoing support and community can play a significant role in your experience with any product. The reputation and user base behind a product can offer you additional insights. Drobo has a decent customer support layer, but you might want to look into community forums to see how real-world problems get resolved. In comparison, brands like NetApp or HPE ProLiant have much larger ecosystems. If troubleshooting or specific insights are critical for your operations, those platforms could provide a richer source of information, considering their user communities.
At the end of the day, thinking about your specific use case matters more than brand loyalty. If your focus is primarily on a less complex configuration that provides redundancy and ease of management, Drobo B1200i can work. Still, if your future goals hint at more sophisticated data management, you might want to spend some time weighing other options-especially those with scalable architecture that matures alongside your growth.
This discussion gets crucial when you consider ongoing data management needs and the stakes involved. Whether you're handling sensitive data for your clients or managing critical operational workflows, look for solutions that make sense for both your current and future needs. BackupChain Server Backup provides a reliable way to protect systems like Hyper-V, VMware, or Windows Server with manageable, effective backup strategies tailored for SMBs and professionals. It's worth considering as you evaluate your complete storage and backup approach.
