All three of the array-scaling approaches I discussed last week preserve traditional client protocols for connectivity, an admirable goal to be sure. But the inflexibility of these protocols holds the storage industry back, often requiring extreme efforts to achieve simple goals like continuous availability. Attempts to evolve protocols to be more flexible have met with a great … [Read more...] about Scaling Storage At The Client
Storwize
VMware VAAI Storage Array Support in Plain English
The most exciting enhancements in VMware vSphere 4.1 is the addition of vStorage API for Array Integration (VAAI). This new API allows VMware ESX to offload storage processing functions to capable storage arrays, reducing the workload on the server hardware in introducing new and exciting possibilities for performance and efficiency. VAAI in ESX 4.1 includes three separate … [Read more...] about VMware VAAI Storage Array Support in Plain English
Back From the Pile: Interesting Links, October 17, 2010
A while back, I started a series called "back from the pile" featuring interesting links from the week. Bonus points if you recognize that title reference, but just in case, you might want to watch Old George for yourself! (Warning: NSFW if language is an issue...) This week's highlights included lots about NFSv4 and IBM's new Storwize V7000. Some great networking … [Read more...] about Back From the Pile: Interesting Links, October 17, 2010
IBM’s Storwize V7000: 100% SVC; 0% Storwize
Today, IBM alerted the world that they had not fallen asleep at the wheel by kicking out an awfully-impressive midrange storage array, the Storwize V7000. This seems like an excellent device, filled with proven engineering borrowed from the successful SAN Volume Controller (SVC) line of storage virtualization products. But closer examination (and IBM's own Tony Pearson) reveal … [Read more...] about IBM’s Storwize V7000: 100% SVC; 0% Storwize
Reacting to TechTarget’s Storage Products of the Year
TechTarget's Storage magazine today announced the winners of their annual Products of the Year awards, and it's an impressive array of technologies. Although I did not contribute to the voting this year, I heartily endorse the outcomes! Overall, I was impressed with many of these products this last year, but certainly CommVault, HDS, ProStor, Xsigo, and Akorri (winners all) … [Read more...] about Reacting to TechTarget’s Storage Products of the Year