The rise of hyperconvergence and software-defined storage technologies makes virtual data storage an attractive option for enterprises looking to cut down on IT costs. In fact, since these solutions don’t require hardware redundancies typically needed in traditional enterprise storage systems for disaster recovery, they could reduce both upfront expense and ongoing operating expenses by a significant amount.
Virtual data storage allows IT departments to pool physical storage devices, like SANs, into what appears to be one device or storage array. There are a variety of methods to implement the technology using host-based virtualization, for example network-based storage (which combines storage devices from an FC or iSCSI SAN in one pool that is managed by a central management console). Host-based virtualization is typically used in HCI systems as well as cloud storage.
To function with virtual storage, it has to be compatible with underlying hardware infrastructure, networking components and servers, as well as with the common management tools and hypervisors. It should also support data encryption as well as granular access and authentication controls, as well as robust backup and disaster recovery capabilities.
Virtual storage should also be able to address concerns regarding latency and performance. This includes ensuring that critical applications can function without hindering performance or increasing the delay of data retrieval. This includes assessing storage controllers, network bandwidth and capacities of disk I/O and deploying cache mechanisms. It also means using advanced storage features such as tiering and replicating at the virtualization level.
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