Implementing an external storage device in your business system can cost a lot, but using SAN for storing data can cost less. SAN offers many inexpensive and ideal features, such as centralized storage management, storage tiering, and automated file and document recovery.
In addition, SAN efficient resource management feature helps you manage all the files and company resources in one location. This improves business productivity and costs less.
Let us know how SAN can save you money on data management.
Consolidation of Multiple Devices with Centralized Storage
Centralized storage can consolidate multiple devices into one device. This helps you avoid spending extra on multiple storage devices and saves you money. Also, instead of maintaining several storage systems, you only need to manage a single device, ensuring you can save much time by managing data.
In addition, SAN’s centralized storage feature allows your system to back up data automatically. This ensures that you do not need extra IT professionals to manage and recover the data; it can be done automatically with a storage area network.
Save Your Data With Data Duplication
Data duplication is another feature that helps save money on data management. It identifies and eliminates duplicate copies of data within a storage system. The technology can lead to up to a 90% reduction in storage requirements for backup systems as duplicate data is identified and eliminated. This eliminates the need for an extra storage device, which helps you save money.
Deduplication often uses hashing algorithms to create unique fingerprints or hashes for data blocks or files. Common algorithms include MD5, SHA-1, and SHA-256. These hashes help identify duplicates by comparing data fingerprints, enabling efficient deduplication.
Access Control Lists (ACLs)
ACLs provide fine-grained control over data access by specifying exactly who can access it. These files or directories and what actions they can perform (e.g., read, write, execute). This reduces potential data loss or corruption costs, including recovery efforts and legal liabilities.
With ACLs, administrators can set permissions once and apply them across multiple resources, streamlining access management. This reduces the time and effort required to manage access controls manually and lowers administrative costs. In addition, the technology supports adherence to standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX, avoiding potential fines and legal costs.
As a result, advanced ACLs can support additional permissions, such as creating or deleting files, changing ownership, or modifying metadata.
QoS (Quality of Service) for Smooth Performance
Qos is the ideal feature if you are looking to manage the data at a reasonable price. It prioritizes essential network traffic, reducing congestion and preventing performance issues. This optimization means you avoid costly network infrastructure upgrades, such as more bandwidth or expensive hardware to handle peak loads.
Further, Qos helps to manage the dynamic bandwidth, which helps you manage the data network accordingly. This enhances the performance of the system and other devices and reduces the need for additional investments in performance-enhancing hardware or software, lowering overall costs.
Access Fibre Channel for improved Networking
Depending on the version, SAN Fibre Channel provides high-speed data transfer rates, ranging from 2 Gbps to 128 Gbps. This speed enhances data access and reduces the need for costly performance enhancements.
Fibre Channel networks can be easily scaled by adding more switches or storage devices without major infrastructure changes. This flexibility allows organizations to expand their storage solutions as needed, avoiding the cost of complete network overhauls.
Here are some of the technical aspects of the SAN fibre channel:
- Data Rates: Fibre Channel supports multiple data rates, including 1 Gbps, 2 Gbps, 4 Gbps, 8 Gbps, 16 Gbps, 32 Gbps, and even up to 128 Gbps in more recent implementations. This helps the system to work smoothly and complete the data transfer and receiving on time.
- Fabric Topology: Fibre Channel networks use a fabric topology that involves interconnected switches and directors. It allows for high scalability, as additional switches can be added to expand the network.
- Network-attached storage (NAS): Fibre Channel can also be used in network-attached storage configurations, where storage resources are shared across the network.Â
Integration of the Cloud
Cloud integration in SAN allows you to manage your data without charge. You only need to log in or create an account with an online third party, and you are ready to store the data. Cloud technology allows for the on-demand scaling of storage resources. This means you only pay for the storage you use, avoiding the need for large upfront investments in physical hardware.
In addition, you can keep high-performance storage on-premises for critical applications by offloading less frequently accessed data to the cloud. This tiered approach ensures you use your SAN storage more efficiently, potentially lowering the need for additional on-premises storage investments.
Some important points to remember before storing data in the cloud are:
- Pricing Model: Understand the pricing model of the cloud service, including costs for data storage, data transfer, and additional features. Pay attention to any potential hidden fees or costs associated with exceeding usage limits.
- Cost Optimization: Use the tools and services provided by the cloud provider to monitor and manage costs. Implement strategies such as data lifecycle management and tiered storage to optimize expenses.
- Data Ownership: Clarify data ownership rights with the cloud provider. Ensure you retain control over your data and understand the terms of data retrieval and deletion.
Conclusion,
If you are looking for an ideal solution for storing data at a low price, the SAN is the one. With the help of SAN, you can easily manage your data with no hassle. Some cost-effective features it offers are cost optimization, integration with the cloud, data deduplication, and many more.
Read more: 7 Simple Steps to Fix Your Fibre Channel
