March 18, 2015
Storage virtualization consolidates data storage by combining data from multiple devices into one singular device, managed by a central control. In other words, storage virtualization is a fancy way of saying “cloud storage.” For businesses, storage virtualization provides greater benefits than traditional storage on several servers, including a more user-friendly management process. Whether operated by an in-house administrator or outsourced to an IT company, virtualized storage offers ease of access, flexibility, and no downtime. IBM offers storage virtualization solutions to streamline IT infrastructure and increase productivity.
Consolidated Pooling of Storage for Easier Management
IBM's Storage Volume Controller (SVC) allows businesses to store data in one or more pools managed centrally or through multiple access points. Because the storage pools can be tiered, businesses have the opportunity to make storage profiles for each, depending on factors like pricing and performance. System administrators can move effortlessly throughout the storage pools to for efficient data management.
Flexible Storage Types for Higher Storage Capacity
Multiple forms of data storage are supported within the SVC infrastructure. Compression accelerators allow for real-time compression and increase storage capacity up to fivetimes. The Easy Tier system uses flash storage to automatically move frequently accessed data to faster responding storage locations. Previously, this was a manual process for administrators. Easy Tier can be turned on or off for customization, so these systems increase storage capacity, process more efficiently, and extend server lives.
One-Size Fits All Hardware for Easy Customization and Growth
SVC offers infinite flexibility because the physical location of the data can be altered without disrupting the server. Additionally, the SVC devices themselves can be replaced without data disruption. The system aims to increase multi-device compatibility by creating clustered storage and server operating systems - otherwise known as a heterogeneous landscape. This, of course, is beneficial to businesses both in flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
SVC's architecture is based on pairs of "nodes" with 8GB of cache each. Administrators can add to these groups up to a maximum of 4 pairs (8 nodes) as the business grows and requires more storage. This is great for smaller companies, and an SVC is a cost-effective option for increasing capacity in the future without purchasing a new server or hard disks.
Nodes come in pairs (starting with a minimum of one pair - two nodes) known as I/O groups. These I/O Groups protect cache by mirroring within the group. Additionally, cache volumes transfer easily between I/O groups if new nodes are added or removed. Nodes communicate within the cluster, forwarding read/write requests and sharing status information. Each I/O group utilizes non-disruptive failover capability, meaning that if a path or board malfunctions, the I/O group automatically switches to backup.
Stretch Cluster Technology for Long Distance Communications between Servers
Clusters of nodes stretch data communication between data centers at distances of up to 186 miles apart. Stretched clusters like this provide effortless data sharing between two separate servers in different geographic locations. Specifically, stretch clusters offer businesses a great plan for disaster recovery with the two data centers supporting each other in the event that one of them goes down.
In short, storage virtualization systems like IBM's Storage Volume Controller change the way enterprises store large amounts of data. The goal of these systems is to optimize storage capacity, reduce costs, and make management more efficient. With high-performance, automated capability, easily managed at one single source, companies that choose SVCs cut down on costs while improving resource utilization and application.
Thanks for reading,
Rob Connary, President - COO
