What Configuration Do I Need for My Storage Array?

Your configuration will depend on the specific needs, size, and future of your organisation. Our team are experts in IT infrastructure and can help create a bespoke solution tailored to your specific requirements.

What is a Storage Array?

Storage arrays are systems that utilise multiple drives, typically HDDs or SSDs, to store data locally via a central system. This allows a business to benefit from more efficient data management and access. They are easily scalable and extremely reliable. The question is, what do you need from yours?

What are the Benefits of a Storage Array?

Scalability

Storage arrays allow for users to add a large number of drives, introducing a level of flexibility that a server is not able to match.

Performance

A storage array is able to distribute data across multiple drives, significantly boosting read and write speeds.

Data Protection

Storage arrays offer excellent data redundancy and protection against drive failures. Creating backups and data mirroring means that even if a drive corrupts, the data is not lost.

Cost Effectiveness

A common alternative can be cloud storage, however this can become extremely expensive over time. Storage arrays can be a slightly more budget friendly option with minimal drawbacks. Cloud storage is also not managed within your own building. This means that you do not have full control over your own stored data which can come with added security risks. Storage arrays offer full control and access of data.

Do You Need a Storage Array?

A storage array is most beneficial to organisation’s that demand high performance and protection, while having real potential to see significant growth.

What Sort of Storage Array is Right for Me?

To make the best decision, you must not only think about your immediate needs but take a holistic view of the entire business and its potential growth projection over the next 3-5 years. This ensures that scalability is appropriately factored into your decision. In terms of specific storage arrays, you have a few main choices:

Just a Bunch of Disks (JBOD)

The lowest in price and most straightforward form of storage array. A JBOD combines multiple disk drives with an external RAID controller, meaning that the RAID is done outside of the storage array itself. It can be effectively used to quickly expand storage capacity.

It is important to note that each individual disk in a JBOD storage array operates independently, meaning that there is no data redundancy measures if a certain disk fails. Additionally, a JBOD does not increase read/write speeds meaning that accessing the data can be slow.

Storage Area Network (SAN)

A SAN storage array integrates storage devices into a server infrastructure, with the primary objective of allowing efficient transfer of data between the two. They are a common choice for those that work with large amounts of data that needs to be quickly accessible at any moment. SANs can also be quickly scaled to account for potential future growth by simply adding new storage devices to the network.

SANs are also an excellent option when it comes to data backup and security. A SAN storage array provides the ability to isolate specific types of data relating to important matters such as users or departments with a virtual SAN.

SANs also offer efficient disk utilisation. Because the devices are connected via a centralised storage network, it is possible to assign storage to the individual servers that require it.

However, there are a couple of drawbacks for SANs. For example, it can be expensive to make the initial move, and equally so to maintain as specialised equipment is required. You are getting industry leading performance, and that does not come cheap. SAN is also less effective if the storage array only has a few servers and will likely me more expensive than it is worth.

SAN is a fantastic option for businesses that handle a substantial amount of data, need to access it quickly, and possess a robust IT infrastructure.

Network-Attached Storage (NAS)

NAS consists of a device dedicated to storage that is connected to a network. The device operates as an independent network so that devices on the same network are able to access the data seamlessly.

The flexibility of the NAS storage array means that it can be utilised in both smaller and larger organisations. Having all data centralised into one storage hub also eliminates the inconvenience of having data spread out across your business and makes organisation much simpler.

Centralised storage also makes it much easier to share and collaborate with others on the network. NAS storage is also extremely scalable by simply adding more storage units to the cluster.

The main drawback with a NAS storage array comes with its dependence on the network. If the network is slow, then accessing data is also slow. If the network is down, then data is completely inaccessible.

So, how do I Choose a Storage Array?

Even with all the information, it can be difficult to know for certain what storage array is correct for you. Fortunately, our team of IT infrastructure experts are here to help. Techbuyer can help you navigate the intricacies of an IT infrastructure refresh while maximising your IT budget. Our team can build a solution for your bespoke needs.