What is Storage Virtualization?
Storage virtualization, also known as block-level storage virtualization, is a method of combining multiple networked storage devices into a single storage pool.
Why do you need optimal storage virtualization software?
Of course, you need it to expand your storage capacity and maximize storage efficiency. But virtualization has advantages beyond the obvious:
- Managing data is simpler and faster since most chores are centralized.
- No downtime to replace drives or reroute data – the virtualization software provides a safety net if something uncommon happens.
- Backup, mirroring, and replication are faster and better. The speed of synchronization ensures that backups are current and data is safe, so disaster recovery is not a disaster.
- The distribution of data storage allows greater flexibility. IT can store data in a remote site or even in multiple sites, all invisible to the host servers and users.
- Storage arrays are among the largest consumers of power in a data center.
What are the difficulties?
Optimal storage virtualization can be a complex task, which requires a clear strategy. In-band or out-of-band? Array-based or appliance-based? Compatibility with your LAN, WAN, and/or SAN? You need a comprehensive plan that addresses hardware, virtualization software, physical installation, setup, configuration, testing, and support.
How can we help?
Storage virtualization solutions from Overland Storage can help you solve these problems:
- Allocate storage on-the-fly, thereby reducing the cost and complexity of storage provisioning with REO SERIES® and ULTAMUS® RAID
- Maximize storage flexibility by easily configuring storage as virtual tape libraries and/or any mix of standalone virtual tape drives or disk volumes (LUNs) using REO® Protection OS™
- Ensure that no storage capacity is wasted while eliminating the manual effort and guesswork of sizing, configuring, provisioning and deleting virtual tape cartridges with REO Protection OS Dynamic Virtual Tape (DVT)
- Fit comfortably into a comprehensive set of environments by dynamically scaling from 3 terabytes up to 96 terabytes with ULTAMUS RAID without impacting I/O activity, host connectivity or performance
- Dramatically simplify the management of complex, dispersed storage resources with REO SERIES and ULTAMUS RAID
- Recover data from a specific point in time – even in the event of operating system corruption with ULTAMUS RAID and snapshot technology
Overland Storage products are designed to secure your data with business continuity solutions, combining data backup hardware with data protection software.
Get more information
Get more information on how Overland Storage can help your Storage Virtualization needs. Request Product Information or Contact a Product Specialist
