Storage Virtualization: Technologies for Simplifying Data Storage and Management
Storage virtualization is a new field that has considerable interest forinformation technology managers. There is currently no single work thatprovides an objective, technical explanation of virtualization technologies.This book examines new storage virtualization technologies that automate datastorage processes, including data placement, replication, and back-up. Storagevirtualization is designed to ease storage management by presenting yourstorage network’s physical assets in a logical form. Making storage networkseasier to manage can save a company money and make a storage network moreefficient. Storage Virtualization provides a technical overview of howvirtualization applications work and also includes practical case examples fromthe real world. Topics covered include: virtualizing at the host level, fabricbasedvirtualization, virtualization appliances, virtualized file systems,virtualization engines, and virtualized tape back-up…. More >>
Storage Virtualization: Technologies for Simplifying Data Storage and Management
Tagged with: Data • Management • Simplifying • Storage • Technologies • Virtualization
This book provides a clear and detailed explanation of intricacies, advantages, and disadvanatages of storage virtualization. It is similar to other Tom Clark books in that it easy to understand for the vast majority of readers. Anyone thinking of implementing storage virtualization would be well-served by reading this book.
A concise and well written book on storage virtualization. Starting with explanation of file meta data and storage meta data the author uses good illustrations to dive reasonably deep and explain the concepts behind each mode of virtualization starting from server down to switch, appliance and array-based virtualization. The book is not wordy nor does it waste time on pointless rambling on the history of storage networking etc.. I’d recommend this book to anyone interested in truly understanding the concepts behind this upcoming technology.
For the next two years, the major storage vendors will wage a storage virtualization mindshare war. Tom covers the major initiatives these vendors are pushing forward including array-based, appliance-based, and fabric-based forms of storage virtualization. Tom also cover the FAIS standard that switch vendors will adhere to as storage virtualization enters the mainstream. This is a must read for storage administrators seeking to separate fact from fiction.
A good book to learn the basics of virtualization.
Clark gives straightforward explanations of the issues involved in storage virtualisation. He shows that there are various ways to present to an operating system or user data storage capacities. In a functionally abstract manner, that permits a modular architectural design. This abstraction is crucial in giving a simple and logical view of the memory or disk. So that the applications level developer need only deal on a very simple level with read and write to the medium.
But Clark does more than just present this from the developer’s viewpoint. He takes us deeper into how the actual hardware might be arranged. Perhaps in a virtualised mirroring setup, to cite one of his examples. He also goes into the idea behind a SAN server. Where essentially you might imagine a fast, dedicated computer sitting on your network. Whose only purpose is to provide massive data storage, simply accessible.
Plus, tape drives are also considered, in various configurations with SAN servers. Clark demonstrates that there is indeed an important place for tape drives. Not extinct yet, despite the claims of some disk vendors. A tape is often the most economical medium for archival storage.
If you manage a network of devices, then the book gives you a good education in what issues to consider, when deciding on storage.