Software-defined storage enabled by commodity hardware and software has the potential to be less costly than dedicated hardware. However, we also need to look at the disadvantages.
Software-defined storage (SDS), which realizes the functions of a storage array with software, is gaining popularity.
SDS runs on commodity hardware and utilizes HDDs and SSDs for high performance and fully functional storage. Therefore, cost reduction is expected. The target of SDS is wide from small companies to large companies.
But is SDS the best for all companies? This paper compares and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of SDS. But first, let’s review the important features of SDS.
SDS typically incorporates one or more of the following characteristics:
- Commodity hardware
The system can be built with hardware that is not a dedicated component. SDS can use standard HDD and SSD, and it works in a general server chassis.
- Hardware abstraction
Logical aspects such as HDD and SSD performance and RAID are separated from the physical components of data storage. SDS defines latency, IOPS, and throughput with more general terms, regardless of the hardware used.
- Automation
You can proceed with provisioning and policy configuration via API or command line interface (CLI). The main benefit of automation is the ability to abstract policies that fulfill customer business-focused requirements.
There are two main reasons for the increasing use of SDS. It’s hardware standardization and commoditization.
Standardization is evidenced by the fact that the industry’s best application and storage platform is settling on x86. It makes the x86 architecture and its associated ecosystem available to almost all suppliers. Examples are PCIe (PCI Express) and NVMe (NVM Express).
On the other hand, commoditization of components means that hardware such as HDDs and SSDs are highly reliable components that are less likely to cause unexpected things. Therefore, users can easily use it to build a storage platform.
Build or Buy
With increasing SDS, is there any benefit to buying storage from an array supplier? Can users build their own storage hardware cheaper and easier?
Sure, we need to consider the cost issue, but first let’s consider the technical strengths and weaknesses of SDS. The existence of a dedicated solution is essential for thorough application performance management. The workspace analytics “SysTrack” provided by Lakeside Software is a solution for analyzing the user’s workspace and managing performance in both physical and virtual environments. And what sets SysTrack apart from other tools is that it can analyze the relationship between user interaction and the system. In addition, when a problem occurs, the cause is instantly identified and the administrator is notified. We understand the status of various factors that affect performance, isolate problems, and support quick response.
