User`s guide

20 Chapter 1 Introduction
1.6 Applications
The XStack Storage iSCSI solution broadens the options available to organizations for addressing
the availability, performance, and manageability issues caused by continual data growth. And at
its lower overall cost, it creates an appealing argument for transition to networked storage. It also
provides the basis for networked storage solutions in environments where Fibre Channel would not
be cost-effective, such as nearline storage applications in the data centers of small and medium
businesses where low-end servers run midrange enterprise applications. In this environment,
XStack Storage can provide a solid choice for non-mission critical nearline storage applications
such as basic disk-based storage for archive data.
The following sections provide examples of these applications.
1.6.1 Storage Consolidation
Businesses that seek to move beyond Direct Attached Storage (DAS) and are looking for the
benefits offered by SAN will appreciate the XStack Storage solution and its ability to support
multiple servers and efficiently pool storage. IP interfaces can be tied together using existing fast
Ethernet equipment. This reduces costs related to equipment and staff in comparison with server-
attached storage. Companies can also better utilize storage capacity by pooling more servers
together in the storage network.
1.6.2 Server Consolidation
With an XStack Storage networked storage infrastructure, companies can link multiple storage
repositories to multiple clients and servers, allowing for better resource utilization, ease of
storage management, and simpler expansion of the storage infrastructure.
In addition to serving as a backbone, the XStack Storage unit can connect to server farms,
workstations, and servers for high-bandwidth applications involving audio or video files.
1.6.3 Remote Mirroring and Replication
With additional software and equipment, XStack Storage can be used to provide remote mirroring
and/or replication of local storage. This could prove invaluable in the event of a local disaster
such as fire or flooding.
1.6.4 Fast Nearline Backup and Recovery
With additional software, XStack Storage offers a solid platform for businesses seeking nearline
storage providing backup of primary storage. It can support immediate backup and recovery versus
tape by emulating a tape device or library and be accessed by the user’s standard backup
software.