Storage Consolidation

Search Within

Keeping your data manageable with storage consolidation

Before your database files, documents and reports exceed the existing storage capacity, you need to plan and create a consolidation strategy. Understanding the various types of data you need to store or retrieve can help you chose and implement the right storage solutions.

The most basic type of data consists of file storage that places pieces and parts of the data — such as a word processing document — randomly across a hard drive. Applications such as database files require larger contiguous sections of the disk drive using block storage. Most likely, you have both files and block storage and will ultimately need to create a more robust unified storage solution.

Creating a consolidation strategy and choosing the right storage device can help you cut cost now. But more importantly, consolidation can help you reduce energy costs; shrink or maximize facility requirements; and ultimately, free up yourself and your staff from constantly monitoring and maintaining your data infrastructure.

	Also see Capacity Expansion and File Sharing

Related Links

<><>

Unified Storage By consolidating file and block storage in a single platform, unified storage can improve utilization and boost the productivity of IT staff who have only a single platform to manage. Dell unified storage solutions support both network-attached storage (NAS) through Common Internet File System (CIFS) or (NFS), and application block storage through Internet SCSI (iSCSI) or Fibre Channel protocols.
PowerVault NX3500		Dell Compellent Storage Center
Built-in data protection		Storage for virtualized data centers and the cloud
The PowerVault™ NX3500 enables a single file share to scale up to the capacity of the MD deployment, currently 192TB of raw capacity. Consolidate block and file data with high-availability unified storage Easily add or modify iSCSI-, NFS- and CIFS-based storage as needs grow Built-in data protection features like snapshots and replication help provide security and data integrity		Dell Compellent Storage Center with Fluid Data technology delivers an all-in-one storage array that always puts data in the right place at the right time for the right cost — and dynamically adapts to meet changing business needs. Automate and manage your entire infrastructure Protect your data against downtime and disaster Experience best-in-class enterprise support with immediate response


File Storage An easy solution for basic file storage is to add network attached storage (NAS) directly into your existing Ethernet infrastructure. Dell NAS solutions range from stand-alone towers to high-performance, high-availability systems. Single-instance storage (SIS) technology helps you reduce duplicate files and data clutter. Plus, with CIFS 2.0 (SMB 2.0) standards, you can share files across Windows and non-Windows clients.
PowerVault NX200	PowerVault NX300
Essential file expansion	Big storage in small spaces
The PowerVault™ NX200 is designed to help simplify small businesses file sharing. It is so easy, you can order it, set it up and run it yourself. No headaches, and no IT necessary. Durable business-ready storage, not a desktop under the counter Helps reduce downtime with reliable disk drives Delivers up to 8TB internal storage Gets you working quickly with automated installation wizard	Save large blocks of data in less space with the PowerVault™ NX300, the 1U rack mount storage solution. Ideal for businesses with expanding data requirements now and need to grow with limited rack space later. Simple, dedicated sharing, built on Windows Storage Server 2008 4TB (raw) capacity Reduces duplicate files and data clutter Able to share across Windows and non-Windows clients


Block Storage Applications such as accounting databases, architectural graphics or video files, or even email applications require huge blocks of storage space, especially as your business grows. Dell storage area network (SAN) solutions provide the performance, flexibility and scalability to help you consolidate and manage your data. Supporting Fibre Channel or Ethernet-based Internet SCSI (iSCSI) helps increase storage utilization while centralizing data management and backup.
PowerVault MD3200i		EqualLogic PS4000e
Essential iSCSI SAN array		Back office powerhouse
Consolidate your large database files onto a single platform with the PowerVault™ MD3200i. Use your existing Ethernet infrastructure to implement now and scale out as business demands. Supports up to 32 physical servers with one or more 1Gb Ethernet switches Mix and match drives to create a tiered-storage environment Scale up to 96 drives with additional expansion enclosures Increased cache size of 2GB per controller supports large database applications		Ideal for companies that need extended capacity for remote offices or small business, the EqualLogic™ PS4000E provides an affordable, low cost entry point into EqualLogic PS Series iSCSI SAN solutions Simplified data protection and disaster recovery at remote sites Helps reduce remote-office storage administration with self-optimized performance and automation Ideal for server virtualization and storage consolidation Easily scalability by combining additional arrays

	White Papers IDM: Intelligent Data Management Enabling the virtual data center: Simple, affordable virtualized ISCSI storage for Microsoft^® Windows Server^® 2008 Hyper-V Environments Business continuity: The profit scenario PS4000XV performance with varying user counts running a combined database, email and file server workload
	Videos Dell customers talk storage Using centralized storage ISCSI overview and myths Data Center Economics 5
	Tools Data Center 360 Tour
	Articles Dell Power Solutions article Controlled explosion Protecting critical infrastructure and mobile data: An information-centric security strategy

Case Studies

1-Stop Connections
1-Stop Connections achieves virtualized storage and server consolidation resulting in improved performance by 400 percent
IP Mirror
IP Mirror, an online brand protection company, gains capacity for 10 times more growth with scalable and efficient IT platform
Technology Validation
The claims of storage vendors vary widely, and this is certainly the case among Internet SCSI (iSCSI) vendors, where architectures and capabilities can be very different.
Virtualize, Save and Thrive by Refreshing Your Servers
Rapid return of investment (ROI) and agility spring from a comprehensive refresh strategy.
How Did PacLib Group Ease Growing Pains Without a Massive IT Spend?
Design and construction firm consolidates applications and cuts costs with Dell equipment and Microsoft Hyper-V.


Remote Virtualization Readiness Assessment	Dell Consulting Services	Installation Services	Dell ProSupport
Get a fast, accurate, benchmarked assessment that delivers: > Clear understanding of your systems utilization and capacity > Storage/Network/Facilities impact > Consolidation scenarios > Return on investment (ROI) and total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses for budgeting	Solution design is the path to success. Dell technical experts deliver experience-based best practice: > Detailed architecture and processes > Implementation plan, guidance and timelines > Risk mitigation during transition	Free your IT staff and minimize end-user disruptions. The Dell suite of installation services for servers, storage systems and switches includes: > Full production implementation > Quality inspections > Systems configuration and integration	Choose the options that align to how you use your technology through a suite of services that offers: > Expertise for specialized applications and technology > Proactive problem avoidance to maximize uptime > Rapid response to reduce downtime