Storage systems are generally computing-storage devices that can be accessed over a computer network, rather than directly being connected to the computer (via a computer bus). This enables multiple systems to share the same storage space at once, and often minimizes overhead by centrally managing hard disks. NAS systems usually contain one or more hard disks, often arranged into logical, redundant storage containers or RAID arrays.

Storage systems were developed to address problems with direct attached storage, which included the effort required to administer and maintain "server farms", and the lack of scalability, reliability, availability, and performance. They can deliver significant ease of use, provide heterogeneous data sharing and enable organizations to automate and simplify their data management.

Strorage systems solutions contain an operating system that is independent from the server. This operating system typically is a software optimized for the purpose of providing data (File Server). Our company is a solution providers of Open-E (http://www.open-e.com) which offers such an operating systems.

Open-E, Inc. is a pioneering leader and developer of IP-based storage management software with headquarters in the United States and Europe. Founded in 1998, the company sells its line of storage management software through a world-wide network of system integrator and reseller partners. The Open-E® DSS V6™, DSS™, NAS-R3™ and iSCSI-R3™ line of products are aimed at the SMB and SME markets and enjoy a reputation for best-in-class performance, flexibility, reliability, scalability and return-on-investment.

Open-E storage management products are known throughout the storage industry for their robust architecture, ease-of-use and affordability. The products are also highly flexible, and have the ability to support a variety of protocols, such as iSCSI, Fibre Channel or Infiniband, in either file or block data transmission. Open-E works with technology industry leaders to deliver the Open-e software on a variety of industry-standard hardware platforms.

Storage systems applications

Storage systems allow multiple server access through a file-based protocol or a block-based protocol such us FC/i-SCSI. This allows administrators to implement simple and low cost load-balancing and fault-tolerant systems.

For example:

• Corporate e-mail system with multiple, load-balanced webmail servers
• Load-balanced web servers access the same contents
• Storage for all users in a cost effective in terms of maintanances manner

Storage systems fulfill the same tasks that traditional servers, RAID systems or tape storage devices fulfill. The advantages of a storage system become especially evident when examining the product category data storage system/file server.

Easy installation, simple management
Only a few steps are required to make the storage system to work: Connect the power supply and the network cable, and enter the IP address. The system can be administered from any system within the network via a Web browser. As a result, very little training is required.

Reliability
Storage systems are often equipped with redundant high-availability functions (hard drives, hot-plug functions for power supply and ventilator). Because the traditional application server is not responsible for data maintenance, the availability of data does not hinge upon possible malfunctioning of applications or the operating system. File servers are dedicated solutions that are exclusively optimized for making data available on the network. As there are no additional applications on the storage system that require storage space, the performance remains at a high level. Storage systems support heterogeneous networks: Windows, Linux and Apple applications can access data simultaneously.

Storage systems is cost-effective
Typically there are no user based license and updating fees, meaning the system provides an unlimited number of user licenses that are free of charge unlike windows server based systems. Another key benefit is the cost-saving when installing and maintaining such systems.

A real-life example: Storage System  vs. upgrading a traditional server

To learn more about the open-e product range have a look at the Open-e Website at http://www.open-e.com/products/