Networked Storage Solutions - Applications

Understanding the requirements of the application running on the storage array is critical to ensure optimal performance. Upgrading to faster or higher capacity disks can offer some improvements but the best strategy is to determine the user characteristics and usage load and then deploy a storage configuration that matches the performance needs of the application. The optimum RAID configuration, striping, spindle count and drive size may be determined in advance and the array itself may be configured so as to minimize any bring up issues. When enterprise growth rates are known, downstream storage expansions and migrations can be anticipated more efficiently in the initial array design. Xyratex understands the demands of applications on storage and has developed standardized templates that enable our customers to successfully set-up performance-matched configurations for a variety of applications.

MS Exchange

MS Exchange and other complex database-based messaging applications have individual components each with different storage requirements. Some of these components such as active index files, passive mailbox files, static profile information and dynamic transaction processing each present a different performance aspect with their own optimal storage configuration. Messaging applications can be installed and run on a traditional, monolithic storage array but performance from such an approach is sub-optimal. The information provided here can help you get the most out of your Xyratex storage, RAID solutions and messaging applications.

On-line Record Retention

Recent legislation (HIPPA and Sarbanes-Oxley) dictates to many verticals and niche markets such as financial services and healthcare that customer and transactional data must be retained for a fixed term (7 years or more).  As a result of this legislation, the volume of online data has increased drastically and as such RAID protected ATA disk is being seen as a suitable means of storing this data.

Mail Archive

With the amount of e-mail generation expanding coupled with increased legislation regarding the retention of transactional data, the need to house archive e-mail is increasing year after year.  As this data is not frequently accessed or updated, it can be stored on a low cost medium such as ATA disk. Several software vendors have developed and are marketing specialized solutions that help customers meet legislation requirements for email that require large amounts of storage at reasonable prices. Zantaz, KVS, VERITAS, EMC, and others have specialized solutions that customers will need affordable storage to deploy automated email archive solutions with. 

Web Serving

Web Serving environments require storage systems that are able to act on both transactional IOP demands and deliver high performance throughput.  As e-Business increases year on year, so does the need for web serving systems to be available 24x7 so as to maximize the efficiency and productivity of a web site.  Due to the amount of data required to be stored within these environments, low cost ATA disk is considered to be the best storage medium outside of mission critical storage requirements for front end web serving systems.