Storage: Page

Why isn’t Windows Server allowing me to create a storage tier?

Microsoft expert and SearchStorage.com contributor Brien Posey addresses key challenges to creating storage tiers in Windows Server 2012 R2.

By Brien Posey • April 30, 2014

How to estimate the lifespan of backup tape media

Brien Posey offers advice on how to estimate the useful lifespan of backup tape media based on how it is used, in this Expert Answer.

By Brien Posey • April 30, 2014

Hypervisor comparison: VMware vs. Microsoft vs. Red Hat

VMware has had the dominant enterprise-class hypervisor, but there are others worth reviewing. This tip details how Microsoft and Red Hat compete.

By Brien Posey • March 10, 2014

How does a scale-out NAS environment affect storage management?

Phil Goodwin explains how scale-out NAS systems simplify storage management through a single point of control and by combating performance problems.

By Phil Goodwin • Feb. 27, 2014

Are SSDs necessary to perform analytics on big data efficiently?

Storage expert Phil Goodwin explains how SSDs can speed up analytics, but solid-state technology is only needed in certain types of environments.

By Phil Goodwin • Feb. 24, 2014

Backup targets: Tape libraries and VTLs

Tape drives, tape libraries and virtual tape libraries are among the popular backup target options available today.

By Brien Posey • Feb. 21, 2014

A tiered storage model is different from caching

In this podcast, Evaluator Group strategist Randy Kerns looks in-depth at today's tiered storage model, including how it differs from flash caching.

By Todd Erickson • Feb. 18, 2014

Three key strategies to prevent RAID failure

In this tip, analyst Jon Toigo shares several ways storage admins can proactively prevent the failure of RAID arrays.

By Jon Toigo • Feb. 18, 2014

What is the top storage challenge with in-memory databases?

Wikibon CTO David Floyer said the greatest challenge with an in-memory database from a storage perspective is recovery in the event of a problem.

By Carol Sliwa • Feb. 17, 2014

Choosing the right data snapshot approach

Independent backup expert Brien Posey compares the various methods for creating a data snapshot in this Expert Answer.

By Brien Posey • Jan. 31, 2014

Comparing performance and cost of DRAM vs. NAND

George Crump of Storage Switzerland compares the performance and cost of DRAM to NAND flash in this Expert Answer.

By George Crump • Jan. 30, 2014

How NAND flash degrades and what vendors do to increase SSD endurance

Storage Switzerland senior analyst Eric Slack digs into the technical aspects of SSD cell degradation and how vendors are increasing SSD endurance.

By Todd Erickson • Jan. 30, 2014

How DRAM or NVRAM cache can reduce flash SSD write amplification

DRAM/NVRAM caching provides SSD systems with better performance while reducing flash SSD write amplification.

By Marc Staimer • Jan. 22, 2014

How to create a successful data archiving strategy

A good archiving process provides the automation needed to deliver the necessary application granularity while minimizing the impact to IT operations.

By Phil Goodwin • Jan. 14, 2014

Using the RESTful API as an onramp to object storage

RESTful APIs are essential in moving data on and off of object storage systems. Expert Marc Staimer describes the three options currently available.

By Marc Staimer • Dec. 23, 2013

Figuring out when 16 Gbps Fibre Channel storage networking makes sense

Moving to 16 Gbps FC makes sense for IT shops with new and heavily virtualized servers, solid-state storage and test firm president advises.

By Carol Sliwa • Dec. 19, 2013

Data archiving technology to keep on the radar

Archival storage options are expanding, getting more resilient and less costly. Find out which technologies are making an impression.

By Jon Toigo • Dec. 16, 2013

Five questions to ask when choosing a data archiving technology

Many factors need to be considered when determining what the right archiving platform is for you. Jon Toigo highlights the most important in this tip.

By Jon Toigo • Dec. 4, 2013

A closer look at virtual hard disks in Windows Server 2012 R2

The VHDX format includes performance-enhancing features and capabilities that let virtual servers recover VMs with little to no data loss.

By Stephen Bigelow • Nov. 20, 2013

Big data storage and analytics

There are two basic types of big data analytics—synchronous and asynchronous—but both have big data storage appetites and specialized needs.

By Eric Slack • Oct. 28, 2013

Hyper-V storage best practices to optimize your virtual environment

Microsoft expert Brien Posey walks through the best storage tips and features to make the most out of a Hyper-V environment.

By Brien Posey • Oct. 21, 2013

Comparing DIMM-connected flash vs. PCIe flash benefits

Leah Schoeb of Evaluator Group discusses DIMM-connected flash as compared with PCIe flash benefits in this Expert Answer.

By Leah Schoeb • Oct. 18, 2013

The variety of enterprise SSD options available today

Leah Schoeb of Evaluator Group discusses the variety of enterprise SSD options available today in this Expert Answer.

By Leah Schoeb • Oct. 15, 2013

Networking server-based storage

Direct-attached or server-based storage is gaining renewed attention as emerging techs offer ways to pool and share this scalable storage resource.

By Jacob Gsoedl • Oct. 3, 2013

Data Dynamics resurrects StorageX for file migration

Data Dynamics buys intellectual property of Brocade's StorageX file virtualization software, develops its file migration and management capabilities.

By Sonia Lelii • Sept. 30, 2013