Scaling Up Your Storage: How to Expand SAN Capacity Effectively

Companies and organizations nowadays rely heavily on data; it is imperative for them to store their critical information safely and securely. SAN (Storage Area Network) storage is a reliable solution that can meet the demands of businesses of all sizes. However, with the amount of data growing exponentially, the capacity of SAN storage must be expanded to keep up with the need. In this blog post, we will guide you through some effective ways to increase your SAN capacity.

 

Define Your Storage Needs

Before you start expanding your SAN capacity, it is essential to determine the amount of storage that you require. Assess your current utilization, demand growth rate, and future needs to better anticipate the amount of storage required. Identify and label your data based on their priority levels to decide which data will need to be quickly accessible and which data can be stored in tertiary storage.

 

Choose the Right Storage Expansion Method

When it comes to scaling up your SAN capacity, you have two options to consider: expanding the SAN, or adding new capacity. SAN expansion increases the number of disk drives in your existing storage array, while adding new capacity involves adding a new array to the existing storage infrastructure. The option you choose will depend on your storage needs and goals.

 

Consider a Hybrid SAN Solution

A Hybrid SAN is a combination of traditional array-based SAN technology and newer SAN technologies that utilize flash and solid-state drives. The Hybrid SAN provides faster access to frequently accessed data and can handle massive amounts of data storage. By using this new technology, paired with traditional SAN arrays, you can achieve a more efficient and cost-effective solution.

 

Utilize Tiered Storage

By using tiered storage, you can segregate your data based on their priority levels and storage requirements. Tiered storage means that data with lower usage rates or lower access priority is stored in less expensive storage while frequently requested data is stored in more costly storage. This allows you to control your storage costs while ensuring data remains available and secure.

 

Repurpose Old Storage

An older SAN or storage array may not have the same performance and capabilities as newer ones, but this doesn't mean that it is unusable. Repurposing outdated storage into tiered storage or backup storage can help expand your SAN capacity in a cost-effective way. This approach is not only economical, but it also helps to lower the amount of waste from decommissioned equipment.

 

Conclusion

Scaling up your SAN solution capacity is a significant investment, and it should not be taken lightly. By carefully assessing your storage needs, choosing the right expansion methods, and utilizing modern technology, you can effortlessly increase your storage capacity without sacrificing performance or security. Remember, it is best to consult with a professional to ensure you select the appropriate solution that meets your specific needs.