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Our guarantee to you - our existing
& potential clients - is that StorageWorld does
not stock 'end-of-line', 'special discount systems',
or attempt to supply products which carry higher
margins or discounts, or due to pressure from suppliers
or manufacturers. We supply to each specification
explicitly with no attempt to 'fit' products together
from a limited supply or product range. We are vendor
independent.
StorageWorld
is also a HP
Premier Business Partner (Global Solution Partner)
(through our company name Discovery Business Systems
Ltd) bringing our
dedicated knowledge of storage technology and arrays
to the forefront in assisting you with advice and
supply with their Enterprise Storage Solutions.
Specialising in RAID and high capacity storage systems,
Discovery offers a unique perspective in the purchase
of storage technology.
For
a quick overview and example of some of the solutions
available from HP, take a look at the latest offerings
in the HP
AutoRAID and E Disk Array range.
Interfaces
& Standards
StorageWorld RAID systems are
primarily Fibre Channel and SCSI (LVD Ultra2, Ultra160
etc.) interface systems, with various location &
interface options from host (server) attached, network
attached, Point-to-Point, FC-AL, and switched fabric
attached. Capacities range from a few hundred gigabytes
to multiple terabytes. For example, the StorageWorld
Fibre-Fibre Enterprise system scales to 36TB.
In
all descriptions of RAID Levels and specifications
at StorageWorld we use the RAB
(RAID Advisory Board)
standards and specifications as originally defined
in the Berkley Papers, and revised by the RAB. This
saves contradictions, misunderstandings, and ensures
set standards to which we can apply. You will not
find products listed as "RAID76" or by
any manufacturer's attempt at establishing a proprietary
system, unless it is specifically an adpatation
of existing RAID Levels. For example, 'RAID Level
01' is a combined RAID 1 (mirrored) array built
from a RAID 0 (striped) array.
Planning
Our intention is wherever possible,
ensure that any storage system has plenty of scope
for growth in both capacity and performance. Any
storage system that reaches its peak during implementation
could be waste of time and resources in a surprisingly
short period.
Most
systems sold by StorageWorld are modular. They will
allow you to 'buy-in' to the technology, capacity,
and performance without the necessity to purchase
enormous amounts of spare capacity and/or performance
that you may not yet require. A terabyte FC-AL independent
controller system can be started with as little
as 8GB worth of storage capacity and leave scope
for you to add to the array as and when you require,
without the additional worry of redundant equipment
that will need replacing in two years time. Proper
planning is critical, and your projections on growth
should be carefully calculated.
Today's RAID arrays and associated technology allow
you to enter into a different level of capacity,
data integrity, and performance that would simply
not have been possible even 5 years ago. It is the
storage equivalent of trading your old 286 PC in
favour of a 8-way 1000MHz processor system.
RAID
and Disk Array technology is a means of safeguarding
your on-line data. It ensures availability during
times when access to the that data is vital. It
offers a guarantee against down time and loss of
data through mechanical failure by spreading the
risk and data across multiple drives and enclosures.
However, it does not cover you against other unforeseen
problems that may occur:
- User
Error
- Power
Failure
- Fire
- Flood
- Malicious
Damage
- Accidental
Destruction
- Virus
Attacks
- Acts
of God
To
cover these risks any RAID sub-system should be
part of a Comprehensive Data Protection Programme
CDPP. At StorageWorld we offer this comprehensive
programme which is why as RAID specialists we sell
and supply many other storage systems.
A full back up policy should be implemented in conjunction
with your RAID systems policy. A permanent copy
of all your data should be continuously made and
placed off site in a secure location. Whether this
copy takes the form of secondary hard drive or RAID
systems, Digital Linear Tape, Advanced Intelligent
Tape, Digital Audio Tape, CD Recordable, Magneto-Optical,
or any other form of media is based upon the capacity,
performance, and efficiency you desire.
An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) should be
part of your standard network and system management
anyway, and it is vital that you ensure your RAID
system is similarly protected. No electrical source
is guaranteed and clean when supplied directly from
a utility company. It is your responsibility to
protect essential and volatile electrical equipment
from power cuts, surges, and brown outs.
RAID Systems are not a substitute for back up.
RAID Systems are not a substitute for business continuity
planning.
They are complimentary.
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