Storage Grids
Grid storage architecture is defined as an emerging model for deploying and managing storage resources distributed across multiple systems and networks, making efficient and scalable use of available storage capacity without requiring a large centralized switching system. The vision for storage grids virtualizes and aggregates storage resources and a network of basic commodity storage hardware components providing the ability to share workloads across network connections coupled with effective storage management software. The key enabler for storage grids to become widespread remains the management software that enables capacity and provisioning throughout the grid network, initiates backup/recovery operations and provides a single control point for the virtualized grid architecture. Storage grids are highly scalable and can offer a higher level of availability than standard direct attached disk or SANs. Grid storage is not something you can presently buy, but rather something you build. The overall grid management software infrastructure isn't complete as of yet and the issues of data security and access rights haven't been fully resolved though data security remains a problem for non-mainframe systems. Grid development groups are working on standards and policies to further encourage vendor interoperability. Expect grid storage development to continue taking steps to become a reality in the not too distant future.
Source: Horison Information Strategies: Storage Navigator
© 2005 Horison
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