Software-defined storage (SDS) is a technology designed for managing and allocating data storage with the use of software, thereby making it independent of the specific hardware it resides on. SDS offers a high degree of flexibility as it has the capacity to run on almost any standard computer hardware, unlike traditional SAN or NAS systems that need special equipment. Earlier, Anand Jayapalan had spoken about how this makes it easier to upgrade, scale and adapt, with changes in technology.
Software-defined storage follows a software-centric approach. Hence, being a software, it manages to decouple the underlying storage potential from attached storage directly. SDS is able to pull available hardware storage capacity into an abstracted, unified storage layer. This makes it easier for businesses to use all of their storage power as necessary, when they need it and how they need it. It also helps in automating the process of storage use. Software-defined storage is largely about squeezing the maximum out of the minimum. Businesses can do a lot more with their available storage after it has been logically abstracted and organized, instead of when it is in separate silos. SDS also allows for a high degree of flexibility. It supports elements like scale up, scale out, scale down, and maintenance without downtime. One simply can add one storage medium element and it shall be added to the layer.
SDS solutions typically combine features like automation, programmability and resource flexibility. With properly configured SDS in place, IT infrastructure shall show improved SLAs and QoS. It shall enable increased efficiency, data availability, and performance, along with enhanced security and compliance. Software-defined storage is largely about versatile and automated data management, in addition to resolving routine heaviness and ineffective hardware use.
Traditional storage has been a mainstay for many organizations over the years, but the ever-evolving tech landscape requires a shift. This is where software-defined storage comes in. The move towards SDS is not simply a tech trend. Rather, it is a response to the drawbacks and limitations inherent in traditional storage systems.
Here are some of the reasons to move to SDS:
- Flexibility: Traditional storage systems are heavily hardware-dependent.However, SDS operates primarily through software. The software centricity of SDS provides an unparalleled level of flexibility in terms of deployment and supported configurations, thereby breaking free from the constraints of dedicated proprietary hardware.
- Extended lifecycle: Traditional storage systems typically come with a fixed support lifecycle. On the other hand, SDS supports almost indefinite operability, continually refining and updating in order to stay in tune with the latest technology.
- Cost-efficiency: Traditional storage systems require expensive certified hardware. On the other hand, SDS comfortably works with almost any x86 hardware, while providing assurance of wide compatibility and cost-efficiency.
- Scalability: Traditional systems allow for scale-up by merely adding disk capacity, but SDS tends to go a step further. It provides options to both scale up and scale out, thereby providing further ways for growth and expansion.
- Ease of use: Traditional storage commonly requires specialized administrators. However, the majority of contemporary SDS solutions provide intuitive UI. This makes storage management less of a specialized task and more user-friendly.
Earlier, Anand Jayapalan had underlined how even though traditional storage has its merits, the long list of benefits provided by SDS makes it a compelling choice for several organizations.
