What Is Storage Virtualization?
Understanding the Concept
Storage virtualization can be used to enhance overall functionality within your system and allow you to have access to features that are advanced within and across your multiple storage systems. A €storage system€ can be defined as a storage array, disk array or even a basic filer. In most cases, they are able to use specialized hardware and software programming along with a wide variety of disk drives to provide reliable storage in a timely fashion that can be used both for data processing as well as computing. Storage systems are highly complex and basically work as special computer systems that are designed specifically to provide the necessary capacity for your system as well as offer high quality data protection.
Many believe that storage systems are, in fact, just disk drives. That is a huge misconception, because the actual disk drive is only one small factor of the overall concept of an efficient system. The hardware and special purpose software that is embedded also plays a vital role in this equation as well.
The Difference between the Two Types
When it comes to virtualization concept, there are two different types that can be used within the world of computer science and advanced technology. It is imperative for you to understand the two different types so that you can figure out which type of system will benefit you the most and fulfill your various storage needs. Block virtualization focuses on the separation of the logical storage from the physical storage so that it can easily become accessible without having to take into the consideration the limitations that are presented by the physical storage or even the heterogeneous structure of the system itself.
The second type of virtualization that you should become familiar with is that of file virtualization. This particular type focuses on dealing with the NAS challenges that present themselves along the way simply by eliminating any type of dependency that exists between the data which is accessed at the level of the file and the actual storage location of those files. Users will have the opportunity to optimize their own storage use, enjoy having server consolidation and also be able to perform file migrations without having to worry about being interrupted by various distractions.
Fulfilling Your Storage Needs
There is a lot that needs to be taken into consideration when you are making a decision about your specific storage needs. You definitely want to take the time to explore all of the options that you have available to you, but also remember that storage virtualization may quite possibly be one of the most efficient options to choose.