Topic: Virtualization

In a server virtualization environment where the storage is accessed via a block protocol like Fibre, iSCSI or ATA over Ethernet (AoE) there is a challenge when providing NAS services. There’s often a compromise between selecting a purpose-built appliance or using Windows or Linux VMs as file servers. A potential alternative is using a virtual NAS appliance that can provide the capabilities of a stand alone NAS appliance with the "in the virtual infrastructure" advantages of a standard VM. In lieu of a virtual NAS, organizations have the option of either implementing a traditional, stand alone NAS system that’s managed outside of the virtual environment or setting up a series of Windows-based VMs to act as corporate file servers. The need for a cloud enabled virtual NAS appliance is present in almost any block based virtualized server infrastructure.

All of the recent trends hitting the data center -- from virtualization and consolidation to online services and the cloud -- have one thing in common. They all separate users and applications from their data.

That is not necessarily a bad thing, provided there is a robust, high-speed infrastructure in place that reduces latency to acceptable levels. Of course, nothing is as fast or responsive as having data on local storage, but few organizations are willing to trade instantaneous access for the cost benefits, scalability and flexibility of centralized, virtual infrastructure.