With virtualization becoming a reality in x86-based data centers of all sizes, the ability to manage both the virtualized and physical servers becomes more critical. As the small enterprise tests the waters for different hypervisors, they must also ensure that the management tools provide a single-pane-of-glass view into all servers, real and virtual. Management platforms will be the real...

Virtual servers require high availability and dynamic provisioning, usually provided by a storage area network (SAN). However, for smaller enterprises, SAN implementations can be costly. However, the same technology that virtualizes servers can also be used to create a virtual SAN array. A virtual SAN has significant savings potential for smaller enterprises and branch office VM deployment.

Data deduplication technology has emerged as a proven method for speeding backup and recovery, reducing storage capacity needs, and cutting costs from enterprise IT budgets. Vendors are recognizing the growing popularity of deduplication as a backup tool and are starting to respond with solutions designed specifically for small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs). Before moving forward, understand...

Many small enterprises struggle to find appropriate and cost effective tools for data storage, backup, and security. Often the latest consumer products match the needs of many small businesses and are the forerunners of enterprise-focused technologies. Review the latest consumer offerings for options that are “good enough.”

The latest generation of portable USB drives addresses the security and auditing concerns that plagued previous deployments. Establish comprehensive usage, purchasing, and hardware selection criteria to take advantage of these powerful devices while mitigating risk.

The small enterprise market, often termed small to mid-sized business by vendors and the trade media, is a very competitive field for storage vendors as they struggle to meet the demanding needs of smaller shops. The elusive small enterprise sweet spot combines useful storage features and ease of management for the fewest dollars. The Decision Diamond Competitor Zone is crowded, and the...

In an effort to focus on the software side of storage, Adaptec divested itself of its SAN hardware manufacturing business in 2006. Counter to this trend, Adaptec has continued to strengthen its small enterprise storage business through its acquisition of leading NAS supplier Snap Appliances. Small enterprise IT decision makers should look to Adaptec to be a significant player in emerging...

At the small-enterprise level, Compellent is characteristically not well suited for the price-conscious buyer. However, for decision makers with a flexible budget, Info-Tech advises consideration of this vendor due to its excellent product scalability, flexibility, and feature set.

Dell, along with branding partner EMC, has been a pioneer of the relatively lower cost “SAN-in-a-box” product built around the AX100 storage array. Dell also leads in sales of AX100 products configured for iSCSI over Ethernet connectivity. In 2006, Dell and EMC refreshed the line with the AX150. Dell will see increasing competition in this space as more venders attack the entry level. Ironically,...

EMC is the market leader and the vendor to beat in the mid- to large-sized SME space. It has also been making a concerted small enterprise play through its Insignia line of products built around its AX150 entry-level storage arrays. Those looking for the security of best-of-breed products from a corporate leader should consider EMC products sold through a small enterprise-focused reseller.

EqualLogic, an evangelist of IP SAN storage solutions, offers a highly capable and scalable entry-level solution for small enterprises. However, EqualLogic’s advanced features and management capabilities come at a price point that resource constrained small enterprises will find difficult. Small enterprises considering EqualLogic must weigh the benefits of a strong product offering against the...

Hitachi Data Systems is a solid bet for SMEs with mid-range to upper mid-range storage needs. HDS sells a SAN-in-a-box product built around its WMS100 line to compete against products such as EMC’s Insignia line. HDS was one of the first companies to have its arrays certified under Microsoft's Simple SAN for Windows Server Program.

After appearing to have lost its way in 2005, HP has advanced strongly in networked storage in 2006 with a renewed strategy and skillful marketing. For the small enterprise market, this renewal has come in the form of a new All-in-One (AiO) Storage System that HP hopes will set a new standard for small enterprise storage. Small enterprises looking to consolidate storage should put HP on their...

IBM has competitive entry-level solutions in its DS300/400 arrays and a new DS4200 Express offering. However, these products – with the exception of the DS300 – remain FC-centric. For iSCSI, IBM has turned to resale partner NetApp. While this partnership has positive potential for both companies, IBM appears to be little more than a follower in the important area of IP SANs for small enterprises.

Intransa is focused on providing modular, easy-to-scale IP SAN solutions to enterprises of all sizes. With a strong product line-up, a global reach, and continued innovative developments, Intransa is a vendor loaded with potential. However, it faces a steep uphill climb as it struggles against startups for market share.

With an impressive product that has a proven track record, all IT departments planning a SAN purchase should seriously consider LeftHand Networks, particularly those managing storage across networks of Windows servers. LeftHand’s primary challenge is the increasing competition from larger vendors, such as EMC and NetApp, as iSCSI has become less of a product differentiator.

MPC is a worthy competitor for other IP SAN vendors, such as Intransa, LeftHand Networks, and the top-tier volume sellers Dell and HP. MPC has strength in offering flexible storage capacity and management with options for various support and protection plans. MPC must grow in its current market share and become successful in bundling both product line and tech services for data management and...

NetApp has been a leader in NAS for mid-sized enterprises for more than a decade. As SANs became more accessible to the mid-market, NetApp evolved its product line to handle both block-level storage and NAS storage. In the process, NetApp became a pioneer in two emerging product classes – NAS/SAN combination appliances and iSCSI-based IP SANs. NetApp is now moving its product down market to small...

The former StoneFly Networks, now StoneFly Inc., stands as an excellent example of both the potential and the risks of a small startup. Compelling product innovations were not enough to make StoneFly profitable. In February 2006, DNF acquired StoneFly. DNF had originally come in as an investor to keep StoneFly on its feet, but three months later announced its intention to acquire the company. As...

Many vendors now offer consumer-oriented storage devices that can also fit the storage needs of small enterprises. Not all of these storage devices are appropriate for small enterprise use. Select on the basis of well-defined criteria to reap the cost savings of high volume consumer products while gaining solid storage capabilities.

Driven by the combined impact of iSCSI and processor virtualization, the small to mid-sized enterprise (SME) is a booming field for Storage Area Network (SAN) deployment. In response, vendors such as HP, EMC, and Dell have significantly upgraded their entry-level offerings. Decision makers exploring SAN acquisition will find considerable value in these new low-end products.

Leadership Zone products in Info-Tech’s Decision Diamond for small enterprise SAN selection all meet or exceed the key criteria of a selection scenario for small enterprises. Carefully consider how your situation might differ from the selection scenario. This research note discusses how robust scalability and capacity needs lead one enterprise to choose a more expensive option.

Falling e-mail archiving prices enable small enterprises to take a better posture towards a legal environment that looks ever closer at electronic evidence. Identify business drivers and build an implementation strategy, then use these to shortlist appropriate solutions.

Cloud computing options such as Amazon’s S3 Storage Service offer the small enterprise an option for disk-to-disk offsite backup without investing in offsite hardware. Explore how S3 can be used in both do-it-yourself scenarios and as part of managed services to get efficient offsite backup for less cost.