The selection scenario for small enterprises used in Info-Tech's Decision Diamond is typical of many entry level, consolidated storage purchases. However, individual small enterprises may have attributes and needs that differ from the scenario. Different needs could lead to different vendors on the short list.
This note analyzes a case in which a small but growing enterprise chose an IP SAN from EqualLogic because of its host and snapshot capacity, and its robust, non-disruptive scalability. The following points are covered:
- The key selection criteria for small enterprise SAN purchases as established in Info-Tech's selection scenario for small enterprises.
- How two products, the Dell AX150i and the EqualLogic PS50E, each address the base-level criteria and the more advanced criteria of the example case.
- How the products are representative of two critical trends in SAN development: the SAN-in-a-box (AX-150i) and the scalable IP-SAN (PS50E).
Decision makers should carefully consider where their own needs may differ from the selection scenario for small enterprises. IP SANs that leverage clustering and virtualization provide a more robust and scalable architecture.
The small enterprise with more mid-range storage needs will be attracted to these IP SANs
in spite of higher price points.
