Object Storage or Software Defined Storage versus Traditional Storage (NAS) and Block (SAN) – Make the Right Choice at the Right Time

Ironically, Object Storage or Software-Defined Storage (SDS) still lacks a massively accepted definition, but the whole industry seems to agree about one thing, i.e. it has become imperative under current circumstances. 

Though conventional SAN and NAS storage platforms have somehow managed to bear the burden of remarkably growing data and storage needs of contemporary IT based enterprise structures so far, every passing day makes it evident that they were never designed to harbor and sustain the dynamic requirements of cloud applications and scalability. 

No one can deny the fact that most large-scale IT infrastructures have undergone unprecedented growth in various aspects of storage-related demands including performance, capacity, functionality and flexibility. New applications with higher demands of big data analytics, social platform integration and mobility requirements have become norm of the day, giving rise to new expectations, massive data growth requisites and newer storage challenges.  

It is important to realize the broader scope of SDS, much like an umbrella concept, where aiming for too much specificity can blur its true potential and significance. Instead of trying to gauge its impact by the pound, gallon or meter, one should comprehend the benefits that software introduces to the storage realm. 

That’s why, despite a degree of varied opinion in the true extent of benefits and expected deployment approaches, majority of the industry never questions the potential and inevitability of SDS or Object Storage. Whether it’s Scality RING Architecture, Dell EMC Elastic Cloud Storage or even Cloudian Cloud Storage within your Data Center, SDS solutions represent the true future of storage and the best time to embrace this evolving technology is now. Some major benefits include:

Ease of control: Object Storage promises consistent interface, offering unmatched ease in controlling all storage needs of large-scale IT infrastructures. 

Scalability: Though traditional NAS and SAN storage platforms also addressed scalability, but SDS concept will truly unleash the real meaning of scalability, offering geo-dispersed and cloud integrated solutions. 

Heterogeneity: Similarly, the true depth of heterogeneity in storage realm will be unearthed by SDS tools, overcoming the constraints like data types, data locations, storage types and applications, evolving one large pool of data. 

With such dynamism and depth, SDS or Object Storage is sure to dominate storage needs of the industry for a considerable period of time to come, so make hay while the sun shines and embrace the technology before your competition does.

As always, if you have any questions on how Object Storage can change your environment for the better, feel free to reach out via LinkedIn or Twitter - glad to help always. Wishing you a Happy Early Prosperous 2017 - Enrique Barreto

Disclaimer: The opinions in this or any of my blog articles are my own and not my employers :)