David G | Source Tech

Sans Storage Arrays Are Self Contained Systems

Created on: June 6, 2016

Updated on: June 6, 2016

SAN storage arrays are self-contained disk systems, providing excellent data handling capabilities in an efficiently organized system. This technology is a marked step beyond the traditional method of managing data, which is maintaining a disk attached to each server on the network. In effect, a company can consolidate its disks into a single, logical setup. This is naturally much easier to manage, so network admins can backup data more easily and keep data from becoming fragmented, which is a common issue with individually managed disks.

What is the difference between SAN storage arrays and NAS systems?

Network attached systems, also known as NAS, are connected to the network using a standard Ethernet protocol, which means NAS systems are subject to slowdowns and other issues if a network is stressed. NAS systems only allow file level access as well, so when data is retrieved from the system, it has to pass through the extra overhead, slowing it down a bit. Still, NAS systems are an ideal solution for companies that don’t require elite data transfer speeds and don’t want to spend a lot of money on a system.

SAN storage arrays are not just another device on the company’s network. Instead, these disk systems connect all of the company’s storage subsystems to each other using highly sophisticated Fibre Channel protocol. Fibre Channel offers elite transfer speeds, and units attached to each other in this way can be accessed so quickly that they are practically linked physically. In fact, people on the network may not even notice the overhead that typically comes with data backup, as the system is extremely quick. The only drawback with Fibre Channel is that it is a relatively new protocol, so manufacturers sometimes implement the technology in ways that aren’t compatible with each other. However, with its current 4 Gbps speed (experts believe Fibre Channel will eventually offer transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps) and flexibility (Fibre Channel can be used with optical fiber and coaxial cable), it is quickly replacing SCSI protocol.

Though it may not be something users or company owners think about, network administrators want to control where their company’s data goes physically. With physical control over the business’s data, a network admin can prioritize data and keep it organized so that a network admin always knows where it is. These systems offer block level access, so IT professionals won’t have to fight the system to get the access they need.

As businesses grow, they have to consider their data organization more often, and more seriously. In enterprise applications, companies often choose NAS and SAN systems to operate on their network. The NAS can handle lower priority data and data that is accessed less, while SAN storage arrays can maintain data that needs to be accessed frequently and quickly. With smart organization like this, a business will be able to get the most out of its data.

NAS Storage Arrays Are An Affordable Storage Solution

Created on: June 6, 2016

Updated on: June 6, 2016

NAS storage arrays are a popular option for businesses that need to add onto their data handling capabilities, and to do it without exploding an IT budget. These devices are dedicated entirely to maintaining one or more drives, each of them capable of holding hundreds of GBs of data. It is, compared to traditional servers, a rather simple device and can be managed even without the help of an IT expert. And because it is accessible through the company’s network, anyone with authentication can access the company’s data from anywhere, as long as they have a connection. It’s this extra accessibility, in addition to the impressive data handling, that makes these devices a top choice for businesses of any size.

Why should businesses consider NAS storage arrays over desktop storage?

Any business that grows beyond a few workstations will soon find that data management can be a major chore without the right tools. One of these tools is a device dedicated to maintaining the company’s hard drives. By centralizing the company’s data, it will be much more accessible to all employees, allowing them to operate from multiple workstations or locations at once. It will also ensure all data is current. One of the problems with splitting up data handling over multiple devices is that multiple copies of the data may exist in varying states. It’s common for employees to accidentally save over existing data or use data that is no longer relevant to the company’s needs. This is a waste of time, and something that is easily rectified with NAS storage arrays.

These devices are much less expensive than upgrading to a new set of servers, which is what some companies do when they need to scale up their data handling capabilities. Instead, businesses should consider attaching one of these devices to the network, as they are extremely scalable and only need extra drives as the business’s data handling needs increase. In fact, most systems offer hot swapping capabilities, so new drives can be plugged in without bringing down the network.

Fault tolerance is a significant concern for companies, as a single error can destroy an entire reservoir of data if it is not backed up and protected properly. NAS storage devices are designed with sophisticated fault tolerance software or hardware, like RAID. With RAID, data can be written to multiple drives simultaneously, so if one drive fails, other drives can take over and provide data without loss of stability. And because such devices act like a private cloud for the business, they are easy to secure against outside threats.

Eventually, a business is going to have to organize and monitor the way its data is handled. These devices are a natural, low cost and low effort solution that can provide excellent storage capabilities for many years.

3 Good Reasons To Use A HP NAS Server

Created on: June 6, 2016

Updated on: June 6, 2016

HP NAS server solutions are ideal for the ever changing storage needs of enterprise level and large businesses. NAS (network attached storage) combines optimized software and HP rack mount and blade servers to create the industry standard for network storage technologies. NAS utilizes a collection of connected hard drives via a network. These networked drives allow multiple computers on the network to share storage space at the same time. State of the art, high-end storage that will grow efficiently with unstructured data storage requirements. Unstructured data consists of large files such as video, graphics, sound, documents, email, and backups. Any combination of these can form vast volumes of collected data that needs high-speed access. Cost-effective file-server solutions are available that will serve a company’s needs today, and far into the future. Meeting the challenge of consolidating large amounts of data are Hewlett-Packard’s network attached storage solutions. They suit changing IT environments while reducing costs, simplifying file handling and resource utilization, as well as implementing data security.

Ease of Use

HP NAS server storage solutions are designed and implemented to assist a business’s efforts to address storage challenges associated with the rapid expansion of content. The need for secure, efficient data storage, as well as fast access to information only increases over time. The server infrastructure must perform efficiently, reliably, and most importantly be scalable to match organizational growth, long into the future. Network attached storage takes multi-application processing capabilities to the next level, enabling a firm to share large volumes of a variety of data with multiple users on a network, with easy and efficient access.

Cost Reduction

Since an HP NAS server offers cost-effective upgradable storage solutions for mid-size to large companies that require affordable shared storage. They are ideal for the budget conscious IT department. The architecture of network storage is such that it is a robust design for expanding a firm’s existing investment in storage technology. Upgrading does not require adding larger, more expensive servers, just the seamless addition of extra hard drives. The implementation of used or refurbished servers offers additional savings. SourceTech offers, along with new products, high-quality used equipment that is thoroughly examined, cleaned, tested, and restored before marketing.

Data Security

By the simple addition of another drive in the HP NAS server, it is possible to expand available space on the network, when and if it is needed. Since these systems typically have more than one hard drive installed, they create logical, reliable, redundant storage backup. The result is greater data protection and recovery in the event of a catastrophic disk failure.

Companies that seek to take full advantage of HP NAS server options should consider partnering with a storage solutions firm that has a thorough understanding of current server technology and system environments. Firms such as SourceTech can implement established methodologies and help design or upgrade a storage environment that facilitates growth and decreases costs while keeping files secure, therefore reducing the risk of data loss.

Storage Arrays

Created on: June 6, 2016

Updated on: June 6, 2016

Sun Storage ArrayThe more a business grows, the more data it produces and maintains, which means storage arrays will eventually become a necessity. At first, when there are only a few people working for the company, it’s possible to tie everyone to a single, large hard drive and pull data from it. It’s not the fastest solution, but it can work when there aren’t many people involved. Before long, though, the business will need specialized hardware to handle data writing and protection. This should be considered an investment, however, because adding the hardware will boost productivity significantly, and ensure there is a safety net in place in case the worst happens.

What is the purpose of storage arrays?

Simply put, this equipment consists of a series of disks housed in a chassis built for the purpose of keeping them safe and operating at peak capacity. This system groups the disks together so that they form larger units, which means they can logically approach data reading and writing with little drop in performance. So, a series of 100 GB disks can operate like a single disk several hundred GB in size, writing huge swaths of data that can be quickly retrieved when needed. The system controller can also read or write from multiple disks at once, so it can handle a greater number of data transfers and requests from users all over the network. This is the essential element of the system, as multiple people accessing a single large disk, or disks not maintained by a controller can bring the system to a screeching halt. So, not only does this hardware offer a deep reservoir to place the data, it makes it possible to access it in an expeditious manner.

Another essential function of storage arrays is the data protection they offer. As data is one of the company’s most important assets, security is a top priority, and because these systems are private, they are much easier to secure. And with RAID protection, a company won’t have to worry about the stability of their data. Hardware or software-based RAID comes in many varieties, but its primary purpose is to improve data management or provide redundancy. With some forms of RAID, the data is written to multiple disks simultaneously, so if one disk fails, the data can be retrieved from another disk seamlessly. With RAID, it’s even possible to weather two disk failures at once.

There are multiple brands that offer excellent storage arrays, though Hitachi, NetApp and EMC are the current leading brands. All three brands can handle hundreds of drives while maintaining peak performance, which is enough for even big data applications, such as institutions that run simulations or maintain real-time financial data. These brands also provide hot-swappable capabilities, so drives can be removed and plugged in without having to bring the system down.

And like network servers, storage arrays are available in a refurbished option. Refurbished hardware offers the same reliability and lifespan that newer models offer, but at a greatly reduced cost and with custom features the business requires.

If a server is the brains of the operation, these systems are its heart, channeling data where it needs to go and ensuring it is managed with maximum efficiency.

What To Consider When Looking At Small Business Servers

Created on: June 6, 2016

Updated on: June 6, 2016

Small business servers are capable of delivering an excellent combination of power and economy, allowing companies of all sizes to maintain a responsive production environment. Eventually, every company will need to establish a network for their production environment – even mom and pop retail shops and restaurants. Even if it is for better inventory management, bookkeeping, or customer relations, network infrastructure can make it happen. And it doesn’t have to cost a company a premium to get this level of performance, as there are plenty of used and refurbished options available on the market.

What should a company look for in small business servers?
In most cases, a modestly-sized company needs to adhere to a tight budget when making a hardware purchase. While large corporations can often afford to drop $10,000 or more on a single piece of equipment, this isn’t a realistic option for individuals running a company. And these companies may not be as concerned with the size of the hardware, as they will only need a single room for their datacenter. This means that a company can save money by opting for a larger piece of hardware, and get all of the power they need as well.

Tower hardware is a common choice for companies that need small business servers. Tower hardware looks like an oversized PC tower, but is built with more robust processors, additional RAM, and expansion slots for display adapters and other cards. The only issue with towers is that they take up more space than other form factors, at least in relation to the performance they offer. It is difficult to fit a lot of towers into a single space, but this is rarely a concern for a company that only requires a compact datacenter. As a company grows, it may need to switch to a more scalable solution, and this is entirely possible.

Companies looking for small business servers can preserve their budgets and get the performance they need by opting for refurbished hardware instead of a new model. The used and refurbished hardware market is extremely robust and offers everything a company would need, and at a deep discount. Sometimes, a company can get more than 50 percent off on a piece of equipment, which can go a long way to keeping a budget intact. And by opting for refurbished hardware, a company can have a refurbishment professional customize the hardware to fit, usually by installing certain pieces of software or switching in desired components.

And a company doesn’t have to sacrifice quality or name brand models, either. Dell’s PowerEdge, HP’s Proliant, and Cisco’s UCS systems are all available in refurbished form, and they offer the best range of products and features among hardware providers, giving even individual company owners the tools they need to succeed in their industry without breaking the bank.

What Are The Different Server Types That Are Commonly Used?

Created on: June 6, 2016

Updated on: June 6, 2016

There are several server types on the market, and each one provides a unique set of capabilities for a company. Because of this, business owners need to carefully consider what hardware they are bringing into the company.Fortunately, this is something that an industry expert can offer valuable insight with, and some dealers can even customize hardware to fit a company’s needs exactly. This extends beyond the hardware’s intended purpose, and also includes a perfect form factor and model type for the job.

What are some of the most common server types on the market?

As this hardware is the backbone of any network, and networks are now ubiquitous throughout the corporate world, it follows that there are many, many kinds of equipment available. Some of the most common include:

• Web hardware – This hardware stores static content on a disk and delivers it when a visitor queries something on a website. The hardware and the browser communicate using HTTP.
• FTP hardware – File Transfer Protocol has been around for decades, and provides a secure channel and organization when a user needs to move files from one device to another. This hardware facilitates the transfer.
• Mail hardware – Mail hardware is a critical element of every business’s communications, as it organizes and sends out mail to employees and recipients outside the network.
• Database hardware – Database hardware is the workhorse of the network, as it collects, stores and analyzes data. Databases are usually set up to automate a variety of archiving and organizational tasks, both of which are essential for many user applications.
• Application hardware – Typically viewed as a form of middleware, application hardware is what connects users and databases together and ensures software can be executed properly and reliably.
• Virtual hardware – Virtual hardware functions much like standard hardware, except that multiple virtual instances can be tied to a single piece of equipment. This allows a company greater flexibility in how it allocates its resources and organizes its data.

These are the basic server types that may be adapted for a company’s use, but there is more to consider. Hardware also comes in several form factors, and each one provides varying levels of performance, scalability, and cost. Towers, for example, are the most economical, but take up the most space and aren’t as scalable as other options. That’s why towers are usually used for smaller businesses. Racks strike a balance between performance and scalability, and consist of a mount onto which several pieces of equipment are secured. The rack keeps cables organized and consolidates power and cooling. Racks are similar to blades, which are even more compact and designed to scale up quickly as a company’s needs change. Racks and blades tend to be the choice in enterprise applications.

There are a lot of choices to make when searching through server types and form factors. It’s not a search a business has to make along, though, as long as they have a reputable expert on their side.

Server Support & Maintenance on Refurbished Servers

Created on: June 6, 2016

Updated on: June 6, 2016

When a company upgrades their network infrastructure, it’s not enough to just install and forget it, because if a business doesn’t consider server support as well, it could be a serious liability should something go wrong. Fortunately, a reputable refurbished hardware professional will offer maintenance contracts as well, or pass along the OEM maintenance contractor to the buyer. A company can customize their maintenance plan to make it as responsive as needed, and delegate certain duties to maintenance professionals. A company can also outsource certain tasks that would normally be handed to an in-house IT department, which may be necessary for smaller businesses.

What kind of server support can a business get from a hardware refurbishment expert?

There are multiple tiers of assistance that a company can get from a maintenance provider. These include:

Next day maintenance – for low priority hardware, a maintenance contract that stipulates next-day assistance can be plenty. This is also an ideal choice for hardware that is stable or has robust fault protection in place.
Same business day maintenance – for higher priority hardware that a company can’t afford to lose for long, a maintenance contract that offers same-day maintenance during normal business hours can address most issues. However, maintenance professionals will only work on the hardware during business hours, so if there is a problem outside of normal operational hours, a business will risk downtime during production.
Critical application maintenance – High priority hardware that supports large parts of the network will need to offer near 100 percent uptime. Critical application maintenance ensures a response time of four hours or less, and technicians will work on the problem until it is resolved. With critical application maintenance, a business can get a response even if the fault occurs in the middle of the night.

Of course, server support is more than just responding to a technical fault. It also includes essential upkeep duties like backing up data, downloading and installing patches, and maintaining an image of the company’s data in case it needs to be restored following a catastrophic failure. For the most part, businesses delegate these duties to their own IT technicians, but smaller businesses may not have the resources to maintain an in-house IT crew. For these clients, a refurbished hardware dealer can often work with their clients to assist with basic maintenance and data backup. There are also data centers that house the hardware offsite and promise greater than 99 percent uptime. And if there are any faults with the hardware, technicians at the datacenter will be able to respond immediately.

Purchasing the hardware is just the first step in upgrading the network’s infrastructure. Server support is what keeps the network up and running, and something a company will need to consider carefully when looking for a hardware dealer.

Server Maintenance Is An Essential Part Of Running A Network

Created on: June 6, 2016

Updated on: June 6, 2016

Regular server maintenance is not a luxury, it is an essential element of running a business smoothly. It is dangerous to do so, but some companies try to cut corners by trimming hardware upkeep. And others aren’t aware of what kind of upkeep the equipment and network need. In either case, not providing equipment care will eventually bring the entire network down, resulting in a loss of data, and possibly greatly reducing the hardware’s lifespan. All of that will harm a company’s ability to remain productive, and may even force extended downtime through business hours. In short, it’s a nightmare scenario that should never happen, as long as the company has trusted technical assistance on its side.

What kind of server maintenance should a business look into?

Every brand of hardware is different, and even the most skilled IT professional may have trouble with a brand they are not familiar with. That’s why hardware sellers often keep a staff of talented IT people on hand to provide support when the company cannot do it on its own. A server maintenance plan is often part of a hardware purchase, or can be added to a purchase to ensure ongoing support from the seller. Once in place, a company can rest assured that their equipment will be taken care of.

But what exactly does such a plan consist of? In general, it will include scheduled upkeep, patch applications, and general system upkeep. During scheduled upkeep IT professionals will assess the performance of the hardware, back up data, rerun essential programs to refresh them, and run a diagnostics on the equipment. If any deficiencies are noted in performance, the IT professional will be able to troubleshoot the problem, or brief the company on its options for hardware repair or replacement. Scheduled maintenance almost always freezes the production environment, so most businesses elect to have it performed outside of production hours. Fortunately, it is usually only required a few times a year, but it is crucial to keep data flowing freely in the network.

Patch applications are needed as soon as a manufacturer pushes out an update to one of its products. In most cases, manufacturer patches address security holes or developer bugs, so they must be installed quickly. When applying a patch, the IT professional will back up data, bring the server down and install the patch. Once complete, performance diagnostics are run to ensure the patch functions as expected. Again, because this interrupts production, it is usually handled outside of business hours.

Finally, overall system upkeep is usually needed once a year and is an extensive process. During this process a backup of all systems attached to the network will be created, ensuring everything can be rolled back should something unexpected happen. Because this places a huge demand on system resources, the process is typically scheduled during an extended weekend.

As should be clear, equipment upkeep should be a priority for any business. But with a talented team of IT professionals providing technical assistance, most company employees won’t even realize when it’s performed.

A Server Maintenance Contract Is An Essential Part Of Any Hardware Purchase

Created on: June 6, 2016

Updated on: April 25, 2024

A server maintenance contract is an essential part of any hardware purchase, and businesses should consider this type of contract a top priority when bringing in refurbished equipment. Even a piece of hardware that is well taken care of will falter eventually, and if a company isn’t prepared for such an eventuality, they may take a major hit to their productivity. For most businesses, this is an unacceptable outcome, so they ensure they are protected should the worst case scenario become a reality. The best way to do that is with a plan, and a reputable refurbishment expert can offer the perfect maintenance plan.

What can a server maintenance contract provide a business?

Dell Blade Servers

In short, it can offer peace of mind, ensuring a company will always have an option should the equipment fail. A company can customize its plan to an extent, choosing from one of several response levels. This allows businesses to focus their resources on high-priority hardware and ensure it is always up and running. It also allows a company to organize its IT personnel for certain projects, but have a specialist on hand should a major fault occur. In many cases, the hardware will come with an original manufacturer warranty, which will be passed on to the equipment buyer. This can provide an additional layer of protection.

A company may opt for next business day response, which is an economic option, but one best reserved for low priority or redundant hardware. A same business day, 9-5 option makes for a quicker technical turnaround should something more critical go down, but for high-priority equipment that must remain up at all costs, companies should consider a server maintenance contract that includes a 24/7 response time. With this level of response, a dedicated expert will work on the problem around the clock until it is fixed. This is for those times when the entire network and production environment is threatened and could wipe out an entire day of production if it is not restored.

If a company requires secondary services, a server maintenance contract can be customized to fit those in as well. For example, many businesses prefer their in-house people to manage things like firmware updates and patching, but a response technician can do so as well, if necessary. Alternatively, a company may consider hiring a third-party IT crew to handle most of the regular upkeep. No matter what a business prefers, a hardware provider and refurbishment expert can provide some valuable insight into the process.

Although a company’s own IT personnel can manage most hardware faults, a refurbishment expert is often specialized in certain brands, which may cover areas of expertise the business’s in-house technicians don’t possess.

Network infrastructure upgrades are critical and often require a significant investment. Protect that investment with a plan that guards them from all contingencies. SourceTech can help you make the best choice for your business. Contact us today, and let us walk you through your options!

Server Deals

Created on: June 6, 2016

Updated on: June 6, 2016

As a company’s operations expand, it won’t be long before it needs to acquire an additional server, and some deals can make the process a lot easier to handle. Data is an integral part of a business, and with it a company can ramp up its productivity, improve its products, predict customer trends, or keep an accurate log of all the business’s clients. Because it is such a precious resource, it needs to be managed properly within the company’s production environment and protected. That doesn’t mean, however, that a business needs to acquire a new piece of hardware to get what they need.

What is the surest way an IT department can find some server deals?

In the world of tech, always buying new hardware is often excessive, and this is true here as well. New hardware may seem to be the fastest and provide some extra features, but new hardware is much more expensive than anything else on the market, and it isn’t always the most effective choice for a company. In most cases, a company’s IT department can work with a refurbished piece of equipment as well as it can work with a new one, and a business will save a great deal of money in the process.

Even though going with a refurbished server opens up excellent deals for a company, choosing a previously owned piece of hardware can raise some questions. Will refurbished hardware be as reliable as new equipment? Will it be ready to go right away, with all of the necessary updates? Will it come with a maintenance contract that ensures its continued performance? Won’t the company just have to spend more money in the short term once the refurbished hardware reaches the end of its life?

Fears of used or refurbished hardware are generally unfounded. Yes, new equipment will provide superior performance over its used counterparts, but for most businesses, the difference won’t be significant enough to affect the company’s productivity. In fact, most company owners won’t even notice the difference. A reputable refurbishment professional can have the equipment ready to plug and play, with the firmware updated and all patches installed. A refurbishment professional can even prep the hardware with the exact software portfolio the company’s IT department prefers. That’s hard to get with new hardware. Maintenance contracts are available with refurbished hardware, even OEM contracts, and with some excellent server deals out there, it is possible to save an incredible amount of money over the long haul.

In some instances, a business can save up to 90 percent of what they would pay for a new piece of equipment, which can make a huge impact on an IT department’s operating budget. Network infrastructure often occupies a significant part of a company’s resources, but with refurbished hardware, a business can fulfill all of its needs without spending more than absolutely necessary.