A Driving Force Behind NAS
CD-ROM storage continues to be a popular storage
medium due to its low cost per megabyte and its
acceptance as a reliable distribution format. Until
recently, most CD-ROM networks relied on
centralized server architectures. Three essential
ways include accessing CD-ROM drives from another
workstation, connecting multiple CD-ROM drives to a
file server, or designating a PC as the CD-ROM
server. As networks and their number of users grow,
these architectures become much more impractical.
The cost of growing this “infrastructure” increases
with the need for additional hardware and software.
In addition to complex management, this type of
growth also places unnecessary burden on the
supporting system. There may also be incompatible
platforms and operating systems, which can further
limit data usage. (Diagram A)
Through NAS technology, data can be attached to a
network in a less demanding, simple architecture.
NAS devices are data-storage thin servers with their
own processors and customized operating system
that plug directly into a local area network. Their all-
encompassing units simplify the addition of storage
and offer optimized use of data across all platforms
and operating systems. Since they are independent
of core hardware, expanded CD-ROM storage can be
made at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems,
streamlining the shared use of data and eliminating
down time. (Diagram B)
The Network Challenges
So how can CD-ROM and NAS technology jointly
address the growing concerns of IT professionals
and companies today? The answer lies in an
understanding of the obstacles facing these
professionals in the following key areas:
• Cost
How can I minimize costs as related to initial
investment, expanding storage, manageability and
time-savings?
• Performance:
How can I ensure that all of our users have the
quickest access to the most important data needed?
How can I minimize down time or other system
failures and adverse effects to our users? Can it
minimize conflict between platforms and operating
systems?
• Storage capacity:
How can I increase storage capacity without having
to reinvest in costly new hardware and software?
How can we continue to add storage capacity at a
minimal cost? Can we grow and expand the system
easily, without time-consuming administration?
• Space:
How can I provide expanded storage and availability
of data while keeping the need for equipment space
flexible and at a minimum?
• Efficiency:
Is there a storage solution that can streamline the
way we do business and contribute to increased
profitability?
• Manageability:
Can network storage be user-friendly, improve
application and server availability, and be less
demanding on the current system?
3
Diagram A
Diagram B
Server Network
Configuration
Direct Network
Connection
(69 pages)
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