For many companies today, it is important to be able to choose solutions and products that give them great benefits, as well as the ability to choose. That is why many organizations and businesses refuse those solutions that drive them to certain limits.
Let’s say one service provider, limited functionality, etc. Thus, they prefer to choose what empowers them rather than restricts them.
One such solution for many companies is the choice of software-defined storage, which gives them the opportunity, if necessary, to turn to different vendors providing a variety of hardware or programs.
In addition, this solution allows you to increase the volume of stored data, while not investing in this last money. It has had a positive impact on the entire storage industry as a whole. In the future, the demand for such an innovative solution will only grow.
We will talk about what it is, how this data storage works, and what the growing tendencies are.
What is software-defined storage?
If you have not heard of such an innovative solution, then you should start by finding out what it is. To do this, let’s take a look at the software-defined storage definition.
Much is already becoming clear, based on the name itself. Thus, we can understand that this is a specific storage system that is not dependent on hardware. It depends on the program that is used to manage all the processes.
Many existing storage solutions involve both hardware and software for everything to function properly. This is the big difference with SDS, because in this case, using the program, you can both manage data and control the tasks performed by the equipment.
For the proper functioning of such storage, companies do not need to purchase specific server hardware, since they can be limited to the standard equipment that most companies have.
Based on this, you can notice that you can reduce costs using such a solution. While other well-known storage systems require spending on the purchase of special equipment.
How does software-defined storage work?
The essential element of software-defined storage solutions is the representation of storage resources abstractly, as logical storage spaces (volumes) and without reference to physical drives, that is, virtualization.
It is crucial to be able to separate the equipment and the program with which the control is carried out.
Management refers to policy management on replication issues, sets of reference markers for data at a particular point in time, and storing copies of data for recovery.
As previously stated, SDS consolidates a company’s disk arrays into a single virtual “pool.” From all this, LUNs are obtained, which are visible in the administration center. They are virtual disks.
Growing trends in the use of SDS
Every year, data flows are only increasing. This, in turn, increases the demand for innovative storage solutions that can meet the needs of various companies in the use of next-generation storage. In this regard, SDS is becoming the obvious choice for many.
1. The basis for the adoption of new technologies
If earlier it was necessary to carry out process management, both using equipment and software, now only software is needed for this. This allows specialists to improve the infrastructure they use to increase efficiency and volumes.
This happens due to the use of customizable resources and many tasks can be performed without the direct participation of specialists.
Among other things, companies will be able to quickly introduce other cutting-edge technologies into workflows without disrupting the existing infrastructure.
2. Implementation in various sectors
SDS solutions are being deployed across sectors as many companies accelerate their digital transformation efforts. Two years ago, this market was valued at just under $9.5 billion.
According to many predictions, in four years the SDS market will be valued at more than $37 billion.
This tremendous success is justified by the fact that many companies need to increase flexibility, reduce dependence on one supplier, reduce capital and operating costs, grow rapidly, and increase productivity.
3. Enhancing security
The above benefits mean that IT specialists have more freedom in actions, decisions, and choices. Many legacy infrastructures were designed to run hardware and software in tandem.
To avoid increasing the number of problems, companies chose one service provider to minimize costs, and also, in case of questions, contact one provider directly.
However, if solutions were not fault-tolerant, or companies opted for other, better solutions, this meant that the entire system had to be replaced.
By choosing software-defined storage, you no longer have to deal with this. Companies now have freedom of action.
Simultaneously, SDS may assist firms in enhancing security, adding much-needed IT environment redundancy, and allowing managing their storage in a way that allows IT employees to view and control everything as if it were one system.
All data is stored in one system, which saves specialists from thinking through different security policies for many disparate systems.
Why should it be a priority for companies?
Advanced technologies appear almost at the speed of light. Companies do not stand still and quickly implement them into their processes, increasing the pace of digital transformation.
Because of this, data volumes are increasing exponentially, and companies need to keep up with processing and storing this data.
By choosing the right software-defined solution, companies can keep up with what is happening. They start to take on new challenges and implement new projects faster, so everything runs smoothly.
Not every company will be able to successfully integrate this solution for all their projects at once. That is why it is worth starting by doing everything gradually, without trying to bite more than you can chew.
Start small and try this approach for at least one project. After that, it will be possible to gradually increase the pace and introduce this approach to other projects.
Conclusion
Companies may use SDS to turn data centers, regardless of size, into efficient, adaptable, and agile environments capable of meeting today’s broad and challenging application demands.
This innovative solution allows companies to have freedom and choice. In addition, it creates a solid base for the introduction of new cutting-edge technologies without disrupting existing infrastructure.
That is why the demand for software-defined storage is growing and in 4 years the market will be worth over $37 billion.
