Word of the Day - Unified Storage

Definition:

Unified storage (sometimes termed network unified storage or NUS) is a storage system that makes it possible to run and manage files and applications from a single device. To this end, a unified storage system consolidates file-based and block-based access in a single storage platform and supports Fibre Channel SAN, IP-based SAN (iSCSI), and NAS (network attached storage).

A unified storage system simultaneously enables storage of file data and handles the block-based I/O (input/output) of enterprise applications. In actual practice, unified storage is often implemented in a NAS platform that is modified to add block-mode support. For example, Reldata Inc offers the SANnet universal IP storage system and Network Appliance Inc. offers a unified storage architecture. Numerous other products based on Microsoft's WUDSS (Windows Unified Data Storage Server) have been configured to support both block and file I/O.

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What is it - SearchStorage.com - Thin Provisioning Definition

Thin Provisioning - Definition

Thin provisioning (TP) is a method of optimizing the efficiency with which the available space is utilized in storage area networks (SAN). TP operates by allocating disk storage space in a flexible manner among multiple users, based on the minimum space required by each user at any given time.

In the conventional storage provisioning model, also known as fat provisioning (FP), storage space is allocated beyond current needs, in anticipation of growing need and increased data complexity. As a result, the utilization rate is low. Large amounts of storage space are paid for but may never be used. In TP, these problems are eliminated while keeping overhead low. Added benefits include reduced consumption of electrical energy, smaller hardware space requirements and reduced heat generation compared with traditional networked storage systems.