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iSCSI vs. Fibre Channel (SAN)

iSCSI

There are a number of ways in which iSCSI can be the perfect match for large, small and mid-sized enterprises - iSCSI is easy to order, install, and configure. The characteristics listed below are good indicators that your environment is a good fit for iSCSI, the more characteristics present in your environment, the closer the fit will be:

  • Microsoft Windows, Linux, and/or VMware operating systems, running on x86-based or x64-based servers
  • All DAS for business-critical data and applications such as database, email, CRM, as well as user-level file and print services
  • Gigabit Ethernet for server network infrastructure
  • Interest in moving from DAS to higher functionality and scalability of SAN to enable business expansion or FTE efficiency
  • Tendency to postpone purchases until a need occurs

In addition, organisations that require their storage infrastructure to add value to the business should look into iSCSI technology to benefit from:

  • Reduced capital investment on servers and related hardware and reduced DAS operating cost
  • Lower transaction response times and greater I/O per second (IOPS) performance relative to DAS
  • Centralized management of data storage as opposed to the DAS server-by-server management
  • Scalability over time without having to match the purchase of servers to the purchase of storage capacity or performance

FIBRE CHANNEL

Fibre Channel is a fast, highly-reliable data transport system that easily scales to meet the requirements of any-size enterprises. It delivers a far superior level of speed, reliability and throughput. For organisations in which corporate information accessibility is a critical competitive factor, Fibre Channel enhances the IT departments' ability to access and protect data more efficiently, allowing unparalleled service delivery for the business.

Fibre Channel is ideal for businesses that have or require:

  • High-performance storage
  • Large volumes of data
  • Superior storage backup systems and fast recovery
  • Server clusters
  • Network-based storage
  • High-performance workgroups
  • Digital audio/video networks

Fibre Channel has been adopted by the major computer systems and storage manufacturers as the next technology for storage as it eliminates distance, bandwidth, scalability, and reliability issues. Fibre Channel was specifically designed to erase the barriers of performance existing in legacy LANs and channels.

Fibre Channel is the easiest, most reliable solution for information storage and retrieval, ideal for businesses looking into efficiently addressing data growth and the challenges of incorporating data warehousing, imaging, integrated audio/video, networked storage, real-time computing, collaborative projects and CAD/CAE.

BEST OF BOTH

Whether you are considering a transition to iSCSI, Fibre Channel, or a mix or both technologies, Jcom has over a decade of experience implementing storage infrastructure projects to hundreds of customers and can place you on the best route to achieve your operational and business objectives. We partner with technology manufacturers such as EMC, Dell, HP, IBM, Xiotech, Compellent, NetApp, to name but few, and are best placed to advise you on the right solution to your requirements.