Understanding the Demand for Scale Out

Data sprawl is a big problem for many organizations. Companies of any size are always trying to balance the need for increasing data storage while managing infrastructure costs. Newer technologies such as IoT, AI, video streaming, and virtual reality are driving a massive build-up of data coming soon.

The most basic answer to data sprawl problems is to increase capacity. However, this idea often hampered by other variables such as cost, an increase in unstructured data, business growth, and expanding locations.

Companies today are demanding scale out storage vendors to offer scale-out persistent storage solutions. Many are already seeing the business value of software-defined storage.

The Difference Between Scale Up and Scale Out Storage

Scale Up Storage

Scale up storage is the most common form of traditional block and file storage platforms and has been the long-running standard for storage. However, as data volumes grow, it becomes difficult to ignore the limitations of this storage method.

With traditional block and file systems, companies generally scale up by adding more RAM, processors, and disks to servers. This method typically maximizes current hardware with a horizontal approach.

The only problem is, as resources are added, the server can develop performance issues. They may experience slower processing times or backup and recovering functions. Over time, a server will run out of space to scale up and another one will need added to sit beside the existing one. This results in two independent silos of storage.

Scale Out Storage

Scale out storage offers better scalability. With scale out storage, companies blend hardware and software to offer better storage management and more flexibility with less physical space. Object storage software is installed on each node which combines all nodes into a single cluster. All storage tied to a single node is brought into a single storage pool and presented in a unified namespace. Essentially, this means the user/applicant isn’t aware of where the data lives.

Scale-out persistent storage helps companies manage unstructured and archived data better than the block and file systems. The key is the software element supplied by scale out storage vendors which efficiently stores, manages, and delivers data for underlying storage hardware.

The Value of Object-Based, Software-Defined Storage

IDC recently conducted a series of interviews with companies who are leveraging software-defined storage solutions. Organizations involved had an average size of 24,000 employees from a variety of industries in the United States and EMEA.

Based on the results, IDC estimates the companies are achieving an average value of $898,970 per petabyte per year over three years. The overall value and benefits include:

1. Reduces IT infrastructure costs by adopting a software-defined storage model
2. Reduces IT staff time needed to manage and support the storage environment
3. Reduces the risk of downtime

The savings companies receive improves productivity and allows for new efficiencies to develop. When companies can easily scale out, organizations can gain better access to data-intense workloads. This furthers their digital transformation allowing them to better adapt to new and emerging technologies.

At Datera, we pride ourselves on being a top scale out storage vendor with the software and support you need to manage data efficiently. Contact us today to learn more.