Storage Area Networks

Manjari Mehta, UNiversity of Houston
Blake Ives, University of Houston

Abstract

This tutorial compares Storage area Network (SAN) technology with previous storage management solutions with particular attention to promised benefits of scalability, interoperability, and high-speed LAN-free backups. The paper provides an overview of what SANs are, why invest in them, and how SANs can be managed. The paper also discusses a primary management concern, the interoperability of vendor-specific SAN solutions. Bluefin, a storage management interface and interoperability solution is also explained. The paper concludes with discussion of SAN-related trends and implications for practice and research.

Recommended Citation

Mehta, Manjari and Ives, Blake (2004) "Storage Area Networks," The Communications of the Association for Information Systems: Vol. 14, Article 61.
Available at: http://aisel.aisnet.org/cais/vol14/iss1/61