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Adding value to storage virtualization

Retired Expert - Brian Peterson EXPERT RESPONSE FROM: Retired Expert - Brian Peterson

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QUESTION POSED ON: 21 February 2007
How can VARs add value to storage virtualization? Through hosting, software, support etc?

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EXPERT RESPONSE
VARs should challenge themselves to add value to virtualization by bringing the honest reality to potential customers. While virtualization can provide some amazing benefits, it does not make life simpler. VARs need to help educate the customers about the different layers and generations of storage virtualizations. Start with the decades old Logical Volume Managers and moving on to middle aged SANs and rounding the corner to cutting edge virtualization appliances. Expose the long term benefits and consequences of adding another layer in an already complex stack which includes disk arrays, microcode, SAN swicthes, patch panels, fiber cables, HBAs, drivers, multi-pathing software, volume managers, operating systems and file systems. Adding another layer may be warranted, but it won't necessarily make life easier.


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