SAN Storage for Virtualisation & Critical Applications
A storage area network gives several servers fast, shared access to the same pool of disks. VOWTECH designs and deploys SAN storage for organisations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and across the UAE whose virtualisation clusters, databases and core applications need storage that is quick, shared and built without single points of failure.
Shared Disks That Servers Treat as Their Own
In a SAN, a storage array carves its drives into volumes and presents them to servers across a dedicated network. Each server sees a volume as if it were a local disk, yet several servers can share it. That shared view is what allows a virtual machine to move from one host to another, or restart elsewhere, when a host fails.
This is a different tool from NAS storage, which shares folders with people. A SAN serves servers, and it is justified when you run a cluster of virtualisation hosts, demanding databases or applications where storage speed and continuity directly affect the business. For a single server, internal disks are usually enough.
Most of a SAN's value lies in the design around the array: two controllers, two switches, two paths from every host, and volumes laid out to suit the workloads. VOWTECH designs that fabric, installs and configures it, connects your hosts and proves that a cable, switch or controller can fail without the systems stopping.
Choosing the Storage Fabric & Media
Two decisions shape a SAN: how servers connect to it, and what kind of drives sit inside it.
iSCSI SAN
Storage traffic carried over Ethernet using dedicated switches or VLANs. Familiar technology, lower cost of entry and a strong fit for small and medium virtualisation clusters.
Fibre Channel SAN
A purpose-built storage network with its own switches and host adapters. Chosen for larger environments where consistent low latency under heavy load is the priority.
Flash & Hybrid Arrays
All-flash arrays deliver the quickest response for databases and busy virtual desktops. Hybrid arrays mix flash with high-capacity disks and place active data on the faster tier.
SAN Design, Deployment & Integration
Work that begins with measurement and ends with a tested, documented storage platform.
Workload Assessment
We measure the capacity, throughput and response-time needs of your current servers, so the array is sized from evidence instead of guesswork.
Fabric & Multipath Design
Switches, host adapters and cabling are laid out so every host has two independent routes to two controllers, with multipathing configured on each host.
Array Setup & Volume Provisioning
Drive pools, RAID protection, hot spares and volumes are created to match workloads, then mapped only to the hosts that should see them.
Hypervisor Integration
Volumes are presented to VMware or Hyper-V clusters as shared datastores, and live migration and host failover are configured and tested.
Snapshots & Replication
Array snapshots provide quick rollback points, and replication to a second array at another site supports a disaster recovery plan.
Health Monitoring & Firmware
Alerts for drive, controller and path faults are configured, and array and switch firmware is kept current through planned, non-disruptive updates where supported.
From Measured Workload to Proven Failover
A SAN carries everything above it, so each stage is verified before the next.
Workload Analysis
Existing storage use and performance are measured and growth expectations are agreed.
Architecture
Array, fabric, host connectivity and volume layout are designed and documented.
Build & Staging
Array and switches are installed, updated, configured and tested before hosts are attached.
Host Cutover
Hosts are connected and virtual machines or data are moved across in planned stages.
Failover Testing
Paths, switches and controllers are failed deliberately to confirm systems stay up, then documented.
What a SAN Makes Possible
The capabilities that justify the investment over disks inside each server.
Host Failover
Because every host sees the same storage, workloads can restart or move when a server fails or needs maintenance.
Consistent Performance
A dedicated fabric and pooled drives give databases and virtual machines steady response under load.
Pooled Capacity
Space is allocated from one pool to whichever server needs it, instead of being stranded inside individual machines.
No Single Point of Failure
Dual controllers, switches, paths and power supplies let a component fail without an outage.
SAN Storage Questions
When does a business need a SAN instead of a NAS?
Should we choose iSCSI or Fibre Channel?
Does a SAN replace the need for backups?
Can existing virtual machines be moved to a new SAN without long downtime?
Related Services
NAS Storage
File-level shared storage for office documents, archives and backups.
Learn moreManaged Storage
Ongoing monitoring, capacity planning and upkeep of storage platforms.
Learn moreData Storage Solutions
Comparing storage approaches for different business needs.
Learn moreVirtualisation
Host clusters that rely on shared storage for failover and mobility.
Learn moreDisaster Recovery
Replication and recovery planning for critical systems.
Learn moreIT AMC in Abu Dhabi
Annual maintenance for servers, storage and network infrastructure.
Learn morePlanning Shared Storage for
Your Server Cluster?
Tell us about your hosts, workloads and growth plans. We will assess what you need and design a SAN that fits, or tell you if something simpler will do.