Charting the evolution of software-defined storage

True, open software-defined storage (SDS) has arrived, and its concept is as almost as straightforward as its benefits.

SDI is an evolutionary step on from virtualization

IT has been shifting towards software-defined infrastructure (SDI) for a long time.

It began with virtualization, which uses software to abstract server, storage, and network hardware into something much more flexible.

With virtualization, one powerful server does the job of lots of smaller servers. That one powerful, virtualized server is also easier to deploy, manage, and maintain than lots of smaller servers.

Because the virtualized server is defined by software, systems have become more open. Enterprises – and new businesses – have more choice, while also benefiting from greater:

·        Agility: The growth of cloud shows SDI can deliver a wide range of resources to users in many locations, near-instantaneously

·        Standardization: SDI is helping to standardize infrastructure, so enterprises can focus on service levels rather than hardware components

·        Consolidation: SDI allows diverse workloads to be handled dynamically and programmatically by one system. Enterprises no longer need to invest in multiple specialized hardware systems.

True SDS is emerging now

Software-defined storage should be a straightforward concept. It’s simply a component of SDI, along with software-defined compute and software-defined networking.

In that sense, SDS has been around for a while. Traditional storage arrays already utilize software, which allows them to be shared across infrastructures and to make autonomous decisions on things like tiered storage.

Yet that traditional storage software is tied to its hardware. Furthermore, it’s usually tied to a specific brand of hardware.

True SDS defines an IT infrastructure’s storage through software and standardized interfaces – so it isn’t limited to specific vendors. That means enterprises can use many different kinds of storage hardware, and manage it all in the same way.

The hardware and software needed to provide a straightforward, enterprise-wide SDS deployment is still evolving, but it’s evolving fast.

Software-defined storage promises major benefits

Given how valuable openness and standardization have been in other areas of IT, you can no doubt imagine the potential held by SDS already.

Some of the benefits include:

·        The potential for greater automation, leading to more efficient storage utilization

·        Simpler administration, leading to lower business costs

·        Advanced configurations for workloads such as cloud, big data, analytics, and cognitive computing

·        Improved and more flexible scaling, incorporating drives from various vendors\

·        Greater choice and agility for businesses of all sizes

IBM is defining SDS, but not too narrowly

For business who are ready to take advantage of software-defined storage, solutions are already available.

Rather than create one product or solution, IBM is taking a broader approach that fits the open, flexible nature of SDS.

IBM Spectrum Storage is a suite of storage management software that builds on open architectures and supports industry standards, including OpenStack and Hadoop.

It’s designed for organisations just starting out with software-defined storage, and for established infrastructures who want to expand their SDS capabilities.

Because with SDS build on Spectrum Storage, enterprises don’t need to abandon their existing storage hardware. They can instead integrate it with their SDS infrastructure.

The further evolution of SDI and SDS is going to be interesting. With true SDS solutions like Spectrum Storage now on the scene, enterprises that get on board now have an opportunity to lead the way.