File Server Consolidation Using Data Dynamics StorageX

The proliferation of application files and user-generated documents is driving continued expansion of network storage requirements within enterprise organizations. A common solution to this problem has been to add more file servers and storage, a strategy that may work in the short term. But as time progresses, the cost and complexity of managing a large number of file servers outweigh the initial benefits. Issues that may arise are inefficient storage utilization and increased complexity in the ongoing management of user-to-file-share mappings and backup/restore operations.

Implementing a file server consolidation solution using Data Dynamics StorageX can address these issues and provide organizations with tools to manage file server resources efficiently. Utilizing a Global Namespace (GNS) to provide a single, organized view of all network file data, StorageX allows administrators to create automated, policy-driven data migration routines that simplify the consolidation process and optimize storage resources. GNS is an abstraction layer between the logical and the physical layers, which removes the dependency between them. This strategy solves the immediate problem and anticipates similar issues that may appear as the consolidated file servers approach capacity once again.

This paper describes a Windows file server consolidation solution using StorageX and is intended for IT architects, IT administrators, and the technical staff responsible for IT infrastructure and storage management. It explains how to:

  •  Create a GNS and thereby virtualize user access to network shares.
  •  Consolidate data to reduce the number of file servers and Network-Attached Storage (NAS) devices.

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