What is a Storage Area Network (SAN)?

A Storage Area Network (SAN) is a dedicated high-speed network (usually Fibre Channel) that provides block-level access to storage devices such as disk arrays and tape libraries. The goal of a SAN is to provide centralized data storage and data management that can be easily accessed by multiple servers. SANs can increase storage utilization, improve data security, and speed access times compared to using direct-attached storage (DAS).

Storage Area Networks (SANs) are still widely used in modern data centers. They provide centralized data storage and management of data, which allows for improved data availability, performance, and security compared to traditional direct-attached storage (DAS) solutions. SANs also typically provide advanced features such as storage virtualization, disaster recovery, and basic data tiering. In recent years, cloud computing adoption has led to greater use of network-attached storage (NAS) and object storage solutions, but SANs remain a popular choice for many organizations due to their performance, reliability, and compatibility with existing infrastructure.

Komprise Intelligent Data Management is a storage-agnostic solution that works across NAS technologies, from the data center to the cloud, to deliver visibility and mobility of unstructured data. Komprise helps customers with petabyte-scale data environments be more efficient in managing unstructured data and also proactively (and intelligently) moves file and object data to the right location at the right time for cost savings and value.