Carlson Companies - Case Study Example

Case study Carlson Companies Supervisor] Case study Carlson Companies Implementation of Storage Area Network (SAN): Storage Area Network (SAN) is basically a network whose main purpose is to provide access to a large, centralized data storage unit. The implementation of SAN requires three major components. The first component required is a storage unit that would be able to store a large amount of data in a centralized location. To comply with the storage requirements of the system, SAN makes use of a number of tape libraries, disk arrays and optical jukeboxes (Riabov, 2004).

The second component fulfills the connection requirements of the system. Most commonly SAN makes use of Fibre Channels to transfer data throughout the various components of the system. Fibre Channels are communication medium that can rapidly transfer large amounts of data in a matter of seconds (Preston, 2002). The third major component of a Storage Area Network (SAN) is Fibre Channel switch. The main function of a Fibre Channel switch is to link all devices on the network (Riabov, 2004). Comparison of SAN with dispersed arrangement: There are a number of advantages of SAN over dispersed arrangement.

With SAN all data is centralized which means the cost of backup is relatively low as there is no need to create a backup of data on different servers. Also since all data is placed on one server the cost of maintaining a large number of servers is significantly reduced. Moreover the main server or the mainframe of SAN came with a disaster recovery plan. The disaster recovery plan helped the company retrieve any lost information in case of a disaster. Scalability of the system is another factor that makes it more feasible than any dispersed arrangement (Clark, 2003).

However there are some factors that favor the use of a dispersed system over that of SAN. In case the main server experiences some downtime, users are unable to access data. Moreover since data is centralized the access time of data increases significantly. Moreover maintenance of the SAN requires skilled and trained professionals (Chidlow, 2003). Purchasing different equipment from different vendors: One of the major issues that Carlson companies would face by purchasing different equipment from different vendors would be the issue of compatibility.

Compatibility issues are common when more than one vendor is contacted to purchase equipment. It is frequently observed that hardware or software that is not compatible with other components of the system is unable to perform to its optimum level. One way of overcoming these compatibility issues is by hiring consultants that would help them install the correct software. Consultants can also be hired to train the technical staff in basic troubleshooting methods. The trained staff can later on help with the maintenance and even with the up-gradation of the system.

Need to cut down on storage management: Implementing SAN to the company’s data management system would reduce the number of servers on which data is stored. The reduction of these servers is mainly because all users can access data to that can be stored on a single server. Since there is no need of these servers the service of staff and administrators that are working on the maintenance of these servers will no longer be required. However the introduction of the new system means that the company would require new skilled staff to be hired for the maintenance of the system (Huggins, Izushi, & Izushi, 2007).

Cloud computing and Carlson companies: Cloud computing is a term which is used for describing a system that makes use of a network to connect a number of computers together ato provide a number of services to its users. These services can be in the form of an infrastructure, platform, software and network. By the details provided in the case Carlson Companies require large storage for its data. Cloud computing companies rent out storage space to other companies for small fees. One of the main advantages of using cloud computing is that Carlson Companies would not have to spend a large amount of capital to make use of the features of cloud computing they will only have to purchase the amount of space they require.

Other than that the security provided by cloud computing companies is foolproof which means that the company’s data would be secured. However there are some drawbacks to using cloud computing. Once all the company’s data is on a cloud then the company becomes dependent on the cloud and any down time that the cloud experiences makes data unavailable for the users (Mell & Grance, 2011). Reference List Chidlow, S. (2003, November 12). Storage Area Networks. Retrieved May 31, 2013, from http://www.jisc.ac.

uk/: http://www.jisc.ac.uk/whatwedo/services/techwatch/reports/horizonscanning/hs0307.aspx Clark, T. (2003). Designing Storage Area Networks: A Practical Reference for Implementing Fibre Channel and IPSANs. Boston: Addison-Wesley Professional. Huggins, R. A., Izushi, I., & Izushi, H. (2007). Competing for Knowledge: Creating, Connecting and Growing. New York: Routledge. Mell, P., & Grance, T. (2011). The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing. Washington D.C: The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing.

Preston, W. (2002). Using SANs and NAS: Help for Storage Administrators. Sebastopol: O'Reilly Media. Riabov, V. V. (2004). The Internet Encyclopedia. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.