As the WFH trend kicks in, more organizations are replacing their traditional storage architecture in favor of cloud-based infrastructure. If an enterprise is distributed across multiple locations, yet still uses a local file storage solution, it might be time to modernize. Saimon Michelson, Field CTO at CTERA highlights how to know if it’s time to make the switch.
If your distributed enterprise is still using a local file storage solution, such as NAS or local file servers, it may be time to consider modernizing your data storage infrastructure.Opens a new window Based on what we’ve learned from customers in hundreds of NAS replacement projects, here are some telltale signs that you need to start thinking about file storage modernization.
1. You’re constantly pushing your storage capacity limits. With more unstructured data and larger files being created at the edge than ever before, organizations are playing an endless game of “catch-up†that demands costly storage array expansion, maintenance efforts, and management overhead. As your file storage capacity needs continue to grow, there are only so many disks that can be thrown at the problem before you simply run out of space (and budget). In the meantime, your users can’t do their jobs and there’s a serious productivity slowdown. In addition to costs, regularly adding and configuring disks, as well as fielding user complaints, creates added strain on IT resources.
2. Your storage hardware is coming up for renewal. Maintenance costs for traditional NAS vendors are invariably very high. Renewals offer a natural decision oint where organizations ask: “Can we do this better, or cheaper?†Especially now, as enterprises deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, IT leaders are re-thinking storage and other issues as they look for ways to support remote workersOpens a new window .
In this context, we are seeing more organizations than ever before seriously considering the replacement of their traditional storage architecture in favor of cloud-based infrastructure. The WFHOpens a new window trend is here to stay. Enterprises need scalable, high-performance solutions that can deliver edge-to-cloud functionality and support users who no longer work from the office. Fast and secure remote file access is critical to ensure an optimal user experience and high business productivity now and post-COVID.
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3. Distributed IT management is becoming cumbersome. As companies grow, open new offices, or make acquisitions, infrastructure must expand to support global operations. While this is manageable for a few sites, there’s a breaking point beyond which it becomes incredibly difficult to deliver at scale. Each time a new NAS is installed at a remote office, it adds significant deployment, data replication, and management efforts to your already overtaxed IT team. The growing pressure and burden on IT can result in missed renewal dates or locking into existing renewal agreements. Not only is this expensive – it also hampers your ability to leverage the collaboration and governance benefits of modern edge-to-cloud file services.
4. Shadow IT has turned into a problem. IT is scrambling to deliver solutions to support the WFH shift. Since they have to move fast, they’re looking for shortcuts and may skip proper security testing and validation. At the same time, users are downloading unsanctioned software from the internet to share files with each other and, in so doing, put private/sensitive data at risk. These types of shadow IT activities have led to an increase in the number of hacks and information exfiltration incidents reported in recent months.
5. You can’t meet RTO/RPO requirements. Missing RPO/RTO targets can have a huge impact on business continuity management and data protection. The recent scourge of ransomware attacks has highlighted the importance of minimizing RPO. Common endpoint or server backup solutions have a 4-8 hour interval, which means large enterprises risk losing a huge amount of work if attacked. True data protection means reducing backup intervals from hours to minutes to enable business continuity, productivity and compliance.
Tips for Beginning Your Data Storage Modernization Project
Data storage modernization should be custom fit to your organization’s needs. A good way to start is to conceptualize the finish. Decide what you’re trying to get out of the new solution. Are you looking for more cost-effective means of storing unused data? Are you trying to enhance the productivity of remote workers post-COVID?
Once you’ve set your goals, start with an analysis of your current environment. This should include an inventory of dataset types, total storage capacity and size/file-count, as well as defining your performance parameters. It’s also important to engage with business folks to understand their requirements. After collecting/analyzing the data and getting business input, it’s time to formulate your functional requirements and start looking for the most appropriate storage solution(s).
Key Requirements Checklist
Regardless of your company’s specific challenges and requirements, there certain elements that your data storage modernization project must support:
- Data Retention/Versioning – Retain previous file versions for a specific retention period (30 days minimum) and store them in a read-only repository to prevent deletion by a malicious software. The archived copy must be physically separated from the main copy.
- RTO/RPO/Disaster Recovery – Determine the minimum requirements of your organization and implement incremental version to minimize recovery point exposure.
- Security – Deliver highest levels of data privacy and access control by employing audit trails, extensive logging, in-transit and at-rest encryption and private cloud deployments.
- Remote workforce enablement – Ensure low-latency remote access to file storage from home/anywhere/any device.
- Reduced TCO – Leverage cost-effective cloud object storage to reduce storage costs for multiple use cases, from primary storage to archiving.
Replacing your NAS architecture with a modern edge-to-cloud file services platform can help you address file storage, control and governance needs. You’ll never run out of space or have to add hardware. At the same time, your users will benefit from real-time file access, multi-site collaborationOpens a new window and local performance from any location.
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