Summary: An overview of storage software and changes in the market.

All businesses face the challenge of storing their data easily, inexpensively and in a timely fashion. Initially, companies used tape-based systems to store data. There is now a rapid change to disk-based systems. At the same time, there has been a change in the software that supports this function and manages the stored data.

With rising numbers of branch offices, servers and amounts of data, storage needs are continually increasing. Organisations need to invest in systems that will save and back up data. This is where storage software comes in. It performs a threefold task:

• It simplifies control and management of hardware resources (devices and networks).
• It assures backup, archival and recovery of data.
• It takes care of replication and copying of data as it is created or downloaded.

While older systems of storage were more time intensive, the newer ones are more investment intensive. Many new storage software tools aim to reduce the cost of disk-based storage to encourage adoption of the newer technology by all sizes of organisation. Some providers also offer hosted services that are more scalable and affordable for small and medium-sized businesses.

Most storage software solutions rely heavily on hardware options. The ideal combination is a system where the software and hardware work together for an optimal performance and high level of flexibility. Many software storage providers partner with hardware manufacturers such as Dell, IBM, Fujitsu and HP to offer solutions like this. Larger players have acquired storage specialists such as Veritas and StorageTek so that they can offer these services.

This consolidation is not necessarily a bad thing. It means that more established players will offer bundled products that include additional features such as content management systems within the storage software to allow integrated retrieval and archival processes.

With changes in the regulatory and business environment and the growth of your business, you need to select storage software that is optimal for your current needs but can also meet your future ones. Make sure you consider the following areas before purchasing storage software.

• Compatibility with existing hardware: The majority of expenditure on storage is for hardware components and devices. Ensure that your software selection is compatible with the existing hardware and work towards component reusability to keep costs down. All upgrades and new technologies should enhance the use of the currently installed hardware. Many vendors of storage software have partnerships with hardware manufacturers. Make sure that you pick the correct combination and that any new hardware is from a company that has a good support network in your area.
• Compatibility with operating system: Ensure that your chosen software application runs on your existing operating system. Many applications are compatible with multiple platforms. But some applications are restricted. It is best to maintain flexibility by selecting an application that supports multiple operating systems.
• Bundled offerings/integration: The market is moving towards consolidation and many of the established specialist storage vendors are being acquired by larger players. This means that you can expect more feature rich bundled products. Look for security software and content management software that’s integrated or available as a bundled offering.
• Long-term partnership: Look out for companies that are likely to remain in business and that are interested in building a relationship with your organisation. This will allow you to work with the vendor more effectively to find solutions for current problems and potential threats.
• User friendliness: This storage software is technology that the whole organisation will need to deal with at some point, so ensure that your employees are able to cope with it easily. Select a user-friendly and simple user interface.

Summary: A look at the benefits that storage software can bring to your organisation.

The importance of protecting your business data cannot be overstated. Not only is it the intellectual capital and historical record of your business, it is also a mission-critical asset. Storage software can help look after this data and brings benefits in the following areas:

• Compliance with data handling regulations: Changes in the regulatory environment have led to stricter measures for handling data and storing records. Regulations like Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Basel II have increased the need for data integrity and records storage. This is one of the more critical issues today, and storage software can play an important part in ensuring compliance.
• Meeting growing business needs: As your business grows and becomes more complex, systems need to be developed to control and manage information. With a growing number of branch offices within the UK or worldwide, there will be more data and more servers. Centralised storage and retrieval for all this data requires a robust and easy to use system.
• Avoiding legal issues: Businesses needs to have access to past records and files so that they can refer to them in the event of lawsuits or other investigations. Storage systems can ensure that this data does not go unprotected and reduces the chances of losing or misplacing it.
• Maximising investments in storage hardware: As hardware forms the larger portion of investment in the storage sector, companies are loath to change it. The best way to get the most out of existing hardware is by using newer software that is compatible with the hardware.
• Management of the information lifecycle: An emerging area is the management of the data lifecycle, which allows organisations to retain and manage their past data. Many integrated solutions have come on the market that offer content management and other useful features along with simple data storage in order to enhance and simplify the user experience.