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.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 6th, 2008 at 8:58 am and is filed under software. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.