Storage Virtualization

Data storage server virtualization is simply a set of data storage technologies that can create an abstraction layer between logical storage and physical storage of a computer.It has the advantage that it reduces the complexity of data storage these days.It helps to create an interface between applications and original storage.It will reduce cost of data storage.It will reduce the manual interaction of data center professionals and thus reducing the expenditure.It also provides open standards so that data centers will not be dependent on a specific hardware vendor.Data replication, SANs and other storage implementations can also be made independent of vendors.
Virtualization Today
* IBM : IBM has introduced a SAN controller that do all the difficult SAN management functions that should be performed. The entire IBM data server virtualization solution is called ‘Total Storage’,which really has a promizing future.
* EMC: EMC , the largest leader focussed in the data storage space offers a data storage server virtualization solution known as ‘Information Lifecycle Management’.It rocks Windows Platforms with VMWare a really well equiped and robust virtualization environment.
* VMware: VMware,a subsidiary of EMC, is rthe emerging leader in virtualization market by innovation into almost true storage virtualization products. The VMWare Workstation product,is a great innovation in the data storage space,which might change the world we live.
* HP: HP has introduced some data storage server virtualization solutions based on an ‘Enterprise Network Storage Architecture’,which offer superior performance and stability with reduced costs.

General Layout of a VIrtual Storage