Why the Citrix/XenSource union is good for storage, Part 1

Storage in the Enterprise This newsletter is sponsored by DataDirect Networks Storage Solutions that Enable Semiconductor Design for Manufacturing (DFM) EDA tools used for DFM are helping overcome the physical challenges associated with producing semiconductors based on complex designs using nanometer technologies. However, the tools are only as good as the storage systems upon which they rely. An S2A-based storage system enables the swift, reliable operation of these leading edge DFM tools and the machines used for photomask production, assuring faster time to market with reduced risks. Network World's Storage in the Enterprise Newsletter, 08/21/07 Why the Citrix/XenSource union is good for storage, Part 1 By Deni Connor Citrix’s acquisition of server virtualization vendor XenSource is good from a storage standpoint. Let me explain why. XenSource’s XenEnterprise v4 incorporates a number of storage technologies, including support for snapshotting and pooled storage. XenEnterprise supports all forms of locally-attached storage, as well as shared networked storage. In XenEnterprise, storage is abstracted through a common component called storage repository. Storage repository is a pluggable component - there's an API through which users can plug in storage repositories dynamically. “The architecture of XenEnterprise gives it access to a much broader range of storage configurations for clustered hosts than VMware supports,” says Simon Crosby, CTO of XenSource. “When VMware does clustering or resource pooling they use clustering based on Fibre Channel and a clustered file system called VMFS, which is proprietary.” That gives VMware a global name space, says Crosby, and a way to expose storage to a wide range of host computers in the infrastructure. Network World Storage Buyer's Guide Find the right products for your enterprise - fast. From a tape library to an on-line backup service to a complete, drop-it-in-place SAN Solution, check out this Buyer's guide. With over 200 products divided into specific categories, you can conduct side-by-side comparisons and make the best decision for your enterprise. Click here to go to the Storage Buyer's Guide now. XenEnterprise supports a partnership with Symantec, which will be in a .1 release of XenEnterprise later this year. XenEnterprise also supports a global name space using a Network File System share. The pluggable API supports calling out to any kind of repository that would support thin provisioning, snapshotting, backup or virtual disk images. In the case of software, XenEnterprise uses the Microsoft hard disk file or through raw block storage that supports those functions directly. A XenEnterprise v4 license lists for $2,500, plus $500 per month for technical support.   What do you think? Post a comment on this newsletter

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Contact the author: Deni Connor is senior editor for Network World magazine covering storage, archiving and compliance, IT in healthcare, Novell and data center-related issues. E-mail Deni.   This newsletter is sponsored by DataDirect Networks Storage Solutions that Enable Semiconductor Design for Manufacturing (DFM) EDA tools used for DFM are helping overcome the physical challenges associated with producing semiconductors based on complex designs using nanometer technologies. However, the tools are only as good as the storage systems upon which they rely. An S2A-based storage system enables the swift, reliable operation of these leading edge DFM tools and the machines used for photomask production, assuring faster time to market with reduced risks. ARCHIVE Archive of the Storage in the Enterprise Newsletter. BONUS FEATURE IT PRODUCT RESEARCH AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Get detailed information on thousands of products, conduct side-by-side comparisons and read product test and review results with Network World’s IT Buyer’s Guides. Find the best solution faster than ever with over 100 distinct categories across the security, storage, management, wireless, infrastructure and convergence markets. Click here for details. PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered to your inbox each day. Extend your knowledge with a print subscription to the Network World newsweekly, Apply here today. International subscribers, click here. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World newsletter, change your e-mail address or contact us, click here. This message was sent to: networking.world@gmail.com. Please use this address when modifying your subscription. Advertising information: Write to Associate Publisher Online Susan Cardoza Network World, Inc., 118 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772 Copyright Network World, Inc., 2007