StorageX

When I first checked out storagex, it looks like a brand version of Microsofts Distributed File System. "Why use the free product, when I can spend thousands of dollars on another matter?" I Fanji thinking to myself. Storagex readers know a little better, even though I realized that initial impression is the base for the foreseeable future.

With Windows Distributed File System ( DFS), you set a single starting point for all network file access? DFS root. You can In addition, the association with a single mapping drives, for your users. The DFS root and include links to all Other sharing of network resources, allowing users and the application alone starting point. 1 # 160 single, logical point of access network resources, you will be free to move data to different physical locations, will not affect the users on the network.

Microsofts rating document 10% 10 installed 10% 10 Feature Set 40% on the 9th performance of 30% on the 9th Management 10% on the 9th overall rating: 9.2 ????????????????? receive ratings of 9.0 or above, this products earned Microsoft Most Valuable Product Award.

key: 1: almost impossible to use or does not exist 5 : On average, full implementation of 10: Special all you need to modify is connected to the root of DFS said that the actual location of points on the network. And DFS, you can also the establishment of copies each DFS link, which lets you automatically provide fault-tolerant, a Group logical point of contact replication of data stored in two or more physical locations. Using redundant links, could also provide the following advantages: you can take down file servers for maintenance without affecting users.

running on the backup server backup copy target in the DFS level, you have more flexibility with your backup window.

network infrastructure is more resilient to system failure.

far more than the DFS core operation storagex function like the DFS , but much storagex concessions. DFS storagex adaptation of the beginning of what, known as global namespace. Global name space using Microsofts existing DFS technology and provides the same transparent access to shared files. Customer connectivity sharing is transparent to the network redirected to an actual physical server. Apart from the document visit storagex management and reporting features, I was really sold. First, in storagex management user interface (UI), you can view your storage resources, from physical or logical vision. Logical view (see Figure 1) show that sharing storage resources, with a tree in the form of connecting customers. Physical View (Figure 2), let you view and manage the physical storage topography.

Figure 1. The storagex logical view lists your shared storage in a very easy to understand format. (Click image View larger version).

Figure 2. Physics perspective, you look at your storage terrain, and provide management tools. (Click image View larger version).

get started deployment storagex is very simple. I appear in the installation CD-ROM and install the product on my designated DFS root server? This is it. If I choose to root servers and the second fault-tolerant, but I will only repeat the installation process.

Storagex support both independent and based on Domain DFS root, and Network Appliance, Inc. sponsored the root of the record. Storagex your logic, the grass-roots organization under a single global name space. It supports configuration of the DFS taken root, a better server clustering, which is useful.

My next task is to Configuration DFS root. What is particularly deep impression, I am here storagex including a "name space to create policy," characteristics. This automatically search the Internet stocks and the names of space filled on the basis of that stock. If you have an existing DFS structure is not in place, there is no need reinvent the wheel, because storagex can detect, too. Storagex and find so many on my test network, I was considering the possibility of using it in my garage searching for a few missing tools.

Run, it will be relatively simple New DFS root Wizard and a name in the space created by the policy, I have my entire file system and logical configuration online for a few minutes. If I start from scratch and create a new file-sharing and DFS hierarchy, I think it has set up a folder tree view of the logical part of the UI. With the logical view, I would have added links to the physical servers on my network. The storagex the UI works like Windows Explorer, so it is easy to Add folder, and connected to the global name space.

I also like the fact that Chinas only software installed on the root servers. Agents have to install any other server network. Root servers , both support cifs and NFS shares, allows users to easily connect to Windows and Unix / Linux file servers. From doubt.

To believe storagex administrative concept (Figure 3) is a Enlightenment. From here you can run copies of the work as scheduled copy the link between the (folder and the same logic goal, but with a variety of physical locations), all without without installing any agent on the target system.

Figure 3. The view, let you store timetable replication tasks. (Click image View larger version).

and disaster recovery policies, you can link "br> storagex one of the main monitoring server, and automatically failed to reserve a servo - When it detects a failure. The product of immigration policy to allow you on the mental and physical data from the server lost control of the space to another server. Once completed this, the link automatically updated to reflect the new physics storage sites. Storagex archived immigration policy, let your archive files to replace the storage is based on the standards, such as last visit, size and age.

Storagex also several reports, you in the night as scheduled, weekly or monthly basis. These reports provide detailed the status of the same function, a copy of every night, so you can quickly see if you have a copy link synchronization. In fact, the software installed in a box allows you to do all this at the same time, manage your file system storage in your network is considerable.

With this positive experience in managing files stake, I have decided to look at storagex I can manage all the information, in addition to sharing cifs and NFS file system. Provide end-to end-to-end protection, I was looking for, storagex will have to be with these two file systems and databases Unfortunately, the reality does not. NuView representative said, database support, in the companys future plans. First step to recovery the first step on the road to recovery, it is admit that you have a problem in the first place. If your organization has a mix of goods unmanageable files scattered shares, you have a problem.

That in mind, the file management logic that storagex gifts can be just treatment, you need people. Your users will no longer need to remember, if a document is in order to access it. All these need to know is that the location of the root storagex global name space, you can automate them mapping drive, it is just like any other network sharing. Some thoughtful take into account management tools to support a product, you can fully deploy in a few hours, storagex help you steps toward simple.

This is a breath of fresh air in the storage market, which has become increasingly complex in recent years.

Now, if only to find those missing storagex tools I garage ...