Windows NT Clustered Storage Solutions for Enterprise Computing
Richard R. Lee · 1998
The vast majority of all high-performance storage subsystems in the field today rely on the use of proprietary high-end computing platforms and OS’s to act as a data server, e.g., IBM RS/6000, SGI Power Challenge, Sun Ultra Enterprise, etc.. These are characterized as Server Centric and require large server CPU’s to meet end-user data demands, e.g., UniTree, FileServ, etc. In addition to Storage Centric systems, there are a small, but growing number of sites that are beginning to utilize a distributed/high-speed switched architecture, e.g., HPSS. These are referred to as Network Attached and utilize expensive and exotic storage devices and switching fabrics to meet end-user data demands. These too rely on the use of proprietary CPU’s and OS’s to act as “data movers”, e.g., IBM SP/2. As data demand requirements continue to increase (some 60%+ CAGR) the need for truly distributed, low-cost, non-proprietary, high-performance storage subsystems will become more critical. In fact, many analysts, including this author believe that the solution to this challenge is key to the continued growth of computing across the enterprise. One such solution that capitalizes on both the lessons learned from Server Centric and Network Attached storage subsystems, as well as taking advantage of low-cost, scalable, and open computing platforms is based upon the use of the emerging enterprise OS – Windows NT. Overview Windows NT is quickly maturing into a true enterprise OS, addressing all of the needs and requirements that such a term connotes. One of the key recent developments contributing towards the maturation of Windows NT has been the addition of clustering for both scalability and reliability increases. Clustering will provide over time the ability to incrementally scale up any computing environment to meet end-user demand, along with supporting true fault-tolerance for maximum reliability. The cornerstone to success in clustering will be the storage subsystem centrally located within it. After all, when the final assessment is made, all that any of these architectures do is provide more reliability and higher availability of the single most important asset of the enterprise, “its data.” NT Clustered Storage Solutions Storage options for Windows NT today run the entire gamut, from disk arrays and JBOD to tape drives and libraries to optical drives and jukeboxes. All of these are connected via