goes behind the storage abstractions

Clark gives straightforward explanations of the issues involved in storage virtualisation. He shows that there are various ways to present to an operating system or user data storage capacities. In a functionally abstract manner, that permits a modular architectural design. This abstraction is crucial in giving a simple and logical view of the memory or disk. So that the applications level developer need only deal on a very simple level with read and write to the medium.

But Clark does more than just present this from the developer's viewpoint. He takes us deeper into how the actual hardware might be arranged. Perhaps in a virtualised mirroring setup, to cite one of his examples. He also goes into the idea behind a SAN server. Where essentially you might imagine a fast, dedicated computer sitting on your network. Whose only purpose is to provide massive data storage, simply accessible.

Plus, tape drives are also considered, in various configurations with SAN servers. Clark demonstrates that there is indeed an important place for tape drives. Not extinct yet, despite the claims of some disk vendors. A tape is often the most economical medium for archival storage.

If you manage a network of devices, then the book gives you a good education in what issues to consider, when deciding on storage.

Other Reviews

• Good book to learn the basics
• A good summary of storage virtualization
• goes behind the storage abstractions
• Very well written intro to storage virtualization
• Tom Clark Clarifies Storage Virtualization Very Well!