Sun Microsystems has announced new storage software, systems and utility pricing options that simplify the management of data throughout its lifecycle. This includes the Sun Utility Computing for StorEdge Solution which allows companies to 'rent' storage resources on annual fee-based terms.
Says Jan Dry, regional technology and solutions manager at Sun Microsystems SA: "Storage is viewed as a utility purchase for many organisations. These new announcements represent Sun's efforts to create a utility model for scalable and available 'pay-for-use' storage solutions, while delivering high levels of manageability in the imminently available enterprise-class Sun StorEdge data services platform."
The vendor has also revealed an enhanced version of its policy-based file management system that provides Information Lifecycle Management (ILM) support and two new Sun StorEdge systems that provide simple, adaptable and expandable storage options; one based on Serial ATA (SATA) technology, the other a universal boot device.
"Sun is signalling its intent to change forever the way storage is architected, implemented and managed; Network Services will apply as much to storage as they do to wireless networks," he says.
Dry explains that the first step to creating an ILM architecture is matching the class of storage to the application environment to deliver more predictability, flexibility and manageability. "Enterprise computing is moving from a fixed to a flexible pricing and management model. This trend forms a part of our broader Information Lifecycle Management strategy, which Sun believes will create new revenue opportunities for service providers and its global network of partners.
As a pay-for-use storage solution, Sun Utility Computing for StorEdge Systems delivers storage capacity when it is needed at an attractive, predictable price.
The cornerstone of the solution is the Sun StorEdge 9980, a storage system that delivers high levels of performance, scalability and capacity for large data centre-class environments. Pricing is based on Sun StorEdge Power Units starting at USD$0.02 per megabyte per year - at current exchange rates, that's around R0.13.
"The Sun StorEdge 'Power Unit' is a combination of hardware and software infrastructure and associated services, including all installation services, support, the Sun StorEdge management portal and essential software licenses. With this model, businesses pay only for storage capacity consumed, so large up-front capital IT expenditures for both hardware and software are eliminated, and additional cost benefits are realised through the asset management provided by this solution," explains Dry.
He says organisations using the storage utility pricing model will spend up to three times less versus the costs normally associated with either leasing or purchasing and maintaining the physical storage asset over the course of a three-year period.
"Truly understanding the customers' data centre environment and the business drivers impacting it are key to a successful product delivery strategy for any vendor," says Randy Kerns, senior partner of the Evaluator Group. "With its storage Utility Computing model, Sun is addressing the need to reduce cost and complexity in the data centre while adding a new level of flexibility and a predictable cost structure."
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