I'm still fuzzy about the differences between the two (EMC & NTAP) in terms of niche
I have been following the two pretty carefully for the last few months. If I had money, it would go into one or both of them. The main difference, from what I know, is that both have similar, but unique nonetheless, storage technologies.
NTAP is in the "NAS" (Network Attached Storage) arena. The cool thing about NAS is that the storage doesn't need to be hooked up to a server. It is a dedicated file server period. You plug your network cable into the NAS and plug the other right into a hub/switch. This is a quick solution that doesn't take a lot of planning (at least compared to SAN [Storage Area Networks]). The downside to this method is that if your network is slow, your access to the files will likewise be slow (I think that's how it works). Many times companies will bring in NAS and upgrade their networks at the same time. I think DownSouth can correct me if I am wrong here.
EMC, OTOH, is big in the SAN area. SAN solutions are hooked up to servers, but they can be hooked up to any type of server (ie *nix, NT, etc.). The problem is that major infrastructure planning has to be done to implement this kind of storage. From what I understand, SAN's are less susceptible to performance degradation due to network lag. They also cost a **_lots_** of cash to buy/maintain.
I think both technologies (and I doubt anyone would disagree) are great areas to invest in. By all means, please correct me if I am wrong folks! Like I said, I'm no expert!
BTW, my school just hooked up a top-of-the-line EMC Enterprise Storage solution over Spring break. It's a beast! ;o)
Justin |
