* Standardizing across data center areas

By Andreas M. Antonopoulos, Network World, 08/02/05

On the road to a flexible data center, there are four major steps: consolidation, standardization, virtualization and utility. In this article, we will examine the challenges and implications of embarking on the second step: standardization.

Standardize storage, using technologies such as SAN and NAS gateways. Instead of deploying separate SAN and NAS islands, you can use NAS gateways to translate SAN blocks into file-based virtual storage. Create a team dedicated to storage, across all business units. The storage team can develop a roadmap for migrating existing storage “islands” into standardized SAN-based pools.