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W H I T E P A P E R
i S C S I : N e t w o r k e d S t o r a g e W i t h o u t t h e P a i n
Sponsored by: Adaptec
Robert C. Gray
January 2004
I N T R O D U C T I O N
iSCSI builds on the 25-year experience curve and maturity of Ethernet and IP
networking. iSCSI permits companies to treat server I/O as just another application on
the message/data network. Potentially (and in the most favorable case) it allows
companies to gain the benefits of storage area networks (SANs) by applying unused
portions of IP/Ethernet switches. IT staffs require minimal training beyond their
current IP proficiency to gain SAN competency. Moreover, IP-based SANs mean the
possibility of remote block storage from any location with a sufficient IP connection.
If you are paying increasing attention to your server storage, then it is probably time
to begin contemplating an external storage consolidation strategy. In the past, such a
strategy frequently started with the provisioning of dedicated network attached
storage (NAS) file servers. With the advent of iSCSI technology, there are stronger
values and return on investment (ROI) from starting with an iSCSI-based SAN. For
this document, IDC spoke with IT managers who are directly responsible for the
selection and deployment of iSCSI within their organizations. The case studies in this
white paper demonstrate how iSCSI fulfilled companies' requirements and met their
new challenges.
I S C S I M A R K E T S U M M A R Y
IDC interviewed more than 1,400 organizations as the iSCSI specification approval
process was nearing conclusion, but before suppliers could put iSCSI products in
users hands. The research indicates a pent-up demand among users for the benefits
of iSCSI. Based on this primary research, IDC developed a detailed worldwide
forecast for iSCSI adoption (see Figure 1). In 2003 and 2004, growth is throttled by a
limited product set of storage target arrays from suppliers. When that bottleneck
breaks in late 2004, IDC expects a rapid growth in the purchase of iSCSI products.
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Summary of Contents for IDC Adaptec iSCSI
- Page 1 (see Figure 1). In 2003 and 2004, growth is throttled by a limited product set of storage target arrays from suppliers. When that bottleneck breaks in late 2004, IDC expects a rapid growth in the purchase of iSCSI products.
- Page 2 W H A T I T M E A N S T O U S E R S Periodically a new way of doing something is so different, yet improved, that it changes everything. IDC, in following Clayton Christensen's definition in his book The Innovator's Dilemma, refers to such a technology as a disruptive technology. In the past, mini–steel mills disrupted the integrated steel producers and hydraulic...
- Page 3 Ethernet/IP Time Time Source: IDC, 2004 Today, iSCSI complements Fibre Channel; it is ideal for situations in which Fibre Channel is excessive for basic needs. W H E N D I R E C T A T T A C H E D S E R V E R S T O R A G E...
- Page 4 Fibre Channel–based technology as inhibitors to adoption. Moreover, the integration of a new networking technology (Fibre Channel) was a barrier. Interestingly, the vast majority of large organizations already have SANs. We found very few that did not. #3885 ©2004 IDC...
- Page 5 IDC expects iSCSI to cost less, feature more benefits, and use familiar Ethernet as the interconnecting media. Clearly, the rollout of iSCSI will accelerate SAN adoption by bringing SAN benefits to a complementary set of applications and organizations. We also asked what benefits drew those already using SAN to adopt the technology.
- Page 6 Fibre Channel SANs. Tens of thousands of Fibre Channel–based SANs have proven the concept of shared, network storage to deliver on the value of simplified storage management and improved and more uniform backup to high-end open systems environments. #3885 ©2004 IDC...
- Page 7 CPU normally has when TCP traffic is high. Although intelligent TOE host bus adapters/network interface cards (HBA/NICs) will add to cost, IDC believes they will be needed on only the high-end portion of the market. ! Capacity-optimized disks (e.g., SATA). In recent years, the relaxed...
- Page 8 The final consideration that makes iSCSI the best choice for engineering is block storage over Gig-E. Speed and time to market are essential #3885 ©2004 IDC...
- Page 9 IP-based SANs change that landscape and bring SAN benefits to smaller organizations and departments that were previously cut off from the benefits. However, this change means that companies must put attention on storage needs and separate storage investments from server purchases. ©2004 IDC #3885...
- Page 10 C o p y r i g h t N o t i c e External Publication of IDC Information and Data — Any IDC information that is to be used in advertising, press releases, or promotional materials requires prior written approval from the appropriate IDC Vice President or Country Manager.
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