Gartner Research

Best Practices for Software-Defined Storage Implementation

Published: 11 September 2015

ID: G00271981

Analyst(s): Angelina Troy

Summary

Software-defined storage is an emerging technology that addresses specific pain points. Two types of SDS target different use cases by either providing storage services or coordinating the delivery of other storage services. This document outlines best practices for implementing either type of SDS.

Table Of Contents

Synopsis

Analysis

  • What Is Software-Defined Storage?
    • The Seven Attributes of Software-Defined Storage
  • Software-Defined Storage Benefits
    • Infrastructure SDS Benefit: Address Growth and Deployment Pain
    • Infrastructure SDS Benefit: Introducing Commodity Storage
    • Management SDS Benefit: Unify Storage Management Practices
    • Management SDS Benefit: Improve Focus on Application Service Delivery
  • Software-Defined Storage Obstacles
    • Infrastructure SDS Obstacle: Solution Viability
    • Infrastructure SDS Obstacle: Software and Semantic Lock-In
    • Management SDS Obstacle: Product Integration and Interoperability
    • Management SDS Obstacle: Staff Skill Sets and Management Practices
  • Identify Pain Points
  • Choose One Pain Point to Address
  • Dedicate Time to Research
  • Reconcile With Upcoming Initiatives
  • Lay Out a Multiyear SDS Adoption Plan

Conclusion

Gartner Recommended Reading

©2021 Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and its affiliates. This publication may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without Gartner’s prior written permission. It consists of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization, which should not be construed as statements of fact. While the information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, Gartner disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. Although Gartner research may address legal and financial issues, Gartner does not provide legal or investment advice and its research should not be construed or used as such. Your access and use of this publication are governed by Gartner’s Usage Policy. Gartner prides itself on its reputation for independence and objectivity. Its research is produced independently by its research organization without input or influence from any third party. For further information, see Guiding Principles on Independence and Objectivity.

Already have a Gartner Account?

Log In

Become a client

Learn how to access this content as a Gartner client.