Computer Support Network

Through the utilization of the new hardware primary and secondary storage are combined into a single backup and disaster recovery device. Nimble Storage, a virtual technology hardware supplier, has launched a new product line that allows primary and secondary storage to be merged in a single iSCSI Array.

The Nimble Storage CS-Series uses SATA and Flash disk drives to combine the two traditionally independent functions. The Nimble CS-Series is the next evolution in iSCSI storage technology and works to improve network efficiency. CS-Series is based on the Cache Accelerated Sequential Layout (CASL), which enables fast inline data compression, intelligent data optimization leveraging flash memory and high-capacity disk, near instant backups, and WAN efficient replication all in a single device. What this means in simple terms is that the CS-Series can cut backup and restore times from hours to mere seconds. In a moment of candor, Vice President of Marketing, Dan Leary was proud to announce the new functionality offered by CASL architecture.

“”Data compresses at different rates so it ends up as variable size blocks. [Using the CASL architecture,] the CS-Series collates variable size blocks and writes out in large, sequential segments so the Flash drives don’t have to perform clean up processes,” said Leary. “This technique provides consistent performance and improves the endurance and lifespan of Flash drives.”

For backups, the Nimble CS-Series provides instant, capacity-optimized snapshots on SATA drives enabling administrators to store 90 days of backups on a single, converged storage and backup device.

While Nimble Storage has pioneered this new technology it is unlikely that they will remain alone in the market for long. Dell EqualLogic dominates the virtual storage market with a hefty 30% market share and has provided many of the industries innovations. Once multi tiered storage becomes widely accepted it will provide plenty of opportunity for competition and innovation that will filter down to benefit customers.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department

2008 saw a huge global trend in Green business awareness. Ecological and social responsibilities are two of the major trends that will be important to your customers and investors this year. More than ever people want to do business with Green companies so take the opportunity to better yourself, your business, and the environment at large.

10. Encourage employee environmentally friendly behavior. Small concessions in employee behavior can make large strides in the long term. Encourage the use of double sided photocopies, turn off idle computer monitors, and reuse company resources such notepaper and paperclips.

9. Take part in an office recycling program. Most paper and plastic products can be recycled and many print cartridges can be refilled or exchanged for a fraction of the cost of buying new ones.

8. Promote Public Transportation. Private vehicles are one greatest producers of pollution and are largely unnecessary for most day to day tasks.

7. Donate used office equipment. Many cities and neighborhoods have charitable organizations that will pick up unused hardware and furniture. As an added benefit many of these organizations will save you money through the reduction of expensive waste removal. And in most cases your donation is tax deductable.

6. Partner with local Suppliers. The use of local suppliers will not only cut down on emissions from transportation costs but will often benefit you with cheaper prices once a relationship is formed.

5. Promote natural resources. Rearrange office space to benefit from natural light and airflow. Natural light will reduce your heat bills in winter and reduce the number of required light fixtures in your building. Likewise proper airflow will cut down on heating costs in winter.

4. Use water conservation plumbing fixtures. Water faucet aerators and low-flow toilets will reduce the amount of waste water your business produces and reduce your water rent.

3. Install automatic sensors for equipment and lighting features. 30% of the energy bills of large businesses come from lighting fixtures used in unoccupied areas such as parking garages and stairwells.

2. Make use of energy efficient hardware. Modern LCD monitors use a fraction of the energy that older CRT displays used and have become cheap enough that there is no reason not to make use of them. Most new computers also make use of energy efficient components and feature energy conservation options.

1. Adopt a Virtual Storage Solution. With a carbon foot print larger than the airline industry the Data Centers of the United States are the most wasteful component of modern business. Virtualized storage consolidates and centralizes your business storage into energy efficient, modular, and easy to maintain hardware. Beyond the Green initiative a Virtual Storage Solution will also reduce overall IT labor expenses by 40%.

While this list is geared towards large businesses many of the steps can be undertaken by smaller companies or even individuals. Even the smallest Green effort can make a huge impact over time for both the environment and the economy.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department

Earlier this month IT Computer Support of New York ran an article in our newsletter about the benefits of a green business. While it might seem like a contradiction to devote resources into Green Technology to save money it really isn’t. Innovations in hardware technology have made it not only efficient but impractical not to take advantage of Green Technology.

Most people associate a Green Business plan with radical ideas about resource management and conservation but this is just one possibility. Small steps to reinvent your business are almost always the most efficient course of action. Since the cost of energy increase yearly it is a good place to start. Evaluate your current monthly electricity bill; this should also include heating/cooling costs for keeping hardware operational. When you compile this number for twelve months you should have a better understanding of just how costly old hardware upkeep can be.

Innovations in recent years have reduced the size of computers and storage devices while improving energy efficiency. Along with the base benefit of all around better hardware you reduce operational costs of all systems in your office network. Perhaps the best example of this would be iSCSI SAN technology which has a much smaller upkeep foot print than traditional storage area network technology. iSAN technology makes use of the basic philosophy of Virtualization. Simplify operation and increase operational output.

Ecological responsibility is not just a publicity stunt any longer and can have real beneficial effects on your business and the environment in general.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department

ITCSNY started construction on their new iSCSI SAN Virtual Storage Solutions Website some time ago and we have been working to build up the programs to support it. The final step for us has been to issue a formal press release, which went out earlier this week.

“New York, NY (PRWEB) January 14, 2009 — IT Computer Support of New York is proud to announce the launch of their iSCSI SAN Virtual Storage Solutions website. ITCSNY has partnered with Dell and EqualLogic to become a certified provider of iSCSI SAN (iSAN ™) Virtual Storage Technology. iSAN™ Architecture is a new technology that will protect your past and future IT investments.”

iSCSI SAN architecture is something we believe strongly about as both a money saving asset and as a productivity enhancer. Deferred IT resources can cause serious problems for a business in the long run and that’s where the technology can help you most. The one time investment in iSAN hardware will save your business money each month in manpower and utilities. As a long term investment you will also save money down the road when it comes time to upgrade. The modular design makes upgrades and further upkeep simple and efficient.

The feedback we have received so far is very reassuring, with interest in our new partnerships. This technology can offer you new possibilities regardless of the size of your business. We are glad that so far this message has been accepted by many and hope that it continues to grow as time goes on.
If there is anything you would like to know about iSAN Storage Solutions please ask and be sure to check out our new website.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department

IT Computer Support of New York is proud to announce the launch of our iSCSI SAN Virtual Storage Solutions website. ITCSNY has partnered with Dell and EqualLogic to become a certified provider of iSAN ™ Virtual Storage Technology. All of us here at IT Computer Support of New York have been working hard to supply our clients with the opportunity to benefit from this technology so this launch marks the culmination of many weeks of work.

iSCSI SAN Virtual Storage Server Architecture is a money-saving asset for your current and future business expansion. With iSCSI SAN technology you can save 40-70% of your hardware, maintenance and upgrade expenses while reducing the total number of servers you need to keep onsite. iSAN ™ technology is compatible with current and future Server Architecture and makes disaster recovery fast and efficient.

iSCSI SAN technology is an evolution of Fiber SAN technology. While Fiber SAN technology had compelling reliability, performance and capabilities, the expense made it justifiable only to very large companies. iSCSI SAN technology has greater capabilities but is offered at a price that makes it a compelling, cost-effective solution to small and midsized companies.

iSCSI SAN architecture is a Disruptive Technology that is set to revolutionize the way network hardware is handled. Take advantage of ISAN™ hardware now, before it becomes the norm, and you will bring your company ahead of the technology curve and reap the benefits while the rest of your industry attempts to catch up.

If you have any questions about our iSAN™ solutions visit our new site on the web or contact us here.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department

Earlier this year in August IT Computer Support of New York ran an article in our newsletter on the pros and cons of Disruptive Technology. The overall consensus was that while it is important to research a new technology before jumping into a major change it is vital to adapt when the time is right. For the last couple months ITCSNY has been building a greater working partnership with Dell and we believe that it is now that time.

iSCSI SAN technology promises to revolutionize the way network hardware is handled. The Dell EqualLogic virtualized iSCSI SAN is an automated platform that combines easy to use administrative controls with a rapid setup time. Traditional server environments have always been held back by the hardware limitations on the size and versatility of components. If your network server exhausted all of its free space there was little alternative to buying a new piece of hardware and hope to limit downtime.

iSCSI SAN servers offer a liberating alternative to the problems posed by old technology. Whereas traditional servers were stand alone units, iSCSI SAN hardware is modular and easily upgraded. When a company has grown large enough to require a new fileserver upgrading is as simple as purchasing a new iSCSI box and plugging it into your preexisting system. Best of all iSCSI servers are backwards compatible with your current network file servers. The benefit of this is you will be able to keep your network systems up and running while your files are being migrated over to new server environment.

iSCSI SAN technology is poised to disrupt the current hardware hierarchy by offering cheaper more flexible solutions to data storage. All businesses regardless of size can benefit from this disruptive technology. With cheaper hardware, more versatility, and drastically reduced downtime there is no reason NOT to consider an iSCSI solution. If you would to learn more about iSCSI SAN visit our webpage or contact us.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department