NetApp Storage Area Networks (SAN)

Storage Area Network (SAN) is a separate, independent array of high-speed storage devices. A SAN device is a dedicated system that contains disks for storing information. This is unlike a typical computer which has been designed to carry out a number of different functions. As a result, a SAN enables the servers within a network to be used for running applications and processing data, not for storing large amounts of information.

A SAN is therefore more powerful than a typical network as the servers do not need to be used to search and provide information to the users, and the capacity of servers does not need to be increased when further storage is required. A SAN is designed in such a way that the information stored on it can be accessed by all servers via the Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN). This means that all users can access information extremely easily.

Storage area networks typically use a fibre channel, which is a high speed method that storage devices uses to communicate with each other. As a result, storing and retrieving information is extremely fast. In summary, a storage area network is a completely independent storage system from a company's servers, making the storage generally available across a network.

NetApp is one of the worlds leaders is SAN innovation. Powering some of the biggest content delivery networks (the networks that store you webmail, your shared photos, your shared video etc.) NetApp offer high performance solutions for less than their major competitors. With integration endorsements from the likes of VMWare, Citrix, Microsoft & Oracle you can be assured that compatibility is a given.

For more information about NetApp and consolidated storage solutions please click here.

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Telephone Support
Telephone support contracts offer unlimited assistance via telephone or remote access to assist you with resolving system failures. This will include Network operating systems, hardware and any software applications. We will then offer as much constructive advice as possible in order to help resolve the problem.

Systems Support
Systems support contracts offer all the benefits of a telephone based contract with the addition of preventative maintenance visits. These visits are designed to detect problems before they occur and reduce overall down time throughout the year, the days on which the visits are made are flexible and may be moved to suit you. These days may also be used to undertake any further work required, s uch as installations or resolution of system failure. The amount of visits within any contract can be tailored to your requirements.

Disaster Recovery
Disaster Recovery is available as an additional service to any support contract.

In the event of a business critical system failure we will:-

• Log details of the failure type & diagnose what has failed.
• Arrange for any hardware or software to be collected on the way to your site.
• Attend site - Restore business critical applications on like for like hardware if a suitable replacement is not available.
• Restore non-business critical applications and all other peripheral devices e.g. printers, modems, sound cards etc.
• Present a summary of systems failure for insurance or reference purposes.

Disaster Recovery response can be provided on a 24x7 basis and once our team are on site we will not leave until the systems are restored to working order.

Hardware Maintenance
Hardware maintenance contracts can run concurrently with any support contract or as a stand alone service. These contracts can be based around 2 hour, 4 hour or 8 hour response times depending on the location and nature of the equipment to be maintained.

Application Support
Application support contracts are available for off the shelf style products and bespoke applications. The contracts can include routine maintenance, hosting of applications, resolution of application failures, cosmetic changes and even redevelopment programs.