• Implementation of network storage is often a long-range effort:
– It involves careful definition, assessment, planning, testing, and follow-up
– This is particularly true with SAN solutions
• The customer might be wary of pushing the envelope too far, too fast
• You should be too...
When planning a comprehensive storage networking solution, be sure to: Clearly define the business requirements—and plan for the future. Thoroughly assess: The existing storage infrastructure The impact on the LAN/WAN infrastructure The impact on existing management frameworks Consider the entire information life-cycle. Allow time to design and execute a rigorous testing plan. Plan to monitor and tune the solution on an ongoing basis. Most importantly, make sure that the project is a team effort that involves people at many levels of the organization.
Broadening the scope of the requirements-gathering process might delay the final rollout, but it will ensure that the project is viewed as a success at all levels.