• Determine business needs and requirements: – Scalability – Availability – Connectivity
• Learn the capabilities of the technologies: – Hardware makes SANs possible – Software makes SANs happen
• Match requirements with technologies: – Avoid being too specific too soon
– Choose technologies after completing the assessment
Storage Growth per Application
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000
0 12 Predicted Growth in 18 months
CAE CAD EDM Office SAP
Defining a clear set of objectives is the first step: Start with needs and requirements. Assess the possibilities. Allow needs and requirements to drive technology selection. Keep in mind that the customer’s objectives might change during the assessment phase.
Consider a phased engagement that allows room for changes. The goal is to provide benefits to the enterprise, not to build a SAN.