• Unlike with direct-attached storage, applications matter
• What applications will benefit the most?
– What information needs justify the added cost and complexity of a SAN?
– What data should remain on less costly server-attached SCSI devices?
Some applications will benefit more from the SAN: OLTP or enterprise applications Data warehousing/data mining Imaging or media production Content distribution
Remember that the SAN solution is designed to accommodate the needs of the applications—not vice-versa.