Disk array

HP EVA4400 storage array, consisting of 2U controller enclosure (top) and 4 2U disk shelves

Typically a disk array provides increased availability, resiliency, and maintainability by using existing components (controllers, power supplies, fans, etc.), often up to the point where all single points of failure (SPOFs) are eliminated from the design. Additionally, disk array components are often hot-swappable.

Typically, disk arrays are divided into categories:

• Network attached storage (NAS) arrays
• Storage area network (SAN) arrays:
  • Modular SAN arrays
  • Monolithic SAN arrays
  • Utility Storage Arrays
• Storage virtualization

Primary vendors of storage systems include Coraid, Inc., DataDirect Networks, Dell, EMC Corporation, Hewlett-Packard, Hitachi Data Systems, IBM, Infortrend, NetApp, Oracle Corporation, Panasas and other companies that often act as OEMs for the above vendors and do not themselves market the storage components they manufacture.

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