SAN (Storage Area Network)
A storage area network (SAN) is defined as a set of interconnected devices (for example disks and tapes) and servers that are connected to a common communication and data transfer infrastructure such as Fibre Channel. The common communication and data transfer mechanism for a given deployment is commonly known as the storage fabric. The purpose of the SAN is to allow multiple servers access to a pool of storage in which any server can potentially access any storage unit. Clearly in this environment, management plays a large role in providing security guarantees (who is authorized to access which devices) and sequencing or serialization guarantees (who can access which devices at what point in time).
NAS (Network Attached Storage)
NAS is a class of dedicated hard disk-based storage devices. Rather than storing data on disks within a server, a NAS device provides users with additional disk storage available to LAN users through a standard network connection. In most cases, a NAS device (or NAS server) receives an IP address, connects to the LAN through an Ethernet cable, and resides on the LAN as an independent network device. NAS devices can also be included as part of a SAN. Although IP is the most common protocol, NAS products frequently support other network protocols.
Home Network Storage Solutions
Medium Business Network Storage Solutions
HP ProLiant DL100 (Data Protection \ Storage Server)
HP ProLiant ML310 (Data Protection \ Storage Server)
HP ProLiant ML350 (Data Protection \ Storage Server)