ABSTRACTION
A method of hiding the complexity of underlying systems from the user. In storage virtualization, an abstraction layer is used to present disparate resources as a single pool.
FABRIC
The connections, switches and cabling that make up a network for access to
storage devices.
FIBRE CHANNEL
The dominant fabric for storage area network usage. A high-speed transport technology transmitting at up to 2.12 Gbps.
NAS
Network attached storage — a self-contained storage device connected to a local area network.
NEARLINE STORAGE
Storage of data on removeable media in a jukebox or carousel, making it more readily accessible than data stored offline.
OFFLINE STORAGE
Storage of data on archived media not connected to the network.
ONLINE STORAGE
Storage of data on an immediately accessible network device.
SAN
Storage area network — a network of storage devices discrete from the enterprise’s core local area network.
STORAGE VIRTUALIZATION
Presentation of storage resources as a single pool regardless of their physical location. Can be done at the server, array or appliance level.