Direct Attached Storage

Direct Attached Storage

Direct Attached Storage - Data Storage Devices

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Direct Attached Storage (DAS)

DAS storage technology is a type of digital storage system. It connects directly to the motherboard on a single device that isn’t shared. Therefore, it can only be accessed by the device that is connected to it, but not over a network or network devices such as hubs, switches, or routers. External methods such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices and external hard drives are also DAS devices, but most of the time, when we refer to DAS devices, we are referring to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs), optical devices, and tape storage. They can be either internal or external.

With internal direct-attached storage solutions, the physical space is limited but the storage mechanisms are located inside the server. With external systems, the disk array interfaces directly to the server with different protocols, like SCSI and Fibre Channel. If higher capacities are needed, external DAS can be expanded for a reasonable cost. In either case, there is no direct connection to any network devices, only the host server attached.

When high performance and large amounts of space are needed, DAS is a great choice. They are also a good choice for enterprises that need simple approach and not networks for sharing.

The cost of DAS systems vary depending on your storage needs. However, they are fairly reasonable in price. A basic DAS setup can be between a few hundred dollars up to more sophisticated systems that run into several thousand dollars.

There are some advantages to DAS. They provide fast access because of the nature of the direct connection doesn’t involve a network. In addition, they are easy to set up and use because internal systems are generally already configured in most purchased devices, and external are considered “plug and play”. This improves overall performance. Finally, they are affordable as they don’t involve additional hardware, software, or technicians to manage or provide IT support.

However, there are a few cons. They have limited scalability and backup is also limited because each device needs to be managed separately. Without networks, they also can’t be easily shared. Additionally, it is more difficult to protect a computer from failure in the event of a crash.

The fact that each computer operates independently leaves it at greater risk for security issues and managing maintenance. This requires in-depth security audits of DAS, including user permissions and resiliency. Patching is also device-specific, so it makes maintenance more challenging, even impacting business continuity with interruptions and downtime.

With so many different options out there today, what will work best for your business? If you are in the market for simple storage solutions that is affordable, DAS may be a great choice for your business. Reach out to JetStor to discuss your needs and possible solutions. We will help you determine what will work best for you. Contact us today for more information.

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