7 Ways DAS Storage Can Boost Your Workflow

Data storage is essential for any modern business. With the ever-increasing volume of data being generated daily, it's important to have robust and scalable storage solutions in place. Direct-attached storage is a cost-effective option that can streamline your workflows and boost productivity.

Employees need fast access to large files, whether in the office or remotely. AI and ML workloads require massive datasets for model training that must be stored and retrieved rapidly. Edge and IoT applications generate terabytes of data daily that must be captured and analyzed in real-time. DAS is uniquely positioned to support these modern, performance-intensive workflows through its low-latency, high-throughput design.

In this blog post, we'll explore seven key ways that DAS storage can enhance your workflow.

1. Faster Access to Critical Files

DAS connects storage devices directly to servers without requiring additional network switches or infrastructure. This direct connection provides lightning-fast access to data compared to networked storage alternatives. When critical files are stored on a high-performance storage array, employees can open, edit, and save files in mere seconds.

For workflows that involve frequent access to large media files like video, graphics, or 3D assets, the speed of this storage is invaluable. Employees spending less time waiting for files to load means more time for productive work. Direct-attached 10GbE or faster connections eliminate bottlenecks so your creative teams can fly through iterations and deliver projects on deadline.

2. Simplified Backup and Disaster Recovery

Compared to networked storage, DAS system backups are simpler to configure and execute. Backup software can be installed directly on these storage arrays to automate the backup of all attached servers and workstations. With a single backup target attached locally, the backup window is reduced.

Storage arrays also make testing disaster recovery (DR) processes easier. Entire virtual machine images or server instances can be replicated to a secondary attached storage target for failover. If a server fails, it can be quickly restored from the local attached storage backup target rather than a remote one. This attached storage simplifies backup infrastructure while accelerating restore times in a DR scenario.

3. Optimized Virtual Desktop Infrastructure

For businesses relying on virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) to deliver applications and desktops to remote users, attached storage is an excellent storage platform. 

• By attaching high-performance flash storage directly to your VDI hosts, users experience instantaneous application launch times and fast file access.
• Citrix and VMware environments, in particular, see huge performance boosts from all-flash attached storage compared to SAN or NAS storage. 
• With storage located directly on the server running your VDI infrastructure, there's no lag from network hops. 

Users are more productive with an optimized virtual workspace that feels like using a high-end local workstation.

4. Accelerated Boot and App Times

Beyond virtual desktops, all server workloads see reduced boot and application response times when using flash-accelerated attached storage. Whether it's virtual or physical servers, having the operating system, applications, and temp files stored on ultra-fast flash cuts seconds off routine tasks.

Employees spending less time waiting on their machines means more time for value-added work. System uptime is also improved as flash storage is less prone to failures compared to spinning media. Overall server efficiency is increased as direct attached storage allows servers and applications to instantly respond to user requests versus waiting on slower storage.

5. Enhanced Collaboration

A modern DAS storage system facilitates this level of collaborative work through its ability to support file locking and concurrent access across multiple users and locations. 

• Modern DAS arrays support file locking and concurrent access protocols like SMB 3.0, which allow multiple users to safely edit different parts of the same file simultaneously. 
• This level of true collaboration is crucial for creative teams. Instead of one designer or engineer waiting for another to check in or check out a file, they can all contribute to a project concurrently without versioning issues.
• For example, an engineering department designing blueprints for a new product can divide the work amongst team members efficiently. One engineer could focus on the electrical schematics while another updates the mechanical drawings, directly committing their changes in real-time.
• Likewise, creative agencies comprising graphic designers, copywriters, and developers all need access to shared branding assets or website content at the same time. With DAS as the high-speed collaboration backbone, these dispersed teams can iterate on large multimedia files together with zero performance lag. 
• Project deadlines are consistently met through streamlined teamwork.
• The ability to collaboratively edit large files simultaneously is also advantageous for distributed enterprises with remote workers. Employees based in different offices or working from home have equal access and contribution capabilities through DAS.

Overall time-to-market is reduced through this collaborative workflow. 

6. Cost-Effective Scalability

As storage capacity needs grow over time, attached storage arrays are designed for easy expansion. Additional disk shelves or solid-state drives can be non-disruptively added as your storage demands increase. This allows your infrastructure to scale on demand without having to completely redesign your storage architecture.

The upfront costs of an attached storage solution are also lower than other options. By avoiding expensive networking switches and controllers, you gain an affordable entry point that scales as you need it. The total cost of ownership is reduced long-term as well, since attached storage administration is simpler than complex networked storage systems.

7. Simplicity and Manageability

Managing storage in your environment shouldn't be complicated. DAS systems are engineered for easy administration from a central management console. Key tasks like provisioning volumes, monitoring performance, expanding capacity, and upgrading firmware are all handled through an intuitive interface.

There's no complex networking or switch configuration involved, like with SANs. Troubleshooting is straightforward since it's a direct server-to-storage connection. Overall manageability is simplified, so IT teams can focus on more strategic initiatives beyond storage. Attached storage removes storage complexity from your infrastructure.

Conclusion

Direct-attached storage delivers numerous workflow enhancements for businesses of all sizes. From accelerating collaboration to simplifying backups, a well-architected DAS solution boosts productivity across your entire organization. With the ability to scale affordably and manage storage easily, DAS is a cost-effective choice for optimizing your infrastructure. If you haven't evaluated DAS recently, it may be time to see how it can streamline your processes.