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Home / Glossary / SAN
Glossary · Device

SAN

Storage Area Network

In plain language

A dedicated, fast network that connects servers to a shared pool of storage.

The metaphor

Like a private warehouse the servers share, with its own loading dock separate from the front office.

Going deeper

How it works

  • Servers see the storage as if it were a local drive.
  • It is used where several servers share data, such as a virtual server setup.
  • It is typically found in larger or older office setups.
  • Most small offices use cloud storage or a simple network storage box instead.

How WILDCARD handles it

Network covers the switch and firewall around it, and Unified Backups provides a separate copy of the data.

In practice
  • A larger practice shares storage between two servers.
  • An older office has one that is due for replacement.
  • A firm moves its shared data to the cloud and retires the storage box.

A question owners ask

Do I need one?

If you have fewer than ten people, almost certainly not.

Where WILDCARD handles this
Network
  • Firewall managed and monitored
  • Switches kept current
  • On-prem Active Directory auth
Start with Network
Unified
Backups
  • Cloud and device backups
  • One bundled price
  • Unlimited restores
Start with Unified BackupsMeet Unified Backups →
Related terms
ACLAccess Control ListAHAuthentication HeaderAPAccess PointARPAddress Resolution ProtocolBackupBCPBusiness Continuity PlanningBPDUBridge Protocol Data UnitCCMPCounter Mode/CBC-MAC Protocol

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