File Area Networking (FAN) - Data storage solutions

[fixxxerdx]

I wanted to ask to see if anyone out there is familiar with File Area Networking (FAN) or an alternative way of organizing a mid size office network 200 users and growing? The company I work for is interested in changing the organization of the way that they manage their network files, from end users to executives to IT personnel, etc. I'm wondering if anyone knows what is actually required with File Area Networking to get it up and running on an already existing network with file servers in 2 different locations and other servers. We currently do not have a SAN and I've been looking at software such as Brocade as far as if FAN will work for us but I'm not sure of the cost and the ultimate goal we want to accomplish is to organize the network data and files in the most efficient, cost effective manner possible. What experience has anyone had with FAN? What is the minimum software required in order to get this going? Can we work with Linux to accomplish the task of using FAN without having to buy expensive software? What software advantages would be available through software such as Brocade, EMC, or an alternative. Currently our data is not organized and is scattered around various servers. We are thinking FAN may be the answer to growth and the ability to manage our existing data. Please let me know of any good information, personal experiences, alternatives, and any guidance within the network storage area.

Thanks! Dan

 

[ddrueding]

Just reading up on it now, and I can't really see what a FAN is. I support companies with 300+ users in several locations, and I just have multi-terrabyte file servers in each with replication and backup. Permissions are tied into the user management system (Active Directory).

What are you trying to accomplish again?

 

[fixxxerdx]

Data organization objective

My objective is to organize our existing network data into something that is structured in a certain way i.e utilizing \\pathname\file without having users to type \\server1\directory\filename or \\server2\directory\filename2.

If FAN is used my thinking is that the data will be accessible by typing \\fileserver\document.doc and pull from a location without the end user having to know the exact server and maintain where the original file is. As long as a predetermined and specified \\pathname is given - the user should be able to then pull up the file without needing to know much information. This is one of the advantages I believe plus I want a consistent method of data storage and organization.

What other concepts work well to totally reorganize company data that is currently in erroneous folders, duplicate files may exist and to have a consistent method for storage.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Mercutio]

Windows Server has a technology called dfs that you might want to look in to. With dfs implemented (and it's really, really easy) your data is replicated to all participating servers and users can always look in a single namespace to find the data that they want.

 

[Handruin]

In addition to the dfs that Mercutio mentioned, take a look at Rainfinity Global Namespace Appliance. It might be something you're looking for.

 

[ddrueding]

Some level of complexity is required to keep the files in the right places. If you want to help people find files in the structure, consider getting a Google search appliance.

Of course, if the current organization sucks, that needs to be fixed regardless.

 

[sechs]

Just reading up on it now, and I can't really see what a FAN is.

It's a bunch of bullshit, as far as I can tell. It's a distributed file system or network file system with certain attributes, i.e., nothing new.

One could implement DFS or AFS, for example, but that seems awfully complicated for the sole purpose of making an apparently uniform interface. Wouldn't it make more sense to simply use a single front-end server for all of these files?

 

[Bozo]

Use DFS and then have each user map to the oppropriate folder. Then put a shortcut on their desktop.

Bozo :joker:

 

[Howell]

You are overcomplicating the issue. If you have a SAN you will have enough storage space that you only need one file server. Provide access to all of your data through a single drive letter and manage access to files with permissions.