LAN: September 2011 Archives

There is considerable discussion in the trade press about the value of converging the data center LAN and SAN.  The typical argument that is raised is that it is notably more efficient to run one network than it is to run two networks.  That argument sounds very familiar.  That is the same argument that was made as part of the justification for converging voice and data networks.   So, one could conclude that since that argument worked for voice and data networks it will work for the LAN and SAN.  While that may be a valid conclusion, it took several years before a converged voice and data network became mainstream.  Will that be the case with the convergence of the LAN and SAN or is this situation different enough that adoption will occur more rapidly?

This month's discussion will focus on the convergence of the data center LAN and SAN.  We will explore some fundamental issues such as why exactly would an IT organization want to converge their LAN and SAN and if they do, how should they best go about doing it?

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