Storage performance platform definition
A storage performance platform is an architecture designed specifically for virtualized environments. By leveraging server-side resources and hypervisor-integrated software, it promises unparalleled performance.
Storage performance platform focus:
- Server-side media. At its core, the storage performance platform leverages server-side media (like RAM or flash) controlled by specific software. This media, inherently faster than traditional storage methods, accelerates storage read and write I/O operations. In essence, rather than relying on slower, disk-based storage across a network, these platforms utilize faster flash- or RAM-based storage solutions embedded within the server itself.
- Hypervisor-integrated Software. The second element of this platform is the integration of software directly into the hypervisor. Installed as kernel modules, this configuration ensures that I/O access to the accelerated storage resources is not only efficient but also minimizes scheduling and contention issues. By being part of the kernel, the I/O path is drastically shortened, leading to optimized performance.
Benefits of the Storage Performance Platform:
- Proximity to applications. Server-side resources are closer to applications, enabling them to fully harness the potential of the storage media.
- High performance. RAM, positioned adjacent to the CPU, and flash storage, connected through high-bandwidth interconnects, outperform conventional storage.
- Efficient I/O access. The use of hypervisor-integrated software installed as kernel modules ensures a direct and efficient I/O pathway from the application to the requested data. This design avoids the performance issues associated with accessing shared storage over a network.
