Storage resources can be allocated online from a single, common pool, scaling from gigabytes to petabytes as needed. Data can be replicated instantly for backup, testing, additional application access, or for user-initiated backups and restores. Compaq will offer fully integrated storage solutions at all levels of cost, availability, and performance that are as easy to use and manage as telephone or electric service. The Compaq ENSA architecture provides a vision and delivery schedule for solutions that promise the ability to centrally manage distributed systems independent of existing platform investments. These elements communicate among themselves and act cooperatively to solve storage problems.
Customers see only a reliable, available utility that dispenses storage upon demand.
Compaq is delivering ENSA in a phased approach that incorporates current and future storage products such as UltraSCSI and Fibre Channel-based solutions that allow the distribution of storage resources over distance. The next phase is the creation of a storage network in which multiple hosts have access to common storage. The company will consistently announce solutions in the future enabling customers to create virtual pools of storage they can access from anywhere in their enterprise. ENSA provides investment protection with a comprehensive framework based on core technology, software, and services that allows all of a customer's existing storage assets to become part of the overall storage utility. With ENSA, Compaq leverages its many years of experience with networking, clustering, diagnostics, system management, and multi-vendor storage solutions.