VMware Virtual SAN Explained

Here’s what you need to know about VMware’s vSAN software-defined storage (SDS) offering.

What is Virtual SAN?

Virtual SAN is used to describe a software-defined storage (SDS) offering from VMware that enables enterprises to pool their storage capabilities and to instantly and automatically provision virtual machine storage via simple policies that are driven by the virtual machine.

VMware Virtual SAN Explained

Currently in beta, VMware’s vSAN will soon be generally available. As reported by Datamation.com, VMware Virtual SAN is described as a software-defined storage solution that extends VMware vSphere to pool compute and direct-attached storage. Essentially, what VMware Virtual SAN does is cluster server disks and flash to produce shared storage for virtual machines.

Automated Storage Consumption

VMware’s vSAN also features a policy-driven control plane that automates storage consumption and management. Relying on server-side solid state disks (SSDs) and hard disk drives (HDDs), VMware Virtual SAN is expected to deliver lower total cost of ownership (TCO) for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and test/development environments. Users can start small and grow as needed.

Learn more about VMware Virtual SAN in this Datamation.com article.

This article was last updated on January 22, 2014

Webopedia Staff
Webopedia Staff
Since 1995, more than 100 tech experts and researchers have kept Webopedia’s definitions, articles, and study guides up to date. For more information on current editorial staff, please visit our About page.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.

Related Articles

Complete List of Cybersecurity Acronyms

Cybersecurity news and best practices are full of acronyms and abbreviations. Without understanding what each one means, it's difficult to comprehend the significance of...

Human Resources Management System

A Human Resources Management System (HRMS) is a software application that supports many functions of a company's Human Resources department, including benefits administration, payroll,...

How To Defend Yourself Against Identity Theft

Almost every worldwide government agency responsible for identity theft issues will tell you the same thing: The first step to fighting identity theft is...

Infographic

An infographic is a visual representation of information or data. It combines the words information and graphic and includes a collection of imagery, charts,...

Top IT Consulting Firms

In an era where digital transformation is essential to maintaining a competitive edge,...

IT Support Specialist

In the world of digital transformation, organizations are being compelled to integrate technology...

Accenture

Accenture is a global professional services company that specializes in information technology (IT)...