Imagine handling your open-source storage framework like a service, with a user-friendly interface similar to ordering a specialty coffee. A user selects their desired storage allocation from a menu of services, and a dedicated operator promptly fulfills the request, managing all ongoing operations seamlessly for the user.
The convenience and efficiency of this service-oriented model have been embraced by public clouds, offering easy access to essential resources without the need for internal infrastructure or specialized teams. However, this model may not always align with the financial or operational goals of every company, especially those with existing on-premise hardware or limited expertise in managing open-source storage solutions.
Crafting a Managed Storage Solution
Managed storage involves collaborating with organizations like Canonical to deploy open-source solutions such as Ceph on your hardware, tailored to your specific workload and location preferences. By leveraging proven reference architectures and customizing them as needed, Canonical provides an on-demand storage solution managed end-to-end, eliminating the immediate need for internal expertise or additional hiring.
Benefits of Managed Storage Services
Amidst tight IT budgets, on-premise storage solutions offer cost savings but necessitate ongoing management and support. By opting for managed storage services, companies can access expert support round the clock, ensuring uninterrupted operations and leveraging a wealth of specialized knowledge without the challenges of hiring and training internal staff.
Integration with Public Clouds
Companies utilizing public clouds can still benefit from managed storage solutions, particularly in cases where data volume justifies co-locating storage systems near cloud data centers. This approach, detailed in the whitepaper “Cloud storage cost optimization”, explores significant cost savings of over 50% by migrating large data volumes to a fully managed Ceph solution.
Flexibility and Avoiding Vendor Lock-In
Canonical’s managed storage solutions offer a phased approach, allowing organizations to seamlessly transition from deployment through ongoing management to eventual self-supported operation. This structured approach ensures flexibility and the option to manage the storage system independently while retaining access to remote support for critical issues.
Exploring Further
For in-depth insights into software-defined storage for enterprises, download our whitepaper. Discover budget challenges in scaling storage, the benefits of open-source software-defined storage, strategies for growth and cost-efficiency, disaster preparedness through data replication, and how managed services deliver an “as-a-service” experience while optimizing costs.
For additional resources and information, visit the official blog post about managed storage with Ceph on Ubuntu’s website.
