What Does Consolidation Mean?
In computing, consolidation refers to when data storage or server resources are shared among multiple users and accessed by multiple applications.
Consolidation aims to make more efficient use of computer resources and prevent servers and storage equipment from being under-utilized and taking too much space.
Techopedia Explains Consolidation
The two main types of consolidation are server consolidation and storage consolidation.
Server consolidation involves reducing the number of servers and server locations within an organization. The intended result is more efficient use of server resources and occupied space. However, this also increases the complexity of the servers, data and applications, which may be challenging for users. Server virtualization attempts to address this problem by masking that complexity from users. Another option is to use blade servers, which are actual servers in the form of modular circuit boards on a card. They occupy less rack space and consume less power.
Storage consolidation, or storage convergence, is a method of centralizing data storage through any one of three architectures:
- Network Attached Storage (NAS): Dedicated storage hard drives do not have to compete with other computers for processing resources.
- Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID): Data is located on multiple disks but appears as a single logical drive.
- Storage Area Network (SAN): Fiber channel technology is used to provide high throughput, data sharing, data migration and service to many clients (also called subscribers) over a large geographical area. SANS is the most sophisticated storage consolidation method of the three.
