Connectivity

• Enterprise arrays offer powerful connectivity to the enterprise storage area network (SAN) using dozens of Fibre Channel ports, resulting in data throughput rates exceeding 60 gigabytes (GB) per second. Other features include high availability, high reliability, disk hot swapping, storage tiers within the array and support for automation tools that streamline management tasks.
  
  

More Than Just Backup

• Disk arrays don't just supply primary storage for enterprise users and applications; arrays are increasingly used as backup targets, leveraging the performance and reliability of Fibre Channel or SAS disks to protect mission-critical data. Arrays serve as near-line storage systems that use low-cost, high-capacity serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) disks for replication and backup tasks.
  
  

Storage and Economy

• Dell's OpenManage Storage Management User's Guide specifies that array disks are attached to redundant array of independent disks (RAID) controllers. This differentiates array disks from hard disks attached to non-RAID, small computer systems interface (SCSI) controllers. Enterprise-class disk arrays are noted for huge storage capacities that range from tens of terabytes (TB) into the low petabytes (PB).
  
  

Array Disk Tasks

• Different controllers support different features. Because of this, tasks displayed in a "Tasks" drop-down menu can vary, since this menu is dependent on which controller is selected. A general overview of disk array tasks includes: expanding a controller or channel object; expanding the enclosure or backplane object; expanding the storage tree object to display the controller objects; selecting the array disks object, an information/configuration subtab or a task from the "Available Tasks" drop-down menu. Clicking "Execute" activates and loads any item.