Evolution of IBM PCs

Storage Evolution

• In the early 1980s, the IBM PC did not have a hard disk as an option; it used 5.25-inch floppy drives for storage
• Later, IBM XT and subsequent models included hard drives as an option
• Initially, hard disks were directly attached to computers, which made sense for local storage

Network-Attached Storage

• As technology advanced, storage shifted from local to network-attached storage, enabling organizations to adopt a more sustainable and efficient approach to data management. This transition eliminated the need for individual devices to store data, instead, utilizing a centralized storage solution.
• This change was driven by the need for modular and current technologies, especially in data centers, where the sheer volume of data required a scalable and reliable storage solution. Network-attached storage allowed for easy accessibility, rapid deployment, and simplified management, making it an attractive option for data centers and large-scale enterprises.
• Network-attached storage allows for more flexibility and scalability, enabling organizations to easily increase or decrease storage capacity as needed. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for businesses that experience rapid growth or fluctuating storage demands.

Benefits of Network-Attached Storage

• Cloud-based storage solutions, such as virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and hybrid cloud storage, offer several benefits. Firstly, they enable easy migration of virtual machines between hosts, facilitating seamless transitions and reducing downtime. Additionally, these solutions allow multiple hosts to access the same storage resource over the network, streamlining data sharing and collaboration. Furthermore, they provide a more efficient way of managing storage resources, as data is centralized and easily scalable. This reduces the need for localized storage solutions, minimizing administrative burdens and improving overall infrastructure flexibility.

Fibre Channel

• A dedicated network for storage that is high-speed, reliable, and often expensive is designed to meet the demanding requirements of data centers and enterprise-level storage needs. This type of network is typically used in environments where high-performance storage is critical, such as in financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and large enterprise companies.
  • Uses proprietary hardware to connect hosts to the Fibre Channel network, ensuring fast data transfer rates and low latency.
  • The use of proprietary hardware can, however, limit the flexibility and scalability of the network, as it may not be compatible with other hardware or configurations.
  • Can be used with Fibre Channel over Ethernet, which is a more affordable option that allows for the implementation of Fibre Channel networks over existing Ethernet infrastructure.
  • This option provides a more cost-effective solution for organizations that still require high-speed storage capabilities, but do not need the extreme performance offered by a dedicated Fibre Channel network.
  • Fibre Channel over Ethernet also offers improved compatibility with existing network infrastructure and devices, making it a more adaptable solution for organizations with mixed network environments.

iSCSI

• A technology that uses SCSI commands over an IP network to access storage
• Allows hosts to access storage over an Ethernet network using software-based iSCSI adapters
• Example of a Storage Area Network (SAN), which is block-based storage

Storage Area Network (SAN)

• A network dedicated to storage, where multiple devices access storage blocks at a time
• Requires cooperation between devices to avoid writing on top of each other
• Can leverage existing Ethernet infrastructure and carve off a separate network for storage using Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)

Network Attached Storage (NAS)

• A file-based storage system, unlike SAN which is block-based
• Devices access storage file by file, rather than block by block
• Example of NAS protocol is Network File System (NFS)

Learn about the development of IBM PCs, from floppy drives to hard disks, and the journey from IBM XT to 386 and PS/2s.