A storage area network (SAN) is a specialized high-speed network of storage devices and computer systems (also referred to as servers, hosts, or host servers). Currently,most SANs use the Fibre Channel protocol. A storage area network presents SHARED pools of storage devices to MULTIPLE servers. Each server can access the storage as if it were directly ATTACHED to that server. The SAN makes it POSSIBLE to move data between various storage devices, share data between multiple servers, and back up and restore data rapidly and efficiently. In addition, a properly configured SAN provides robust security, which facilitates both disaster recovery and business continuance. Components of a SAN can be grouped CLOSELY together in a single room or connected over long distances. This makes SAN a feasible solution for businesses of any size: the SAN can grow easily with the business it supports.

A storage area network (SAN) is a specialized high-speed network of storage devices and computer systems (also referred to as servers, hosts, or host servers). Currently,most SANs use the Fibre Channel protocol. A storage area network presents shared pools of storage devices to multiple servers. Each server can access the storage as if it were directly attached to that server. The SAN makes it possible to move data between various storage devices, share data between multiple servers, and back up and restore data rapidly and efficiently. In addition, a properly configured SAN provides robust security, which facilitates both disaster recovery and business continuance. Components of a SAN can be grouped closely together in a single room or connected over long distances. This makes SAN a feasible solution for businesses of any size: the SAN can grow easily with the business it supports.