Storage media is constantly evolving, leading to a proliferation of options, each with its own unique characteristics, advantages, and limitations. However, in the current generation of storage solutions, many do not have the capability to support the requirements of the next generation of applications. From big data, social, mobile, and cloud computing to robotics, 3D printing, and the Internet of Things, new technologies require storage media that can provide higher speeds, greater flexibility, scalability, and capacity. Nevertheless, despite the continuous emergence of new technologies that can meet these demands, IT teams are still under pressure to control costs and accomplish more with existing resources. This requires new storage media to be cost-effective and easy to manage.

The software-defined storage solution separates the management services (control plane) from the infrastructure of storage media to meet the requirements for performance, flexibility, scalability, ease of use, and cost efficiency. The storage-defined system creates a storage pool from a group of heterogeneous storage arrays, enabling administrators to create virtual storage arrays through policies. Unlike traditional storage arrays, the software-defined storage supports the quick and easy addition of new arrays. Administrators can provide users with self-service tools, allowing them to access the storage immediately without having to wait for days or weeks for IT assistance.