COMP08137 2018 Cloud Storage Infrastructures
This module provides a comprehensive view of storage infrastructure for cloud based virtualised systems enabling IT-as-a-Service solutions. Cloud storage is a service model in which data is maintained, managed, backed up remotely and made available to users on-demand over a network as a shared pool of configurable storage that can be rapidly provisioned and released.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Analyse the components of a virtualised data centre and appraise the role of storage in it.
Design a information storage strategy for a cloud environment with due consideration for customer and regulatory requirements.
Design and create a storage network solution for a cloud based virtualised system
Provision, manage and optimise a cloud based storage solution.
Analyse how best to provide reliable access to information both locally and remotely using storage technologies.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Active learning will be achieved through the use of case based learning where students will apply their knowledge to real world scenarios. Students will typically work in teams to produce and present solutions.
Module Assessment Strategies
This module is assessed through coursework on the completion and presentation of an individual project/case study.
Repeat Assessments
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
Indicative Syllabus
Virtualised Data Center Architecture
Cloud infrastructures; public, private, hybrid.
Service provider interfaces; Saas, Paas, Iaas.
VDC environments; concept, planning and design, business continuity and disaster recovery principles.
Managing VDC and cloud environments and infrastructures.
Information Storage
Storage strategy and governance; security and regulations.
Designing secure solutions; the considerations and implementations involved.
Securing storage in virtualised and cloud environments.
Monitoring and management; security auditing and SIEM.
Storage Network Design
Architecture of storage, analysis and planning.
Storage network design considerations; NAS and FC SANs, hybrid storage networking technologies (iSCSI, FCIP, FCoE), design for storage virtualisation in cloud computing, host system design considerations.
Cloud Optimised Storage
Global storage management locations, scalability, operational efficiency.
Global storage distribution; terabytes to petabytes and greater.
Policy based information management; metadata attitudes; file systems or object storage.
Information Availability Design
Designing backup/recovery solutions to guarrantee data availability in a virtualised environment.
Design a replication solution, local remote and advanced.
Investigate Replication in NAS and SAN environments.
Data archiving solutions; analysing compliance and archiving design considerations.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The student will be expected to investigate and research a particular topic relevant to the area of storage and virtualised environment. | Coursework Assessment | Written Report/Essay | 25 % | Week 5 | 1 |
| 2 | As part of a case study the student will be expected to design a storage design taking into consideration all the facets and nuances influencing it. | Project | Project | 50 % | Week 11 | 2,3,5 |
| 3 | The student will be expected to present and defend the design of a storage solution and create, provision and manage the storage solution. | Coursework Assessment | Interview | 25 % | Week 12 | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Full Time Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Lecture Theatre | Lecture | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
| Practical / Laboratory | Computer Laboratory | Lab | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
| Independent Learning | Offsite Facility | Independent Learning | 4 | Weekly | 4.00 |
Online Learning Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Lecture | Online | Online | 1.5 | Weekly | 1.50 |
| Directed Learning | Not Specified | Directed Learning | 1.12 | Weekly | 1.12 |
| Independent Learning | Not Specified | Independent Learning | 4.5 | Weekly | 4.50 |
Required & Recommended Book List
2011-12-19 Cloud and Virtual Data Storage Networking Auerbach Publications
The amount of data being generated, processed, and stored has reached unprecedented levels. Even during the recent economic crisis, there has been no slow down or information recession. Instead, the need to process, move, and store data has only increased. Consequently, IT organizations are looking to do more with what they have while supporting growth along with new services without compromising on cost and service delivery.
Cloud and Virtual Data Storage Networking, by savvy IT industry veteran Greg Schulz, looks at converging IT resources and management technologies for facilitating efficient and effective delivery of information services, including enabling of Information Factories. Regardless of your experience level, Schulz guides you through the various technologies and techniques available for achieving efficient information services delivery. Coverage includes:
This much-needed reference brings together technology themes and topics that are converging in IT and data center environments for enabling effective information services, in a practical and hype-free manner. When it comes to IT clouds and virtualization, you must look before you leap. This book will help you address the questions of when, where, with what, and how to leverage cloud, virtual, and data storage networking as part of your IT infrastructure.
A video of Greg Schulz discussing his new book is featured on the CRC Press YouTube channel.
Visit Slideshare to view a slide presentation based on the book.
2009-03-27 Storage Management in Data Centers: Understanding, Exploiting, Tuning, and Troubleshooting Veritas Storage Foundation Springer
ISBN 3540850228 ISBN-13 9783540850229
Storage Management in Data Centers This book outlines common misconceptions as well as misunderstandings of the basic laws of physics that have become common in data center environments and can severely hamper both data integrity and performance. It then details possible solutions. Full description
2012-04-30 Information Storage and Management: Storing, Managing, and Protecting Digital Information in Classic, Virtualized, and Cloud Environments Wiley
The new edition of a bestseller, now revised and update throughout!
This new edition of the unparalleled bestseller serves as a full training course all in one and as the world's largest data storage company, EMC is the ideal author for such a critical resource. They cover the components of a storage system and the different storage system models while also offering essential new material that explores the advances in existing technologies and the emergence of the "Cloud" as well as updates and vital information on new technologies.
- Features a separate section on emerging area of cloud computing
- Covers new technologies such as: data de-duplication, unified storage, continuous data protection technology, virtual provisioning, FCoE, flash drives, storage tiering, big data, and more
- Details storage models such as Network Attached Storage (NAS), Storage Area Network (SAN), Object Based Storage along with virtualization at various infrastructure components
- Explores Business Continuity and Security in physical and virtualized environment
- Includes an enhanced Appendix for additional information
This authoritative guide is essential for getting up to speed on the newest advances in information storage and management.