Let's summarize three key capabilities of the Intel SCS. The loss or corruption of a local file can be resolved within seconds. The loss or corruption of an application database or file system caused by software bugs or something else takes longer, i.e., minutes, but that is more than acceptable. Loss of a physical or virtual server due to a backplane failure or human error can take minutes to a few hours to repair, but this should be very reassuring to IT staff, as the old way of doing business would likely have been much longer.
Note that the current version of Intel SCS is designed specifically for local business continuity. Adding disaster recovery, such as protecting against local destruction of an IT facility (fire, flood) or regional destruction (earthquake, hurricane) is likely to be in the plans for a future release and should build upon the Intel/InMage collaboration, as InMage has a lot of experience in disaster recovery. Organizations should not wait, however. Solve the first problem now and be in a good position to do more later on.
Note also that businesses with very limited IT resources that depend on trusted IT advisors for support can delegate SCS responsibilities, since systems can be easily managed remotely.
Mesabi Musings
How does a small market become big? One answer is whenever the relatively small size of individual purchases is outweighed by a large number of transactions. Many, many small organizations buy servers one at a time and run them in a standalone mode. These servers are really systems as DAS is typically bundled in as part of the package. But no matter how small a system might be, preventing the disruption of key organization processes (i.e. business continuity) is essential.
Intel is now addressing this market need through its Server Continuity Suite which integrates server management, RAID management, and data protection. To Intel, server management is literally built into their DNA, but they wisely reached out via collaboration to InMage for the software data protection skills. I say wisely, as I have followed InMage for a number of years, and I feel that the company has very strong software applications and data recovery capabilities. Overall, SMBs will be doing themselves a favor by evaluating the benefits of Intel SCS.
At the time of publication neither Intel nor InMage is a client of David Hill and the Mesabi Group.
