Network Storage refers to two methods used to connected computer storage to computers – Network Attached Storage (NAS) and Storage Area Networks (SAN). Both use private networks to connect, typically, large amounts of computer storage to multiple computer servers. The computer storage devices (often called Storage Arrays or RAID Arrays) often contain significant amounts of storage that is shared among the multiple computer servers. Network storage is the typical method used in medium and large IT organizations. While Cloud Storage vendors may use Network Storage, the computer storage is rarely made available directly to customers, but rather it is used internally to the Cloud Storage vendor. They us Network Storage to connect computer storage to their own computer servers which in-turn presents Cloud Storage to their customers. Their internal computer servers act as an intermediary between their Cloud Storage customers and the vendors Network Storage.
NAS and SAN have many similar characteristics, but each does work differently. IT Administrators often use both, choosing the one that best meets the needs of a particular application or service.
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