A Deep Dive Into The 27 Best Storage Management Software
10 Best Storage Management Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 27 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
As someone who has navigated the vast world of storage management, I know how crucial it is to find a reliable storage management solution.
With the multitude of responsibilities that admins handle, from maintaining access control to performing crucial upgrades, a quality system can be the difference between a smooth operation and constant firefighting.
The ideal software doesn't merely provide a robust file system or convenient performance monitoring; it addresses key pain points like forecasting storage needs, auditing storage devices, and alerting on performance issues, all while facilitating a seamless user experience.
When we delve deeper into this domain, we encounter specialized needs such as self-storage management software for facility management, rentals, and more. Solutions like SiteLink Web Edition and storEDGE have gained prominence in the storage industry by offering targeted functionalities and unique user experiences.
Some tools, like SolarWinds Storage Resource Monitor (SRM), are known for providing extensive metrics, notifications, and performance insights, which are vital in the auditing process.
What you need, ultimately, is a storage management system that gives you control over your LUNs, easy integration with MAC systems, accessible APIs for upgrades, and more. With the right tool, you can transform how you manage your storage, elevating it from a necessary chore to a strategic advantage.
What Is Storage Management Software?
Storage management software is a critical toolset designed to optimize data storage resources, ensuring smooth, efficient, and secure data handling.
These dynamic tools are primarily utilized by IT professionals, data administrators, and businesses large and small, handling tasks that range from data backup and recovery to policy management, replication, and archiving.
They enable streamlined management of vast data resources across various storage architectures – be it on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid. With a keen focus on enhancing operational efficiency, reducing storage-related costs, and ensuring data security and accessibility, storage management software serves as the cornerstone of effective, modern data management strategies.
Best Storage Management Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Dell Unity XT Storage | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| IBM Storage Insights | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| NetBackup | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| IBM Spectrum Storage Suite | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| Cohesity | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform E Series | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Cisco UCS Manager | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| HPE Nimble Storage | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| ONTAP Data Management Software | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| Veeam Backup & Replication | From $20/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest Storage Management Software Reviews
Dell Unity XT Storage is an All-Flash and hybrid storage solution designed to support multi-cloud operations. By delivering unified storage speed and efficiency while reducing footprint, it is a perfect choice for operations that require high efficiency in a multi-cloud environment.
Why I Picked Dell Unity XT Storage: I chose Dell Unity XT Storage due to its prowess in supporting multi-cloud environments and its superb efficiency. Its ability to handle high IOPS and low latency workloads sets it apart from others, making it an exceptional choice. I also found that its dual-active controller architecture contributes significantly to it being the best for multi-cloud operations with high efficiency.
Standout features & integrations:
Dell Unity XT Storage comes with an array of valuable features, such as dual-active controller architecture and NVMe-ready design, which provide high-performance data access. Moreover, it includes inline data reduction for all-flash pools and CloudIQ, a no-cost cloud-based storage analytics platform.
Important integrations for Dell Unity XT Storage include support for VMware, Microsoft, and various Linux environments, and it fits seamlessly into the Dell Technologies Cloud strategy.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Compatibility with a variety of environments, including VMware and Microsoft
- Support for multi-cloud operations
- High-performance data access with dual-active controller architecture
Cons:
- Dependence on Dell ecosystem for maximum benefits
- Complexity of setup may require technical expertise
- Pricing information is not readily available
IBM Storage Insights is an AI-based tool that helps organizations to monitor, manage, and optimize their storage environments. It stands out by using artificial intelligence to provide insights and recommendations for data management, making it best for insightful AI-based storage management.
Why I Picked IBM Storage Insights: I selected IBM Storage Insights due to its use of artificial intelligence to optimize storage management. Its standout aspect is the AI-driven predictive analytics capability, which can provide valuable insights to prevent potential storage issues before they escalate.
This tool is, in my judgment, best suited for those looking for AI-based storage management, as it intelligently identifies and solves issues proactively.
Standout features & integrations:
IBM Storage Insights provides a range of features, including AI-driven predictive analytics, simplified storage management, and automated alerts. It integrates with a host of other IBM products, including IBM Spectrum Control and IBM Spectrum Protect, allowing for extensive storage and data protection capabilities.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates well with other IBM products for extensive capabilities
- Simplifies storage management with intuitive and automated controls
- AI-driven predictive analytics helps identify and resolve issues proactively
Cons:
- Dependency on other IBM products for maximum effectiveness
- The extensive features might present a learning curve for new users
- Pricing information is not readily available
NetBackup by Veritas is a comprehensive, high-performance software designed to protect enterprise-level data. It ensures robust protection across various platforms and environments, making it ideal for enterprise-grade backup and recovery.
Why I Picked NetBackup: NetBackup earned its place on this list because of its well-rounded capabilities and proven performance in enterprise scenarios. Its flexibility in catering to both virtual and physical environments and its ability to protect a wide array of data types set it apart.
I deemed it the best for enterprise-grade backup and recovery due to its seamless handling of large, complex data environments and robust recovery options.
Standout features & integrations:
NetBackup stands out with its features, such as automated backups, instant recovery for VMware and Hyper-V, and deduplication capabilities. Moreover, its workload-centric protection and high-speed recovery solutions provide essential support to enterprises. NetBackup integrates with a broad range of applications, databases, and systems, including but not limited to Oracle, SAP, Microsoft SQL Server, and Microsoft Exchange.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports a broad range of integrations with applications, databases, and systems
- Offers instant recovery for VMware and Hyper-V
- Delivers comprehensive data protection across diverse environments
Cons:
- The interface might seem outdated compared to more modern solutions
- The broad range of features might be overwhelming for smaller businesses
- Lacks upfront, transparent pricing
Best for comprehensive software-defined storage capabilities
IBM Spectrum Storage Suite is a comprehensive suite of software-defined storage capabilities. It offers a broad range of services, including data protection, availability, and reduction. Given its robustness, I deem it best for organizations looking for an all-encompassing software-defined storage solution.
Why I Picked IBM Spectrum Storage Suite: I chose IBM Spectrum Storage Suite due to its breadth of software-defined storage features, making it a comprehensive solution for data storage needs. Its standout characteristic is its ability to provide a unified management framework, allowing for seamless operation across various storage types.
This makes it the best solution for comprehensive software-defined storage capabilities, offering robust data protection and availability services.
Standout features & integrations:
IBM Spectrum Storage Suite offers a multitude of impressive features, such as automated data tiering, thin provisioning, and data reduction. The Suite seamlessly integrates with IBM's family of products, offering interoperability with IBM Spectrum Protect, IBM Spectrum Archive, and IBM Spectrum Control, amongst others.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent interoperability with other IBM products
- Unified management framework allows for ease of operation across different storage types
- Comprehensive suite of software-defined storage capabilities
Cons:
- Specific features may go unused, depending on the organization's needs
- May be overly complex for smaller businesses
- Pricing information is not readily available
Cohesity is a unified, web-scale platform designed to consolidate your secondary data and applications. It offers solutions for data protection, file and object services, test/dev, and analytics on a single, cloud-native platform, making it the best for managing data across various cloud platforms.
Why I Picked Cohesity: When compiling this list, I wanted to ensure representation from a tool that specializes in unifying data management in the cloud. Cohesity caught my eye due to its innovative platform that consolidates secondary data and applications, which traditionally reside in silos. I believe it's best for managing data across the cloud due to its multi-cloud data fabric that facilitates instant access to data anywhere.
Standout features & integrations:
Cohesity's notable features include instant mass restore capabilities, global deduplication, zero-cost cloning, and stringent ransomware protection. It also boasts a powerful search and analytics function, allowing for smart, policy-based data management.
It integrates with popular virtual environments like VMware, Hyper-V, and Nutanix AHV and public cloud services such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure, which enhances its unified data management potential.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Smooth integration with various virtual environments and public cloud services
- Advanced ransomware protection safeguards your data
- Comprehensive data management solution, capable of handling secondary data and applications
Cons:
- Cost could be prohibitive for some users, as pricing is provided upon request only
- May require time to fully utilize all features
- Could be overwhelming for smaller organizations due to its wide range of functionalities
The Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform E Series delivers speed and efficiency like no other, specifically designed for block storage requirements. Its capabilities offer high performance and seamless scalability, justifying its place as a top choice for block storage.
Why I Picked Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform E Series: The E Series caught my attention because of its exceptional performance and capacity for block storage. Its integration of AI operations and automated data reduction make it not only powerful but also efficient, making it my top choice for high-performance block storage.
Standout features & integrations:
The E Series boasts an array of standout features, including high-speed NVMe performance, AI-driven management, and scalable architecture. It offers automated data reduction, enhancing storage efficiency while maintaining performance. Integration-wise, the E Series plays well with containerized environments and supports broad application ecosystems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalable architecture that grows with your data needs
- AI-driven operations enhance storage management efficiency
- High-speed performance for block storage
Cons:
- Not ideal for businesses that primarily need file or object storage
- May be overkill for smaller businesses with modest storage needs
- Pricing information isn’t readily available
Cisco UCS Manager is a storage management tool that allows for the seamless administration of infrastructure components. Its unified approach facilitates comprehensive control over various storage environments, making it the best tool for unified computing storage management.
Why I Picked Cisco UCS Manager: I chose Cisco UCS Manager because of its unique approach to unified storage management. By integrating computing, storage, and network resources, it offers a holistic view of an organization's infrastructure.
In comparing it to other tools, it was evident that the UCS Manager stands out due to its centralized and integrated management capabilities. Hence, I determined that it is the best for managing unified computing storage, as it allows organizations to have a comprehensive understanding and control of their storage environments.
Standout features & integrations:
Cisco UCS Manager offers centralized management for computing, networking, software, and storage. It also has policy-based management for efficient and consistent operations.
Additionally, it integrates well with Cisco's suite of products and services, such as the Cisco Intersight, providing more holistic solutions for storage and computing management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Smooth integration with other Cisco services
- Policy-based management ensures consistent operations
- Centralized management of various resources offers a comprehensive view and control
Cons:
- Dependent on other Cisco products for full feature utilization
- Learning curve due to the complex nature of unified management
- Pricing details are not readily available
The HPE Nimble Storage platform is designed to optimize flash storage with its predictive analytics. This tool delivers fast, reliable access to data and is best suited for data centers that require efficient, high-performance storage.
Why I Picked HPE Nimble Storage: In choosing HPE Nimble Storage, its predictive capabilities and flash-optimized design truly stood out to me. These features make it ideal for data centers where timely data access is critical. The tool's emphasis on proactive health insights assures that potential issues are addressed before they become problems, making it best for predictive flash storage in data centers.
Standout features & integrations:
HPE Nimble Storage boasts predictive analytics that aid in managing storage health and performance. It offers a six-nines guaranteed availability, ensuring data is always at your fingertips. Regarding integrations, HPE Nimble Storage supports diverse IT environments, integrating with various virtualization platforms like VMware, Hyper-V, and Citrix, and it also has strong ties to cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure and AWS.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates well with both virtualization and cloud platforms
- High availability for reliable data access
- Predictive analytics for proactive storage management
Cons:
- Its extensive features could be overwhelming for businesses with simpler needs
- May not be suited to smaller organizations with modest storage needs
- Pricing information is not easily available
ONTAP Data Management Software provides a unified, scalable platform that consolidates data management across your hybrid cloud. It is designed to simplify and automate control of your data, making it an optimal choice for hybrid cloud data management.
Why I Picked ONTAP Data Management Software: I selected ONTAP Data Management Software due to its robust and unified approach to managing data across multiple cloud environments. Its standout feature is its ability to streamline operations across on-premises and cloud-based storage. Therefore, I consider it to be the best choice for hybrid cloud data management as it provides an excellent balance of control, accessibility, and automation.
Standout features & integrations:
ONTAP's standout features include data synchronization, which helps to ensure consistency across environments, and storage efficiency services that maximize the value of your storage resources. The software integrates effectively with various cloud services providers, such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure, allowing for seamless control and management of data across various platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent integrations with popular cloud service providers
- Provides storage efficiency services
- Effective management of data across multiple cloud environments
Cons:
- Can be overkill for businesses with a single-cloud environment
- Might be complex for small businesses
- Pricing information is not directly available
Veeam Backup & Replication is a powerful tool designed to ensure the availability of your virtualized applications. It enables reliable backup, restore, and replication of your virtual machines, thus making it the best choice for complete backup and replication of VMs.
Why I Picked Veeam Backup & Replication: In selecting tools for this list, I prioritized Veeam Backup & Replication for its focused and reliable service in the backup and replication sphere. It stands out with its application-centric approach to ensure the availability of virtualized applications, making it an optimal choice for safeguarding VMs.
I determined it as best for VM backup and replication due to its extensive capabilities in this area, including Instant VM Recovery and SureBackup.
Standout features & integrations:
Veeam Backup & Replication offers features like Instant VM Recovery, which helps minimize downtime, and SureBackup, to verify the recoverability of every backup. It also supports low RPOs and built-in WAN acceleration for off-site backups and replicas.
The software integrates smoothly with key virtualization platforms such as VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V and with leading storage providers like Dell EMC, HPE, and NetApp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with key virtualization platforms
- Offers Instant VM Recovery to reduce downtime
- Focused on ensuring the availability of virtualized applications
Cons:
- More advanced features may be unnecessary for small-scale VM environments
- May present a learning curve for those unfamiliar with VM backup and replication
- Absence of transparent pricing information
Other Storage Management Software
Below is a list of additional storage management software that I shortlisted but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Microsoft Storage Spaces Direct (S2D)
Good for building software-defined storage clusters in Windows Server
- Red Hat Ceph Storage
Good for scalable, open-source storage in cloud environments
- OpenText™ Extended ECM
Good for content management with ERP, CRM integrations
- One-Click Infrastructure
Good for streamlining and automating infrastructure operations
- NexentaStor
Good for Software-Defined Storage with unified file and block support
- InfiniBox
Good for high availability, performance and multi-petabyte scalability
- HPE 3PAR StoreServ Storage
Good for mixed workload handling and tiered storage optimization
- Pure Storage FlashArray
Good for all-NVMe flash storage and fast access times
- Dell PowerMax NVMe Storage
Good for scalable, high-performance storage needs
- OceanStor Data Storage
Good for converged storage supporting SAN, NAS, and Object storage
Selection Criteria For Storage Management Software
When selecting the most efficient and effective storage management tools, several critical criteria came to the forefront. Evaluating and experimenting with numerous such tools, I can confirm that not all are created equal. My choices were influenced by specific functionality that would cater to various use cases and deployment scenarios, which I'll delve into below.
Core Functionality:
- Data Storage: The tool should allow for efficient storage of a large volume of data across various formats.
- Scalability: It should be able to scale storage capacity up or down based on changing requirements.
- Data Protection: It should ensure data safety through mechanisms like replication, encryption, and backup.
- Data Recovery: The tool must have the ability to recover data in the event of a system crash or failure.
Key Features:
- Hybrid Deployment: Support for both on-premises and cloud-based storage, giving users the flexibility to choose where they want to store their data.
- Multi-Protocol Support: Ability to support different storage protocols such as block, file, and object storage.
- Data Tiering: Automated movement of data between different storage tiers based on usage patterns and policies to optimize costs and performance.
- High Availability: Features to ensure maximum uptime and minimal disruption to data access in case of any failure.
Usability:
- User Interface: The tool should have a clean, intuitive interface that lets users manage and monitor their storage infrastructure easily. For instance, dashboards for real-time analytics and visualizations for capacity planning can greatly aid in storage management.
- Onboarding: Seamless onboarding process with clear instructions and, preferably, a walk-through of the basic functions. Tools with complexities must provide a learning library or a training program.
- Support: Efficient and responsive customer support is crucial, especially when dealing with data storage. The tool should offer multiple support channels - email, phone, live chat, and an online knowledge base.
- Integration: The tool should integrate well with existing IT infrastructure, such as integrating with hypervisors for storage provisioning in virtual environments or with data management tools for data lifecycle management.
Most Common Questions Regarding Best Storage Management Software (FAQ's)
What are the benefits of using storage management software?
Using storage management software brings several benefits:
- Improved Efficiency: These tools help manage data storage effectively by automating processes, reducing human errors, and saving time.
- Scalability: They can scale up or down according to business needs, ensuring that you only pay for what you use.
- Data Protection: These tools provide features like data backup, replication, and encryption, enhancing data security.
- Cost Savings: By optimizing storage utilization and reducing over-provisioning, these tools can result in significant cost savings.
- Easy Access and Retrieval: With effective indexing and search capabilities, these tools enable quick and easy data access and retrieval.
How much do storage management tools typically cost?
Storage management tools can range widely in cost, depending on the specific functionalities, the volume of data, and the deployment model. They might charge based on the amount of storage used, the number of users, or a combination of both.
What are the pricing models for storage management tools?
The pricing models for these tools typically include subscription-based pricing, usage-based pricing, or a one-time perpetual license fee. Subscription-based pricing is usually charged on a monthly or annual basis, while usage-based pricing depends on the amount of storage consumed.
What is the typical range of pricing for storage management software?
Pricing can start as low as $10/user/month and can go up to several thousand dollars per month for enterprise-level solutions. It largely depends on the complexity and scale of the storage infrastructure.
Which is the cheapest and the most expensive storage management software?
The pricing for storage management software can vary significantly. On the lower end of the scale, solutions like Zadara start at around $5 per user per month. On the higher end, solutions like Dell PowerMax NVMe Storage or IBM FlashSystem can run into thousands of dollars per month for large enterprises.
Are there any free options for storage management software?
Yes, there are free options available, although they often come with limitations. Tools like FreeNAS and Openfiler offer open-source network-attached storage (NAS) software. However, they might lack the advanced features and support that paid options provide.
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Summary
Navigating the world of storage management software can be complex, given the diverse range of options available in the market. However, understanding your specific needs and the unique selling propositions of various tools can make the decision-making process more straightforward.
Key Takeaway 1: Align the tool with your specific needs. Consider the scale of your operations, the nature of your data, and the level of security you need when selecting storage management software.
Key Takeaway 2: Pay attention to usability and support. Storage management software should not only provide robust functionality but also be user-friendly. Additionally, comprehensive customer support can prove invaluable, especially for businesses with limited technical expertise.
Key Takeaway 3: Assess the cost-effectiveness. Cost should not just be viewed in terms of upfront pricing but also in light of efficiency gains, scalability, and potential cost savings from enhanced storage utilization.
While evaluating different software, keeping these points in mind will guide you toward a solution that best fits your organization's storage management needs.
What Do You Think?
As I wrap up this comprehensive overview of storage management software, I invite you, the readers, to share your experiences and insights. If you believe any noteworthy tools should be on this list, please feel free to suggest them.
Your input can greatly enrich our collective understanding of the best solutions in the market. After all, the purpose of this guide is to facilitate informed decision-making and foster a dynamic discussion about the most effective storage management software.