ITIL and Storage Service Management Deliver Strategic Business Value and Consistent Quality of Service

Many organizations focus on the technical software and practices for storage resource management. In other words, they acquire a set of software tools that manage specific parts of the storage infrastructure and learn how to apply these. For example:
  • SAN management -- reporting and configuring storage network infrastructures for application access
  • Storage provisioning -- allocating storage to servers and applications
Just as important is storage service management. For example, organizational processes for:
  • Establishing storage service quality and cost levels
  • Matching application requirements to storage service levels
  • Monitoring and ensuring quality of storage service to the application
  • Managing change
  • Resolving problems
  • Aligning capacity to business and service requirements
When properly implemented, storage service management can reduce TCO, ensure that OLAs are met, and improve the efficiency of meeting application storage requirements.

How is it implemented?
Hitachi Data Systems Global Solution Services engagements start with an analysis of an organization's existing storage service management processes and their compliance with relevant best practices and ITIL processes. Our consultants report their findings, along with a risk assessment and recommendations.

If this initial investigation reveals a need for formal storage service management process definition based on ITIL, our consultants collaborate with organizational staff to define and document optimal storage service management processes. The results of this include process documentation that serves as an outline for implementation and ongoing monitoring of the improvements, efficiencies, and cost savings in managing the storage service provided to applications.

A plan for storage service management must consider business, people, process, and technology. ITIL consulting is one of many operational services that can help organizations better manage their storage services. There is no "one size fits all" approach. Global Solution Services can help you discover which approach is best for your organization.

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