Cloud storage gateway support
Cloud storage gateway technology enables organizations to store data in the public cloud and access it using standard storage protocols, like iSCSI, via an appliance on the customer premises. In simple terms, a cloud storage gateway device provides on-premises access for local initiators using iSCSI and connects through to storage hosted in the public cloud using a RESTful API via HTTPS. This approach enables companies to adopt a tiered storage methodology for their data by retaining a “working set” within the data center at the same time as moving older data out to cloud hosting providers.
The individual features and specifications of storage gateway products may vary according to the manufacturer. Such details go beyond the scope of this document.
Core supports cloud storage gateway technology from Amazon and Microsoft. These cloud gateway products provide an iSCSI target to Core in exactly the same way as regular “on premises” iSCSI storage arrays would. The product can now extend the benefits of public cloud storage all the way out to the branch office while continuing to provide the benefits of the product. The following Core features are supported with a cloud storage gateway deployment:
• Core and Edge in HA deployment
• Protection against data center failures
• Instant branch provisioning and recovery
• Data security
• Data encrypted at rest on the appliance
• Data encrypted in flight from branch to data center
• Amazon and Microsoft security best practices to encrypt data from data center to cloud
Snapshot or data protection of cloud gateway LUNs is not supported. You can always use the respective cloud vendor’s built-in data protection tools to provide the snapshot capability.
Because the product sees no real difference between on-premises storage arrays and cloud storage gateway, the configuration of Core appliances remains the same with respect to LUN provisioning, access, and use of these LUNs by Edge appliances.