Network File Systems

Owing to the complexity and range of performance configuration options in network file servers combined with the issues of distributed cache and write‑back caching on the file server, we strongly recommend that you do not locate JADE database files and transaction logs on remote network file systems. This includes most vendors’ implementation of a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system; that is, a disk system that clients attach to through a network redirector using a network protocol such as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).

In contrast, a Storage Area Network (SAN) operates using access methods and technologies such as SCSI and fiber‑channel, which extend the reach and capacity of the local disk subsystem. Block storage protocols such as Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) that operate over TCP/IP are an alternative to fiber‑channel.

When considering an iSCSI storage solution on a Windows platform, we recommend that you verify that the solution implements all mandatory requirements documented in the latest version of Microsoft Windows Logo Program System and Device Requirements on the Microsoft web site.

SAN drives associated with a specific server appear as local disk drives to the operating system and support the same file access methods as any other locally attached storage. This type of technology is often referred to as channel attached storage, and doesn’t suffer from the reliability issues associated with network file systems.