SAN/NAS-Extension of a Computing Environment in Bioinformatics

                       Christoph Biardzki


                            Abstract

Data storage always has been an important part of any computer system.
Many companys nowadays struggle with exploding amounts of data and the
increasingly difficult administration and management of distributed
storage and backup systems. New technologies have been developed
during the last few years which promise solutions to some of these
problems. This diploma thesis describes a possible extension of
storage systems for Epidauros Biotechnologie AG, a young biotech
company working in the field of pharmacogenetics.

The first part of the paper presents an overview of current storage
system technology and important concepts. Special focus is put on
interfaces and the trend towards specialized, interconnected storage
networks (SANs). Additionally the interaction with upper software
layers like hierarchical storage management systems or distributed
file systems is explained.

Requirements analysis and an examination of the present system are
main topics in the second part. Operational, regulatory and economical
requirements are identified. Then the role of the "Good Laboratory
Practice"- quality management system is described. A qualitative and
quantitative analysis of the existing IT-system secludes this part.

The proposed solution leads to a centralized, networked storage and
backup system which is then compared to other concepts. Finally some
details of possible real-life implementations are discussed.