Applied Software Technology achieves a reduced hardware footprint by replacing a traditional hardware SAN with StarWind Virtual SAN (VSAN)

CHALLENGE

Before deploying StarWind Virtual SAN (VSAN), Applied Software Technology operated a traditional architecture with clustered servers and network switches connected to a hardware SAN appliance. This setup, while functional, was not suited for the company’s planned relocation to a significantly smaller data center with strict space and cooling constraints. The existing SAN-based infrastructure required substantial physical footprint, power, and cooling capacity, making it impractical to migrate without major redesign and cost.

Alternative solutions lacked the flexibility to deliver high availability (HA) and performance within such tight environmental limits, leaving the organization with a complex modernization challenge.

StarWind was unique in its approach to storage, and that allowed me to solve my problem. It works very well. We have less equipment. Fewer points of failure. Less cooling. It is more economical and environmentally friendly.

Doug Dahlberg, Director of IT Operations

SOLUTION

Applied Software Technology selected StarWind VSAN for its established reliability and innovative approach to software-defined storage. By virtualizing storage and eliminating the need for a dedicated hardware SAN, StarWind VSAN enabled the company to consolidate infrastructure into a minimal footprint while maintaining an HA clustered environment. The resulting architecture reduced hardware dependencies, lowered power consumption, and minimized cooling requirements.

With fewer components and failure points, the infrastructure became more resilient, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly. The deployment fully met operational requirements, delivering stable performance and simplified management, supported by highly responsive and technically proficient StarWind support.