Software-defined storage (SDS) separates storage hardware from management software, improving efficiency and scalability in data storage. It enables features like policy management for duplication, replication, and optimization while reducing costs and complexity in storage infrastructure. As part of a broader shift toward software-defined solutions, SDS helps organizations adapt to changing demands and future-proof their data centers.

1. Software-Defined Storage (SDS)
Software-Defined Storage (SDS) is a term for computer data storage technologies which
separate storage hardware from the software that manages the storage infrastructure. This
technology enables a software-defined storage environment and provides policy management for
services such as duplication, replication, thin provisioning, snapshots and backup.
Software-defined storage puts the emphasis on storage services, instead of storage hardware.
Without the constraints of a physical system, a storage resource can be used more efficiently and
its administration can be simplified through automated policy-based management.
Software-defined storage, a foundational component of the software-defined data center,
abstracts storage resources to enable pooling, replication and on-demand distribution. The result
is a storage layer much like that of virtualized compute—aggregated, flexible, efficient and
scalable. The benefits are across-the-board reductions in the cost and complexity of storage
infrastructure.
Software-defined storage is part of a larger industry trend that includes software-defined
networking (SDN) and software-defined data centers (SDDC).
Characteristics of software-defined storage:
 Logical Storage Abstraction: Placing a powerful virtual layer between data request and
the physical storage component. This layer allows you to manipulate how and where data
is distributed. You’re still able to keep a heterogeneous storage infrastructure while still
controlling the entire process from a virtual instance.
 Intelligent Storage Optimization: The software-defined storage component helps you
push information to a specific type of repository. You’re able to control performance and
capacity pools and further deliver information to the appropriate storage-type.

2.  Creating a powerful storage platform: This hybrid storage model allows you to leverage
the power of your physical infrastructure as well as your virtual. You’re able to create
one logical control layer that helps you manage all of the physical storage points in your
data center. This helps with storage diversification and helps prevent vendor lock-in.
 Control your storage infrastructure: Software-defined storage allows organizations to
better manage storage arrays, disks and repositories. This means understanding where IO-
intensive data should reside and how to best optimize information delivery.
 Expand your cloud (and storage): A big part of software-defined storage is the capability
to expand and help you scale your storage into the cloud and beyond. Software-defined
storage can create powerful links to other distributed data centers for replication, and
even storage load-balancing.
The Future of SDS
Infrastructure managers who believe in the promise of software-defined data centers are
beginning to see storage as the final piece of a puzzle that includes virtualization and SDN.
Data center administrators looking to make a shift to software-defined storage architecture are
usually attracted to the following benefits:
 Adaptability
 Cost Savings
 Future-Proofing
Current market demands are predictors of changes in budgets, network environments and
business priorities. A static storage environment locked into configurations determined by an
outside vendor greatly limits an organization’s ability to react quickly to changing markets
demands. A software-defined storage approach gives service providers the ability to future-proof
their data centers because they are able to respond as the market dictates.
The future of data storage is here. Many companies are investigating the potential of software-
defined storage in data center implementation. Evidence indicates that increasing demand for
inexpensive storage is affecting the way service providers are examining how to meet consumer
demand, while maximizing profits and efficiency. For data center administrators facing the
challenge of scalability, software-defined storage is the right answer.
References
http://www.datacenterjournal.com/it/softwaredefined-storage-shaping-future-data-center/

3. http://www.vmware.com/software-defined-datacenter/storage#sthash.tlUGtHOj.dpuf
http://searchsdn.techtarget.com/definition/software-defined-storage
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software-defined_storage
http://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2014/03/05/software-defined-storage-really-
mean/2/
http://blogs.computerworld.com/storage-software/23540/future-storage-software-defined-cfbdcw