Federal Storage Networking Report

Brocade
Federal IP Storage
Survey Report
March 2016
2015 Market Connections, Inc.
ABOUT THE STUDY
About the Study

Data is essential to effective decision-making; so how organizations transport, store,
manage and protect their data is critical. With global IP data center traffic growing
23% annually, there is increased pressure on the network to deliver the data reliably
and efficiently.
Historically, organizations have used SAN storage for mission-critical data and IP
storage for noncritical workloads. And because IP storage solutions are perceived as
less expensive and easy to implement/manage, many commercial companies are
now using IP storage for all types of data.
Brocade commissioned government market research firm Market Connections, Inc.
to learn whether this trend is occurring in the federal market and if so, what
concerns and pain points those managing storage and storage networks are
experiencing.
BROCADE FEDERAL IP STORAGE NETWORKING SURVEY REPORT | MARKET CONNECTIONS, INC. | 703.378.2025
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Key Research Findings

Agencies three most widely mentioned concerns regarding data storage and
workload management are data security, data loss, and insufficient budget.
On average, 45% of agencies total storage capacity is IP-storage based; three
quarters (78%) expect this capacity will grow by at least ten percent (10%) in the
next year.
The primary driver of agencies IP storage growth is the growth in server
virtualization (29%), followed by growth in unstructured data (19%) and an
increase in converged systems deployment (18%). Sixteen percent also point to
lower costs.
Nearly nine in ten (88%) mention that in a mission critical (Tier 1) and/or business
critical (Tier 2) capacity, their agency has deployed workloads/applications on IP
storage.
Network teams strongly outpace data center and storage teams as the managers
of IP-networking infrastructure used for IT storage, and are also most commonly
responsible for capacity planning related to an agencys IP-storage network.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Key Research Findings (contd)

Close to half (44%) of mission critical workloads are using a shared network and
more than one third (37%) of business critical workloads are using a shared
network instead of a dedicated network.
The top three pain points associated with a shared network for data access traffic
(north south) are difficulties maintaining a secure environment, data loss, and
poor application response times
The main reason for an agency not having deployed a dedicated IP storage
network for its mission- or business-critical workloads boils down to a lack of
funds, especially among civilian agencies.
The top-three benefits of a dedicated IP-storage network versus a shared IPstorage network are increased security, better application performance and
reduced costs.
DATA STORAGE
Data Storage Top Concerns
Data security is agencies most widely mentioned concern when it comes to data storage and
workload management, well ahead of a second tier of concerns that include data loss, insufficient
budget (of significantly greater concern among civilian agencies), and unplanned downtime.
Data security
Data loss
Insufficient budget
Unplanned downtime
Lack of sufficient disaster recovery plans
Insufficient staffing
Reducing total cost of ownership
Poor application response times
Complexity of shared storage resources
Planned downtime for upgrades and migrations
Insufficient storage resources
Lack of scalability
Inability to comply with industry or government regulations
Insufficient tools for workload management
Back-up windows are too small to meet needs
Inability to meet SLAs
Other
N=200
Note: Multiple responses allowed
18%
17%
16%
14%
11%
1%
0%
10%
20%
30%
29%
28%
27%
26%
25%
25%
25%
36%
48%
Civilian
Defense
41%
25%
Insufficient budget
30%
40%
76%
50%
60%
70%
80%
= statistically significant difference
In general, what are your top concerns when it comes to data storage and workload management in your agency? (select all that apply)
IP STORAGE
IP Storage Deployment and Growth

Although proportions can vary widely by agency, on average 45% of an agencys total storage
capacity is IP-storage based. More than three-quarters (78%) expect their IP storage capacity will
grow by at least ten percent in the next year. However, civilian agencies are significantly more likely
to estimate growth below ten percent.
Expected IP Storage Growth
Deployed IP Storage
18%
75% +
50% - 74%
Less than 10%
45%
10% - 24%
N=200
20%
0%
10%
20%
40%
50%
7%
17%
No growth
30%
22%
40%
Less than 10%

0% - 24%
Defense
25%
25% - 49%
34%
Civilian
8%
50% - 74%
29%
25% - 49%
5%
75% +
AVG
6%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Approximately, what percentage of your organizations total storage capacity deployed is IP-storage-based? (open end)
When thinking about your IP storage capacity, how much do you expect it to grow over the next year?
IP STORAGE
Drivers of IP Storage Growth

The most commonly cited primary driver of agencies IP storage growth is due to the growth in
server virtualization (29%), followed by growth in unstructured data (19% - rising significantly to 23%
among civilian agencies) and an increase in converged systems deployment (18%). Sixteen percent
also point to lower costs.
Growth in server virtualization
29%
Growth in unstructured data

(i.e., social media, video, mobile)
19%
18%
Increase in converged systems deployment
16%
Lower cost
Overall third platform (i.e., social, mobile, cloud)
application requirements
10%
Greater internal expertise and familiarity on the IP

technology and less with fiber channel expertise
8%
Other
1%
0%
N=188
5%
10%
Civilian
Defense
23%
11%
Growth in
unstructured data
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
What is the primary driver of your IP storage growth?

MISSION CRITICAL AND BUSINESS CRITICAL WORKLOADS
Workload Deployment on IP Storage

Nearly nine in ten (88%) mention that in a mission critical (Tier 1) and/or business critical (Tier 2)
capacity, their agency has deployed workloads/applications on IP storage. Civilian agencies are
significantly more likely to have done so purely for business-critical reasons.
Deployed Mission Critical or Business
Critical Workloads on IP Storage
Yes both mission and
business critical
38%
Yes - mission critical
34%
Yes business critical
16%
No only non-critical
workloads/applications
N=200
14%
0%
10%
20%
Respondents were provided with the

following definitions:
Mission critical - Essential to the survival of
an agency. Failure would result in the end of
an agencys ability to complete its mission.
Business critical - Inability to operate would
result in the failure of an agencys ability to
perform a specific function that is important
to its business operations.
Yes - business critical

30%
40%
Civilian
Defense
20%
7%
Has your agency deployed mission critical (Tier 1) or business critical (Tier 2) workloads/applications on IP storage?
MANAGING THE IP STORAGE NETWORK
IP Storage Network Responsibility

Network teams strongly outpace data center and storage teams as the managers of IP-networking
infrastructure used for IT storage. Likewise, network teams are most commonly responsible for
capacity planning related to an agencys IP-storage network.
Manages the IP-Networking
Infrastructure
65%
Network team
Data center team
N=200
Storage team
36%
44%
Data center team
2%
0%
20%
55%
Network team
39%
Storage team
Other
Responsible for Capacity Planning
40%
Other
40%
60%
80%
2%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Who in your organization manages the IP-networking infrastructure used for IT storage? (select all that apply)
Who in your organization is responsible for capacity planning related to your IP-storage network? (select all that apply)
NETWORKS FOR MISSION CRITICAL AND BUSINESS CRITICAL WORKLOADS
10
Networking Approach for Storage Workloads

Nearly half (44%) of mission critical workloads (essential to the survival of the agency) and 37% of
business critical work loads (inability to operate would result in the failure of an agencys ability to
perform a specific function that is important to its business operations ) are being put on a shared
network.
Mission Critical Business Critical
Non-Critical
Dedicated IP Network
57%
35%
8%
Shared IP Network
44%
37%
19%
Dedicated Mixed SAN/IP Network
36%
39%
25%
Fibre Channel SAN
36%
35%
30%
N=200
Which of the following is your agencys primary networking approach for each type of storage workload:
SHARED IP STORAGE NETWORK
11
Pain Points Associated with a Shared Network

Pain points associated with a shared network for data access traffic (north south) are led by
difficulties maintaining a secure environment, as well as data loss, poor application response times,
and a host of other issues.
48%
Difficulties in maintaining a secure environment
34%
Data loss
30%
Poor application response times

Inability to resolve errors efficiently due to shared
23%
Prioritization methods are complex to implement
23%
Application latency due to the data access traffic
23%
Storage traffic does not have priority over background IP
22%
21%
Planned downtime for upgrades and migrations

Lack of scalability
20%
Lack of resiliency in shared IP networks
20%
Insufficient tools for workload management
19%
Inability to meet SLAs
16%
Other
N=200
2%
0%
10%
Civilian
Defense
23%
11%
Insufficient tools for

workload management
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
What pain points are associated with a shared network for data access traffic (north south)? (select all that apply)
NETWORKS FOR MISSION CRITICAL AND BUSINESS CRITICAL WORKLOADS
12
Reasons for Not Deploying A Dedicated Network

for IP Storage
The main reason for an agency not having deployed a dedicated IP storage network for its mission- or
business-critical workloads boils down to a lack of funds, especially on the civilian side.
54%
Budget/lack of funds
31%
Managements lack of understanding the benefits

Lack of personnel to deploy
27%
The shared IP-storage network meets my requirements
27%
Lack of coordinated efforts with the network team and
15%
I would choose a SAN network if I needed a dedicated
15%
15%
It is not suitable for my application needs

Capacity planning for my network is done by the
12%
I have addressed the performance issues of a shared
12%
Other
0%
N=162
Budget/lack of funds
1%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Civilian
Defense
59%
43%
50%
60%
What are the main reasons your agency has not deployed a dedicated IP storage network for its mission or business critical workloads? (select all that apply)
SHARED IP STORAGE NETWORK
13
Top Benefits of a Dedicated IP Storage Network

Increased security is the top benefit associated with a dedicated IP-storage network versus a
shared IP-storage network. This is followed by reduced costs, better application performance, and
many other advantages.
57%
Increased security
Reduced costs
35%
Better application performance
35%
Reduced risk
34%
33%
Increased scalability
32%
Faster provisioning
31%
More flexible environment to respond to changes

Less downtime
28%
Improved predictability for workload bandwidth
25%
Error isolation and simplified troubleshooting

N=200
18%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
What do you see as the top benefits associated with a dedicated IP-storage network vs a shared IP-storage network? (select all that apply)
RESEARCH TAKEAWAYS
14
Research Takeaways
Agencies top concerns regarding data storage are data security, data loss and
insufficient budget
Close to half of agencies total storage capacity is IP-storage based
Over four in five use a shared network for their IP storage for mission critical or
business critical workloads
Increased security, reduced costs and better application performance are the top
benefits associated with a dedicated IP-storage network versus a shared IPstorage network.
BACKGROUND AND APPROACH
15
About the Survey

Market Connections designed and
conducted a blind online survey among 200
federal government IT decision makers and
influencers in October 2015.
Two hundred completed interviews yields a
+/-6.9% margin of error.
Fifty-seven different agencies participated
in the survey.
Throughout the report, notable significant
differences are reported. Statistical analyses
were conducted for agency type (federal
civilian vs. defense).
Due to rounding, graphs may not add up to
100%
Sample Agencies Represented

(In Alphabetical Order)
Department of Transportation
(DOT)
Army
Department of Treasury (TREAS)
Department of Agriculture
Department of Veteran Affairs
(USDA)
(VA)
General Services Administration
Department of Commerce (DOC)
(GSA)
Department of Defense (DOD)
House of Representatives
Air Force
Department of Energy (DOE)

Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS)
Department of Homeland
Security (DHS)
Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Judicial/Courts
National Security Agency (NSA)
Navy
Social Security Administration

(SSA)
Department of the Interior (DOI)
US Postal Service (USPS)
Department of State (DOS)
N=200
What is your agency type?
What federal agency do you work for?
RESPONDENT CLASSIFICATIONS
16
Job Role
A wide variety of agency roles are represented, the most common of which are Network Manager,
Architect or Administrator; Data Center Manager/Director/CIO; and Storage Engineer or Architect.
Network Manager, Architect or Administrator
31%
Data Center Manager/Director/CIO
22%
Storage Engineer or Architect
16%
Program/Project Manager
6%
Director/Manager/Supervisor
5%
IT Contracting/Procurement/Budget
2%
Cybersecurity Manager/Officer
2%
Administrator
2%
Program Analyst
2%
Systems Manager/Engineer
1%
Mission Support
1%
Other
N=200
Note: Single mentions are collapsed into Other.
13%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
What is your role at your agency?

RESPONDENT CLASSIFICATIONS
17
Decision Making Involvement

About six in ten respondents mention they evaluate or recommend network and/or data storage
solutions, or are part of a team that does so. About half also describe their role as managing or
implementing network or data storage solutions. One quarter make the final decision in this regard.
Data Storage Involvement
Networks Involvement
On a team that makes

decisions regarding solutions
67%
Evaluate and recommend

solutions
64%
Manage or implement
solutions
N=200
20%
57%
47%
23%
Not involved
9%
0%
On a team that makes

decisions regarding solutions
Make the final decision

regarding solutions
28%
Not involved
58%
Manage or implement
solutions
53%
Make the final decision

regarding solutions
Evaluate and recommend

solutions
40%
60%
80%
8%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
How are you involved in decisions or recommendations regarding your agencys networks and/or data storage? (select all that apply)
RESEARCH TO INFORM YOUR BUSINESS DECISIONS
Contact Information
Dave Glantz, Director of Research Services
DaveG@marketconnectionsinc.com | 703.378.2025, ext. 104
Monica Mayk, Vice President, Client Services
MonicaM@marketconnectionsinc.com | 703.378.2025, ext. 107
Mari Canizales Coache, Marketing Manager
MariC@marketconnectionsinc.com | 703.378.2025, ext. 108
18

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Brocade

2015 Market Connections, Inc.

ABOUT THE STUDY

About the Study

Key Research Findings

Key Research Findings (contd)

Data Storage Top Concerns

Note: Multiple responses allowed

= statistically significant difference

IP Storage Deployment and Growth

Less than 10%

Less than 10%

= statistically significant difference

Drivers of IP Storage Growth

Growth in unstructured data

Increase in converged systems deployment

Greater internal expertise and familiarity on the IP

= statistically significant difference

What is the primary driver of your IP storage growth?

MISSION CRITICAL AND BUSINESS CRITICAL WORKLOADS

Workload Deployment on IP Storage

Yes - mission critical

Yes business critical

Respondents were provided with the

Yes - business critical

= statistically significant difference

MANAGING THE IP STORAGE NETWORK

IP Storage Network Responsibility

Data center team

Data center team

Responsible for Capacity Planning

NETWORKS FOR MISSION CRITICAL AND BUSINESS CRITICAL WORKLOADS

Networking Approach for Storage Workloads

Mission Critical Business Critical

Dedicated Mixed SAN/IP Network

Fibre Channel SAN

SHARED IP STORAGE NETWORK

Pain Points Associated with a Shared Network

Difficulties in maintaining a secure environment

Poor application response times

Prioritization methods are complex to implement

Application latency due to the data access traffic

Storage traffic does not have priority over background IP

Planned downtime for upgrades and migrations

Lack of resiliency in shared IP networks

Insufficient tools for workload management

Inability to meet SLAs

Note: Multiple responses allowed

Insufficient tools for

= statistically significant difference

NETWORKS FOR MISSION CRITICAL AND BUSINESS CRITICAL WORKLOADS

Reasons for Not Deploying A Dedicated Network

Managements lack of understanding the benefits

The shared IP-storage network meets my requirements

Lack of coordinated efforts with the network team and

I would choose a SAN network if I needed a dedicated

It is not suitable for my application needs

I have addressed the performance issues of a shared

Note: Multiple responses allowed

= statistically significant difference

SHARED IP STORAGE NETWORK

Top Benefits of a Dedicated IP Storage Network

Better application performance

More flexible environment to respond to changes