Indiana University is using Hitachi Data Systems Universal Storage Platform, also known as the USP V. The INI Group interviewed Robert Lowden, director for Enterprise System Infrastructure. This is how Robert describes his role:

“I’m the director for Enterprise System Infrastructure primarily responsible for the support of Enterprise systems, the data centers, the databases, system administration, hardware - anything infrastructure related that is not the application layer or the network layer.

I’ve been with Indiana University for ten years, and storage of course falls into as well as backups and disaster recovery under my portfolio.”

The following is an overview of Indiana University’s IT environment:

•  Over three thousand servers
•  Heavy server virtualization user with over six hundred virtual machines
•  Operating systems include Linux, Windows, and AIX
•  VMware ESX
•  Three hundred terabytes of online storage
•  Two AMS 2300’s
•  Dual cluster four node 2300 HNAS

Listen to individual answers by clicking on the following questions:

1. Why did you decide to implement the Hitachi Data Systems Universal Storage Platform – also know as the USP V?
2. Can you share with us the process you went through to decide on which storage system to go with?
3. Can you give us examples of how the Hitachi USP V provided real value to your company?
4. Can you tell us how the Hitachi USP V has improved on the overall economic effectiveness within your IT operations?
5. Are there any insights that you can share with us on the USP V that would be useful for other IT professionals considering this solution?
6. Some IT professionals are skeptical about external storage virtualization. What made you decide to implement it?
7. What are the next steps using the Hitachi USP V?
8. Would you recommend the Hitachi USP V to other IT professionals and can you tell us why?

For more information on Hitachi Data Systems, go to www.hds.com