Contract # GS00T01AHD0002 

Proposal to Add Federal Telecommunications Service   Long Distance (FTS LD) 

6.7.10.4  Network Attached Storage (NAS) on Demand 

Network Attached Storage (NAS) on Demand is another optional primary data 

storage solution available. NAS on Demand is perfect for read intensive applications 

requiring multiple servers to access the same data.  

This differs from SAN by utilizing an IP network architecture, rather than a fibre 

channel technology. With NAS on Demand, file systems rather than raw storage 

volumes are made available over the network and the file server manages the data 

placement.  

NAS on Demand is client oriented, so that I/O commands are made via a standard IP 

connection. The file server manages data placement. As a result, NAS on Demand 

can provide file sharing among users and among operating systems via Network File 

System (NFS) for UNIX and Common Interface File System (CIFS) for NT protocols. 

Multiple hosts can see the file systems simultaneously. Refer to Table 6.7.10.4 1 for 

Managed Storage services comparisons. 

Table 6.7.10.4 1. Managed Storage Services Comparison 

External Architecture 

SAN on Demand 

NAS on Demand 

Protocol 

Block 

File (NFS, CIFS) 

Latency Low 

Standard 

IP 

Data Security 

High  no sharing 

Shared with Controls 

Application 

Data not shared 

Shared 

Server Hardware 

HBAs 

NICs 

NAS on Demand can utilize existing NICs. There is no additional server side 

hardware or software required, assuming NICs exist

.  

This service is provided in conjunction with StorageNetworks. NAS on Demand is 

not available in all AT&T Internet Data Centers. Other restrictions may apply. 

Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this proposal. 

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