What is Software Defined Storage?
Software defined storage (SDS) is a modern approach to data management that separates the storage software — the intelligence that controls how data is stored, managed, and accessed — from the underlying physical hardware. Unlike traditional storage systems where software and hardware are tightly coupled from a single vendor, SDS uses a virtualisation layer to abstract the physical components, creating a flexible and hardware-agnostic storage environment.
At its core, SDS separates the control plane from the data plane. A software layer sits between your applications and the underlying hardware — simplifying management, enabling automation, and eliminating the cost tied to maintaining proprietary physical devices.
SDS supports advanced features including storage tiering, data deduplication, snapshots, replication, thin provisioning, and data compression — all managed through a single platform, regardless of what hardware sits underneath.
Hardware-bound management
- Software tied to specific hardware
- Proprietary vendor lock-in
- Expensive hardware upgrades to scale
- Separate management per system
- Manual provisioning and configuration
Hardware-agnostic management
- Software runs on any hardware
- Freedom to choose any vendor
- Scale by adjusting software config
- Single management interface
- Automated provisioning and policy
Not sure whether software defined storage is right for your organisation? Speak to one of our specialists — we've been designing storage infrastructure for UK businesses since 1994.
Speak to a specialist →Key Benefits of Software Defined Storage
Scalability made simple
Traditional storage systems require costly hardware additions to scale. SDS scales by adjusting software configurations — eliminating the need for frequent hardware upgrades.
Unmatched flexibility
SDS abstracts the storage layer from hardware, giving organisations the freedom to select hardware from any vendor — no proprietary lock-in.
Cost savings
Reducing reliance on specialised hardware lowers capital expenditure. Operational costs related to maintenance and upgrades are also significantly reduced.
Enhanced reliability
Built-in redundancy and automated failover ensure high availability even during system failures — improving overall resilience.
Centralised management
Manage all storage resources through a single software interface regardless of the underlying hardware — simplifying operations for IT teams.
Advanced data services
Deduplication, compression, snapshots, replication, and tiering — all delivered through software without requiring specialist hardware.
Our Software Defined Storage Solutions
Fortuna Data supplies and supports two leading software defined storage platforms from DataCore — each designed for different use cases and environments.
DataCore Swarm — Object Storage for Core, Edge, and Hybrid Cloud
The scalable and flexible software-defined DataCore Swarm object storage platform is specifically designed to handle, safeguard, and distribute extensive volumes of unstructured data. Ideal for organisations managing large datasets across core, edge, and hybrid cloud environments.
Explore DataCore Swarm →SANsymphony — Block Storage Virtualisation
SANsymphony by DataCore is a software-defined block storage platform that virtualises and pools existing SAN and direct-attached storage into a single, centrally managed resource. Designed for organisations looking to maximise existing hardware investments while gaining enterprise-grade data services.
Explore SANsymphony →Disadvantages of Software Defined Storage
While SDS offers significant advantages, it is important to consider the full picture before committing to a deployment.
- Implementation complexity — SDS requires deeper technical expertise than traditional storage systems. Initial configuration and integration with existing environments takes planning and skill.
- Training investment — Staff need training to use and maintain the platform effectively. This is a one-time cost but should be factored into the total cost of ownership.
- Network dependency — SDS relies heavily on the underlying network infrastructure for efficient data transfer. Performance issues can arise if the network is not properly configured or managed.
- Security considerations — As with any storage platform, sensitive data must be properly protected. SDS environments require robust access controls and monitoring.
- Enterprise adoption curve — Some organisations are cautious about moving away from proven hardware-based systems. The right approach is to evaluate SDS against your specific workloads and risk profile.
Weighing up the pros and cons for your specific environment? We can help you evaluate whether SDS is the right fit — and which platform suits your workloads.
Get an honest assessment →How to Implement Software Defined Storage
A successful SDS deployment requires careful planning. The following steps will help you approach it systematically.
Identify which workloads require software defined storage, how much capacity is needed, and what hardware is available or required for optimal performance.
Consider scalability, ease of use, compatibility with existing hardware and software, cost, and the specific data services you require — object storage, block storage, or both.
Install the SDS platform on your servers and configure it to integrate with your existing IT environment. Connect it to any necessary devices or applications.
Thoroughly test the new storage system before migrating data from old systems. This minimises downtime during migration and reduces the risk of data loss.
Ensure staff understand how to use and manage the new platform effectively so they can realise its full potential from day one.
Alternatives to Software Defined Storage
SDS is not the only option for organisations looking to modernise their storage infrastructure. Understanding the alternatives helps you make the right choice for your environment.
- Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI) — combines compute, storage, and networking into a single hardware platform. Simpler to manage than SDS but typically more expensive and less flexible in terms of hardware choice. See our 3-Tier vs HCI comparison for more detail.
- Traditional NAS / SAN — dedicated hardware solutions managed separately from other IT resources. Proven and reliable, but lack the flexibility and scalability of SDS and typically involve vendor lock-in.
- Cloud storage — highly scalable and accessible, but ongoing costs can escalate at volume and data sovereignty requirements may rule it out for regulated organisations. See our petabyte storage cost comparison for the numbers.
Not sure which storage approach is right for your organisation? We can help you compare the options and design the right solution for your workloads and budget.
Talk to our storage specialists →