Technology -
Distributed Architecture
Build a Storage System to Meet Your Needs - and Wants
A Twisted Storage system is composed of one or more Twisted Storage Server Nodes, each of which is an instance of the Twisted Storage software running on either a physical or virtual server. The Nodes communicate with each other via networked SOAP messages.
The Benefits of the Distributed Architecture
Twisted Storage gains heterogeneity, dynamic scalability, and reliability from its distributed architecture. The architecture also allows Twisted Storage Server Nodes to be separated by any distance which makes it possible to store multiple copies of files in separate locations - important to achieving instantaneous business continuity.
Heterogeneity
The distributed architecture of Twisted Storage operates by the Server Nodes exchanging SOAP messages over the network. Since the messages are independent of the server hardware, operating system, and network protocol each Server Node is completely independent. That allows building a Twisted Storage system from virtually any enterprise grade hardware and operating systems. This attribute is particularly valuable when repurposing hardware, if you own it the odds are it will fit perfectly into a Twisted Storage system.
Dynamic Scalability
Each node within the cluster can scale independently of the others, adding or removing storage ripples through the system automatically. The system can also scale by incorporating an external cloud such as Amazon S3. Twisted Storage treats the external could as if it were another Server Node which means all policies and workflows apply to files stored externally just as they do to files stored within the Twisted Storage cluster.
Reliability
Building an Enterprise Storage Cloud from fully distributed components provides extraordinary reliability. There is no central point of failure. All functions are distributed among the Server Nodes and multiple copies are made of every file by default.
Should a Server Node fail the system automatically retrieves the second copy. When the failed node is restored it is automatically re-incorporated into the system and resumes normal operation.
If a file becomes corrupted Twisted Storage automatically retrieves the second copy and then replaces the corrupted one with a copy of the remaining uncorrupted file.