Traditional NAS device-level controls are limited, impacting the ability to control capacity, data movement, storage tiers, performance optimization and data protection in networked storage. File virtualization came about in response to these challenges, seeking to improve NAS and file server management by creating an infrastructure-wide control platform.

File virtualization is a fundamental technology for today's file-based infrastructure that puts an abstraction layer above the individual physical NAS devices, insulating file-based data access from physical and logical changes to the storage infrastructure. It also has a dramatic impact on TCO of the infrastructure by simplifying management.

This Taneja Group white paper identifies five strategic questions that you should ask your vendors during the evaluation process before selecting a file virtualization product.