Unified storage is a shared storage device that provides consolidated block and file services to open system clients and physical and virtual servers. Applications and users access data over a shared network.

Large numbers and various types and release levels of direct-attached storage or internal storage can be difficult to manage and protect as well as costly due to very low total utilization rates. Unified storage provides the cost savings and simplicity of consolidating storage over an existing network, the efficiency of tiered storage, and the flexibility required by virtual server environments