Who's right and who's wrong? If you're like me, you're more than a little tired of experts giving conflicting advice on what solution is right for you. We listen to them because we need the information. But do they really know our business and what's best for it?

So why not call in a data storage consultant? Think a third party who visits your facility won't be able to pick up on the nuances of your operation? Think again. There are any number of professionals out there who can analyze your specific need and recommend solutions that fit your server environment. While it may be best to steer clear of consultants who offer their own brand of solutions, those who partner with others or those who are subsidiaries of data storage manufacturers, they may still have solid recommendations for your storage needs.

Start here:

The Storage IO Group

Adexis Storage

Enterprise Technology Consultants

Leading Storage Analysts Who's Who: This is comprehensive. It gives a little blurb on all listed consultants.