What is a SAN array primarily used for?

A SAN (Storage Area Network) array is primarily used for managing block data. Block storage systems, such as those found in SAN arrays, handle data in fixed-sized blocks, which allows for high performance and efficient data access. This format is particularly well-suited for providing storage for applications that require fast and reliable data retrieval, such as databases or enterprise applications.

The architecture of a SAN allows for multiple servers to access the same storage resources, enhancing performance and scalability. This is essential in environments where low-latency data access is critical. In contrast, file storage systems, as seen in options related to managing file data, handle data as a collection of files and directories which is not the primary function of a SAN array.

Similarly, while SAN arrays can support virtualization, as in the case of storing virtual machines, that is a subset of their capabilities, primarily related to block data management. Other options, like backing up cloud information, relate to broader data management strategies that may include various storage solutions beyond the specialized function of a SAN. Thus, the essence of a SAN's utility rests in its ability to efficiently manage block data.