Data storage makes the process easier to back up files for safekeeping and quick recovery at the time of any unexpected computing crash or cyberattack.
3. Data Storage
Data storage defines that essential files and documents are stored digitally and
saved in a storage system for future purposes.
Storage systems might depend on electromagnetic, optical, or other media to
secure and restore the data if required.
Data storage makes the process easier to back up files for safekeeping and quick
recovery at the time of any unexpected computing crash or cyberattack.
4. Data storage can be possible on physical hard drives, disk drives, USB drives, or
even virtually in the cloud.
The significant thing is that your files are backed up and readily available. Some of
the other most important factors to consider at the time of data storage are
reliability, how robust the security features are and the implementation cost, and
infrastructure maintenance cost.
Surfing through multiple data storage solutions and applications helps you decide
what best fits your business requirements.
5. Types of Data Storage
There are two different types of data storage: Direct Attached Storage (DAS) and
Network Attached Storage (NAS).
There are several devices that match each of these categories, each with its
unique advantages and disadvantages.
6. Direct Attached Storage (DAS)
As the name itself refers, Direct Attached Storage (DAS) includes types of data
storage that are physically connected to your computer. This type of data storage
is generally accessible to only one machine at a time. Some of the commonly
used devices in this category include:
Hard Drives
Solid-State Drives (SSD)
CD/DVD Drives
Flash Drives
DAS solutions are an excellent option for constructing local backups and can be
highly affordable than NAS solutions, but sharing data between machines can be
cumbersome.
7. Network Attached Storage (NAS)
Network Attached Storage (NAS) enables various machines to share storage over
a single network.
This can be accomplished with multiple hard drives or other storage devices in a
RAID configuration. One of the fundamental benefits of NAS is the ability to
centralize information and improve collaboration.
Data can be easily shared among connected systems, and permission levels can
be set to control accessibility. While NAS solutions are more expensive than DAS
solutions, they are still very affordable as storage technology has advanced
significantly.
8. Types of Data Storage Devices
Many data storage devices offer reliable protection of important files, but a few
differences can assist you in finding the right choice for your organization.
Computer memory and local storage might not be sufficient to protect your
proprietary data.
Instead, the best way to secure yourself is non-volatile data storage, which
doesn't require continuous power to store and preserve data. Consider some of
these non-volatile data storage options.
9. SSD Flash Drive Arrays
With only flash memory, these solid-state storage systems offer swift data
transfer between SSD and a smaller physical size than a disk array.
The upfront cost is considered to be higher, but there's great potential to pay a
minimum cost over time.
10. Hybrid Flash Arrays
The Hybrid Flash Arrays storage devices include both flash memory drives and
hard disk drives for providing equal performance.
Hybrid flash arrays serve low-cost startups, reasonable performance costs, and
fast data access on demand.
Almost every flash arrays offer lower latency and quicker performance than
hybrid flash but might cost even high.
11. Hybrid Cloud Storage
The budget-friendly and flexible Hybrid Cloud Storage shares a secure and
compliant option that ensures continuity in business.
This type of data storage accommodates frequent backups, long-term archives,
future scaling, and always-on availability.
The integration of cloud and on-premises storage adds a layer of protection to
ensure data is secure and accessible, and storage space could potentially be
unlimited.
12. Backup Software
Software for system and company backups typically arrives with a license, or a
subscription rate billed monthly or annually. Convenience is a huge factor in "set
it and forget it" in most cases.
13. Backup Appliances
Backup servers, backup and recovery appliances, and other devices designed for
this purpose come with a high price tag.
Configurations might be challenging, and reliability may be at risk with
misconfigurations and incorrect software tuning.
14. Cloud Storage
Overall cloud-based or online storage solutions provide virtual data storage and
convenient access to your materials from anywhere, not just a local computer or
external hard disk.
Reliability tends to be on point, but companies demand to consider a cloud
storage security strategy before implementing it.
For best results in securing your data, you have to strive to maintain three copies
of your essential files. Store your primary data, including two backup copies,
preferably with one backed up remotely and offsite.
15. Benefits of Data Storage
Consider these benefits of data storage to identify how big of an impact the right
solution may have on your business.
Reliable data preservation
Data continuity and accessibility
Quicker and easier data recovery
Flexible price points and capacity options
Adequate security for protected files
16. Know the Right Data Storage Solutions for Your
Business
The act of preserving vital information and files is critical to ensure continuity and
reliability of your data center and network infrastructure during everyday
business operations.
As insurance, the hope is that your business won't require much to use disaster
recovery for your data. Worse yet, you don't need to end up in a critical situation
where data loss is imminent without a disaster recovery plan in place.
A data storage expert will help you browse through the various types of data
storage and devise a plan to ensure your data is always protected, preserved,
and ready for restoration without interrupting your business operations.