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• How to build a private storage cloud

  Building internal cloud storage must account for elasticity, choosing the right platform, allowing for workflow, and stack deployments and public cloud integration. Continue Reading

• A dozen data storage vendors to watch in 2017

  Hyper-convergence, solid-state, software-defined storage and the cloud have revolutionized the way we deploy, manage and secure storage. How the dozen leading data storage vendors presented here navigate the challenges and opportunities created by ... Continue Reading

• NVMe, NVMe over Fabrics protocols merit consideration

  NVMe protocols are growing in importance as enterprises switch to flash storage. Demartek founder Dennis Martin explains the technologies and why IT needs to keep an eye on them. Continue Reading

• flash file system

  Flash file systems are designed specifically for memory devices. A well-designed flash device and flash file system ensure flash-based capabilities are used efficiently. Continue Reading

• IOPS (input/output operations per second)

  IOPS measures the maximum number of reads and writes to non-contiguous storage. It is not an actual benchmark since vendor numbers can vary from real-world performance. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • cloud storage
  • cloud testing
  • storage virtualization
  • erasure coding

  • continuous data protection
  • cloud encryption (cloud storage encryption)
  • cloud SLA (cloud service-level agreement)
  • NOR flash memory

  View All Definitions

• eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard)

  An embedded MultiMediaCard (eMMC) is a small storage device made up of NAND flash memory and a simple storage controller.Continue Reading

• Devise a hybrid cloud implementation plan

  Most experts and vendors agree a hybrid cloud bridging on-premises clouds with public clouds is the most popular way to go for cloud storage. This handbook examines the tools and technologies required to make hybrid cloud implementation work.

  ...Continue Reading

• mirror site

  A mirrored site is a website or set of files on a server that has been copied to another server so that the site or files are available from more than one place.Continue Reading

• flash memory card

  Flash storage memory cards use nonvolatile semiconductor memory to store pictures, audio and video data on portable and remote devices.Continue Reading

• Be mindful when working with public cloud storage

  Some enterprises are using public cloud storage as a tier for secondary storage or archived data, but Scott Sinclair advises caution before taking the leap.Continue Reading

• Panasas

  Panasas is a scale-out NAS (network-attached storage) vendor that produces hardware and software for demanding technical and enterprise environments.Continue Reading

• cloud storage infrastructure

  Cloud storage infrastructure is the hardware and software framework that supports the computing requirements of a private or public cloud storage service.Continue Reading

• partition

  Partitioning a hard disk drive is the first step in preparing it for data storage. A disk partition is a carved out logical space used to manage operating systems and files.Continue Reading

• RDRAM (Rambus DRAM)

  Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory, or RDRAM (Rambus DRAM), is a type of computer device active memory developed and licensed by Rambus Inc.Continue Reading

• Zadara VPSA and ZIOS

  Zadara Storage provides block, file or object storage with varying levels of compute and capacity through its ZIOS and VPSA platforms.Continue Reading

• Serial ATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment or SATA)

  The SATA storage protocol transmits data in serial fashion between hard drives and computer systems. The nonprofit SATA-IO industry consortium authors the design specification.Continue Reading

• parity

  Parity is a method of detecting errors in data transmissions between computers, while parity bit and parity checking are used in RAID technology to guard against data loss.Continue Reading

• storage volume

  A definition of volume must include a comparison of the unit of data storage to a partition, as well as insight into logical volume management, a form of storage virtualization.Continue Reading

• Conquer unstructured data: Scale-out NAS vs. object storage

  Learn how scale-out NAS and object storage systems work, their pros and cons, manageability and how they integrate with your storage infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Server-side caching defined and clarified

  Server-side caching, or flash storage installed in the server itself, is deployed to accelerate application performance. Placing the flash as close to the application as possible reduces latency and improves performance.

  Over the past couple of ...Continue Reading

• The complete rundown on Docker data storage and containers

  While primarily used in application testing environments, storage containers are making the move to primary storage, with Docker technology a clear front-runner.Continue Reading

• Dell EMC World

  Dell EMC World is an annual event for Dell EMC customers that showcases new and emerging technologies in the virtualization, cloud and data storage market.Continue Reading

• archive

  In enterprise data storage, an archive is a collection of infrequently accessed data that needs to be stored for long periods of time to meet backup and compliance requirements.Continue Reading

• Ceph

  Ceph is open source software providing scalable object-, block- and file-based storage under a unified system. Red Hat and SUSE sell commercially supported versions of Ceph.Continue Reading

• How to choose a service provider for your hybrid cloud implementation

  Customers should evaluate the cost and effectiveness of a hybrid cloud storage implementation when selecting a provider to store their valuable nearline data.Continue Reading

• Hadoop Distributed File System options for big data

  Because big data can scale to petabytes of capacity, organizations are looking to manage it in ways that are easier and less expensive than traditional scale-out NAS. Object storage and software-defined storage are frequently mentioned as big data ...Continue Reading

• Server-side flash storage technology basks in spotlight

  Dennis Martin walks you through the flash technology advancements that are helping make server-side storage challenges a thing of the past.Continue Reading

• Server-side flash technology lifts solid-state adoption

  Server-side solid-state storage is more ubiquitous than ever due to growing capacities and rapidly dropping flash technology prices. There are a many ways to install flash technology in a server, though there are decisions to make before you buy. We...Continue Reading

• NetApp Data Fabric

  The products and services that compose NetApp’s Data Fabric are designed to provide customers with the agility they need to quickly and efficiently move data to and from the cloud.Continue Reading

• Datera Inc.

  Datera created Elastic Data Fabric, a block storage platform aimed at cloud service providers and enterprises that want to build a private cloud on premises.Continue Reading

• Caringo Swarm

  Swarm is software designed to store unstructured data on an object storage platform. Unique indentifiers allow objects to be tracked using the search function.Continue Reading

• cloud archive

  Cloud archiving is a storage procurement model in which data that is no longer accessed on a regular basis is managed and backed up remotely by a cloud storage service provider.Continue Reading

• file storage

  File storage stores data in a hierarchical structure, usually in a NAS system. The system storing data and the client retrieving data see files and folders in the same format.Continue Reading

• How well do you know server-based storage? Let's find out

  Server-based technologies have been flooding the storage market to meet the needs of organizations dealing with rapid data growth. Put your knowledge to the test.Continue Reading

• Benefits of software-defined storage architecture: Time for consensus

  Disagreement over the meaning of software-defined storage architecture continues, but it generally refers to the beneficial trend of separating software and hardware.Continue Reading

• Potential pitfalls with Hadoop data analytics

  Before deciding on Hadoop to tackle your organizations' big data analysis needs, review these points of concern, including data sources and sustainability.Continue Reading

• Skyera

  Skyera was an all-flash array vendor that Western Digital's HGST subsidiary purchased in an all-cash transaction in December 2014.Continue Reading

• SAN array buyers think capacity first

  Databases and support for virtual servers are the main use cases for new SAN arrays.Continue Reading

• Complete guide to server-based storage in its modern forms

  From hyper-convergence to the cloud, better understand direct-attached storage and its many forms with this essential guide.Continue Reading

• pay-as-you-grow pricing

  Vendors that offer a pay-as-you-grow storage allow customers with growing environments to acquire capacity after an array has been installed through the purchase of licenses.Continue Reading

• cold storage

  Cold storage is a computer system designed for retaining inactive data, such as information required for regulatory compliance, at low cost and high efficiency.Continue Reading

• Take a deep dive into cloud archive

  Though cloud archive is seen as an essential piece of cloud storage, there are issues to consider before taking flight.Continue Reading

• Defining the software-defined storage market

  Take a closer look at what's driving the software-defined storage market, the different types of software-defined storage, and pros and cons of each.Continue Reading

• Load DynamiX

  Load DynamiX is a storage performance testing appliance that can simulate production workloads and virtual desktop infrastructure workloads to determine how a system handles stress before putting that system into production. Appliances support all ...Continue Reading

• Qumulo

  Qumulo is a Seattle-based storage vendor that specializes in selling its data-aware storage software application called the Qumulo Core. This product provides detailed data analytics, and these analytics are meant to help customers better manage ...Continue Reading

• How much will 3D XPoint technology affect flash storage?

  Learn how Intel 3D XPoint fits in a flash storage technology space that has already seen single-level cell, multi-level cell, eMLC, triple-level cell and 3D NAND.Continue Reading

• parallel I/O

  Parallel I/O is a way of performing multiple input/output operations concurrently, rather than serially.Continue Reading

• 3.5" SSD (3.5 solid-state drive)

  A 3.5 solid-state drive (SSD) is a data storage device designed for the 3.5-inch hard disk drive (HDD) form factor. It fits into the drive slot as a same-sized HDD in a portable computer, enterprise server, or storage system.Continue Reading

• iSCSI initiator

  An iSCSI initiator is software or hardware that enables a host computer to transmit data to an iSCSI-based storage array through a network adapter over a TCP-based IP network.Continue Reading

• Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) adapter

  An iSCSI adapter is a network interface card that enables the transmission of data between host computers and iSCSI-based storage arrays and typically handles the TCP/IP processing.Continue Reading

• Storage acceleration and performance trouble IT admins

  Though storage acceleration technologies are available, Taneja Group research shows that IT admins still struggle with performance.Continue Reading

• IBM General Parallel File System (IBM GPFS)

  The IBM General Parallel File System is one of the top file systems used in high-performance computing and the basis for many storage products used in supercomputing.Continue Reading

• Data reduction methods for virtualized environments

  Compression and deduplication are common data reduction methods used in virtual storage environments, but the technologies work at different storage levels.Continue Reading

• cloud file syncing

  Cloud file syncing is an application that updates files held in different locations through the cloud.Continue Reading

• IBM Spectrum

  IBM ships six storage and management software products that fall under the IBM Spectrum umbrella. They provide services such as capacity, data movement and backup.Continue Reading

• point-in-time snapshot (PIT snapshot)

  Point-in-time snapshots are a method of data protection that allows an administrator to make a full copy of a volume so that a restore can occur based on a specific time.Continue Reading

• data center migration plan

  A data center migration plan is a strategy created by an organization to migrate a data center with minimal downtime.Continue Reading

• file synchronization (file sync)

  File synchronization, often used as a form of backup, is the process by which files residing in more than one physical location are kept up to date.Continue Reading

• cloud controller

  A cloud controller is a device that moves data between on-premises storage and the cloud.Continue Reading

• read-intensive SSD (read-intensive solid-state drive)

  A read-intensive solid-state drive (SSD) is a NAND flash-based storage or caching device used with applications that write data infrequently, in contrast to SSDs that target write-intensive workloads.Continue Reading

• What is SATAe and can it eliminate performance gaps?

  When compared with earlier Serial ATA standards, SATAe is more advanced, reduces latency, has a higher performance level and offers backwards compatibility.Continue Reading

• HDD form factor (hard disk drive form factor)

  HDD form factor is the size or geometry of a hard disk drive, determining the device’s compatibility with the drive bays in a storage array or enclosure, server, portable computer or other computing device.Continue Reading

• enterprise cloud storage

  Enterprise cloud storage is public cloud storage purchased for a large organization. Enterprise cloud storage can be contrasted with consumer cloud storage, which is often free or purchased at a low price for an individual user's needs.Continue Reading

• clustered file system (CFS)

  Clustered file systems are file systems that run on multiple storage servers and can be accessed and managed as a single system.Continue Reading

• enterprise SSD (enterprise solid-state drive)

  An enterprise SSD (also known as an enterprise solid-state drive or enterprise solid-state disk) stores data persistently or caches data temporarily in nonvolatile memory and generally provides higher performance and greater endurance than consumer ...Continue Reading

• What is eventual consistency in object stores?

  Eventual consistency in object stores can be an issue because object storage is spread over many nodes and up-to-date data may not always be available.Continue Reading

• Why enterprise sync and share should learn to love BYOA

  BYOA is inevitable today -- but instead of viewing it as a threat, enterprises should see it as an opportunity to roll out new sync-and-share apps.Continue Reading

• On-prem cloud: Storage in a bottle

  Storing important data in the cloud is a non-starter for many organizations. There are number of reasons for this, including legislation, risk and compliance. Oh, and of course, cost. For those organizations, an on-premises cloud could be a ...Continue Reading

• shingled magnetic recording (SMR)

  Shingled magnetic recording (SMR) is a technique for writing data to disk drives in partially overlapping tracks to boost areal density and overall capacity.Continue Reading

• hardware RAID (hardware redundant array of independent disk)

  Hardware RAID is a form of RAID where processing is done externally.Continue Reading

• software RAID (software redundant array of independent disk)

  Software RAID is a form of RAID (redundant array of independent disks) performed on the internal server.Continue Reading

• non-disruptive data migration

  Non-disruptive data migration is a feature that allows data movement from one storage device to another without causing downtime in the environment.Continue Reading

• Fibre Channel director (FC director)

  A Fibre Channel (FC) director is a modular, chassis-based, high port-count switch that connects servers, switches and storage in a dedicated FC storage area network (SAN).Continue Reading

• Why choose object storage systems over file storage?

  Traditional file storage can have a hard time handling today's massive amounts of metadata. Learn why object storage has become a popular replacement.Continue Reading

• Four cloud-integrated storage drawbacks

  Cloud-integrated storage is a good way to move data to the cloud, but users should be aware of these four caveats before implementing the technology.Continue Reading

• How has the cloud appliance market evolved in the last few years?

  The terminology used to describe a cloud appliance is constantly changing, so users need to pay attention to the added features that differentiate them.Continue Reading

• What is data-defined storage and how does it work?

  Learn how your organization can use data-defined storage to organize and capitalize on the massive amounts of data it collects every day.Continue Reading

• Four steps to crafting an enterprise hybrid cloud plan

  Before plunging into an enterprise hybrid cloud scenario, data storage administrators should model their preliminary planning after these four steps.Continue Reading

• storage hypervisor

  Storage hypervisors make more efficient use of storage resources in a virtual environment.Continue Reading

• The capabilities and benefits of storage virtualization

  Andrew Reichman provides insight into what storage virtualization is, how it works and the different types of storage virtualization used today.Continue Reading

• multiprotocol storage

  Multiprotocol storage, also known as unified or federated storage, supports protocols traditionally associated with SAN block-based and NAS file-based storage in a single device.Continue Reading

• NAS filer (network-attached storage filer)

  NAS filers add scalable, expandable storage for file-serving purposes in data sharing, cloud applications, Internet and enterprise networks, in both Fibre Channel SANs and Ethernet LANs.Continue Reading

• Dell EMC Federation Enterprise Hybrid Cloud

  Federation Enterprise Hybrid Cloud is a reference architecture that uses technologies from Dell EMC's Federation to integrate public and private clouds.Continue Reading

• Five virtual storage platform tips for a VM environment

  Adding another layer of virtualization to a virtual server environment can complicate management and design. Here's how to avoid the pitfalls.Continue Reading

• Data Dynamics StorageX

  Data Dynamics StorageX is a software suite that specializes in data migration and Microsoft Distributed File System management.Continue Reading

• Big data tutorial: Everything you need to know

  Learn about big data technologies and architecture, vendor developments in the big data arena and what CIOs say are their biggest challenges when implementing big data in their storage environments.Continue Reading

• QNAP Systems Inc. (Quality Network Appliance Provider Systems Inc.)

  QNAP Systems Inc. is a Taiwanese-based storage vendor specializing in hardware systems for file sharing, storage management, virtualization and cloud services as well as surveillance applications for home and businesses.Continue Reading

• Why software-defined storage matters

  Software-defined storage is rapidly gaining popularity, thanks in large part to its potential for reducing storage costs. While storage virtualization is focused on abstracting storage capacity and performance, software-defined storage is all about ...Continue Reading

• storage resource management (SRM)

  An important goal of storage resource management is to make it easier for storage administrators to reclaim unused storageContinue Reading

• Why is storage QoS so important for flash arrays?

  Storage quality of service (QoS) is important in SSD environments because of resource contention, says Brien Posey in this expert response.Continue Reading

• Will we see more PCIe-based flash storage access similar to EMC's DSSD?

  Attaching flash directly to the PCI Express bus offers very low latency, but space is limited for on-board server-side flash. PCIe-based access for storage arrays may be the answer.Continue Reading

• How to select the best solid-state storage array for your environment

  These all-flash array and hybrid flash storage array performance factors will guide you in buying the right amount of flash.Continue Reading

• VMware Storage Policy-Based Management

  Storage Policy-Based Management is a feature that allows for automatic provisioning of virtual machines in a VMware environment.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service (Microsoft VSS)

  Microsoft VSS is a Windows Server feature used for backing up and restoring LUNs and individual files.Continue Reading

• self-service cloud computing

  Self-service cloud computing is a form of private cloud service where the customer provisions storage and launches applications without going through an external cloud service provider.Continue Reading

• copy data

  Copy data is the electronic data that is created as a result of data protection functions like backups, snapshots and disaster recovery.Continue Reading

• Buyer’s checklist to solid-state storage arrays

  Solid-state storage has typically been deployed to solve specific application performance problems. But as flash prices fall, it is becoming more and more widely deployed. Today, most enterprise storage systems come with at least some solid-state ...Continue Reading

• SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)

  Definition: The Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) is a set of parallel interface standards used to attach disk drives and other peripherals to a computer.Continue Reading

• redundant

  Redundancy can have several meanings, but commonly refers to spare hardware that is kept online or to duplicate data.Continue Reading

• What are protocol endpoints in vSphere VVOLs and how do they work?

  VMware's new VVOLs feature allows storage functionality to be distributed on a per-VM basis. Protocol endpoints are integral to proper allocation.Continue Reading