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Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
Get started
Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.
Is OpenStack enterprise-ready?
Companies wondering whether OpenStack is ready for prime time in the enterprise should first consider whether their IT administrators are ready for OpenStack. Continue Reading
Four tips for building a Swift object store
OpenStack Swift doesn't have to be scary. You can use the command line, zones and access control lists to make object storage management a little easier. Continue Reading
3D XPoint
3D XPoint is memory storage technology jointly developed by Intel and Micron Technology Inc. The two vendors have described this new technology as filling a gap in the storage market between dynamic RAM (DRAM) and NAND flash. Continue Reading
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software-defined storage (SDS)
Software-defined storage (SDS) is a computer program that manages data storage resources and functionality and has no dependencies on the underlying physical storage hardware. Continue Reading
non-volatile memory (NVM)
Non-volatile memory (NVMe) is a semiconductor technology that does not require a continuous power supply to retain the data or program code stored in a computing device. Continue Reading
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Definitions to Get Started
- software redundant array of independent disk (software RAID)
- storage as a service (STaaS)
- enterprise storage
- IOPS (input/output operations per second)
- Pure Storage
- RAID 3 (redundant array of independent disks 3)
- solid-state storage
- DIMM (dual in-line memory module)
Google Cloud Storage
Google Cloud Storage is an enterprise public cloud storage platform that can house large unstructured data sets.Continue Reading
What private cloud implementation barriers should I plan for?
There are many factors to consider when building a private cloud, so planning is crucial. Policy changes and hardware choices are just some challenges that may arise.Continue Reading
hybrid hard drive (HHD)
A hybrid hard drive (HHD), sometimes known as a solid-state hybrid drive (SSHD), is a mass storage device that combines a conventional hard disk drive and a NAND flash module.Continue Reading
USB flash drive
A USB flash drive -- also known as a stick, thumb or pen drive -- is a plug-and-play portable storage device that uses flash memory and can attach to a keychain.Continue Reading
RRAM or ReRAM (resistive RAM)
RRAM or ReRAM (resistive random access memory) is a form of nonvolatile storage that operates by changing the resistance of a specially formulated solid dielectric material.Continue Reading
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JEDEC
JEDEC is a global industry group that develops open standards for microelectronics.Continue Reading
CompactFlash card (CF card)
A CompactFlash card (CF card) is a memory card format developed by SanDisk in 1994 that uses flash memory technology to store data on a very small portable device.Continue Reading
SSD RAID (solid-state drive RAID)
SSD RAID (solid-state drive RAID) is a methodology commonly used to protect data by distributing redundant data blocks across multiple SSDs.Continue Reading
ZFS
ZFS is a local file system and logical volume manager created by Sun Microsystems to control the placement, storage and retrieval of data in enterprise computing systems.Continue Reading
Take a deep dive into software-defined storage products
Understanding the software-defined storage market is key to getting real value from an implementation, as is proper research and planning before making any product or vendor decisions.Continue Reading
SSD caching
SSD caching, also known as flash caching, is the temporary storage of data on NAND flash memory chips in a solid-state drive so data requests can be met with improved speed.Continue Reading
NVDIMM (Non-Volatile Dual In-line Memory Module)
An NVDIMM (non-volatile dual in-line memory module) is hybrid computer memory that retains data during a service outage.Continue Reading
Get the most value out of your SDS systems by making smart choices
There are many choices you face when looking to implement an SDS infrastructure. Making the right ones will help you get the most value from software-defined storage.Continue Reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Data Dynamics StorageX
Data Dynamics StorageX is a software suite that specializes in data migration and Microsoft Distributed File System management.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
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
For maximum benefits of virtualization, storage management is key
Server virtualization increases the complexity of storage management and forces administrators to pay even closer attention to issues such as available bandwidth and overprovisioning. Approaching management and provisioning in the same way as in a ...Continue Reading
orthogonal
Orthogonal concepts have their roots in advanced mathematics. They are also associated with software development, storage and networking.Continue Reading
How do hardware profiles work in Microsoft Virtual Machine Manager?
The Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager allows the creation of hardware profiles, which help to provision virtual storage. Brien Posey explains how to use the tool.Continue Reading
What criteria are most important when evaluating cloud storage costs?
With cloud storage pricing models varying so much, it makes sense to compare summaries of these criteria to be sure you make the right choice.Continue Reading
How is big data changing data archiving strategies?
Analyst Jon Toigo explains why performing analytics on big data sets means that data is no longer considered cold, reducing the importance of archives.Continue Reading
Essential guide to desktop and laptop solid-state drives
Essential guide to laptop and desktop SSDsContinue Reading
The case for cloud storage: Cloud considerations and strategies
Before deploying your cloud storage project, learn about cloud storage use cases, how to do a cloud cost analysis and keeping data safe in the cloud.Continue Reading
The need for application-aware storage
Server virtualization leads to unpredictable workloads. Application-aware storage could be the answer.Continue Reading
Are more than five nines of availability really possible?
When cloud durability is added to the mix, cloud providers are able to tout a high number of nines of availability.Continue Reading
What is object storage technology (and why should you care)?
Object technology offers scalability, economical operation and better data management; but it's very different from file and block storage systems.Continue Reading
What you need to know about flash caching
Using solid-state storage as cache can boost server and application performance dramatically, but the kind of flash cache you choose is critical.Continue Reading
Three considerations to ensure data storage efficiency
Vendors often claim their products cut out storage inefficiency, but administrators can make a difference as well with some planning.Continue Reading
bit rot
Bit rot is the slow deterioration in the performance and integrity of data stored on storage media. It is also known by the names bit decay, data rot, data decay and silent corruption.Continue Reading
Working with OpenStack storage: Tips on Cinder, Swift and the cloud
This guide explores the block, object and cloud storage offerings from OpenStack, one of the most sought-after open source storage platforms.Continue Reading
Examining the future of the RAID volume
Expert Jon Toigo provides a set of tips to answer key questions regarding RAID's place in today's storage world, and whether it will be replaced.Continue Reading
How does a scale-out NAS environment affect storage management?
Phil Goodwin explains how scale-out NAS systems simplify storage management through a single point of control and by combating performance problems.Continue Reading
A tiered storage model is different from caching
In this podcast, Evaluator Group strategist Randy Kerns looks in-depth at today's tiered storage model, including how it differs from flash caching.Continue Reading
Choosing storage for streaming large files in big data sets
Learn how to select storage that can both scale and perform to effectively stream large files in big data environments.Continue Reading
External storage might make sense for Hadoop
Using Hadoop to drive big data analytics doesn't necessarily mean building clusters of distributed storage; a good old array might be a better choice.Continue Reading
Building a better archival storage strategy
This guide walks through important tips and considerations regarding storage archive design strategies and technologies.Continue Reading
How DRAM or NVRAM cache can reduce flash SSD write amplification
DRAM/NVRAM caching provides SSD systems with better performance while reducing flash SSD write amplification.Continue Reading
Is there a difference between traditional tiering and sub-LUN tiering?
Sub-LUN tiering can help with performance in some environments, but according to analyst Jon Toigo, it can also get complicated with growing capacity.Continue Reading
Using the RESTful API as an onramp to object storage
RESTful APIs are essential in moving data on and off of object storage systems. Expert Marc Staimer describes the three options currently available.Continue Reading
Complete guide to Hadoop technology and storage
Learn how Apache Hadoop works, some of its benefits and drawbacks, and what it means for big data and cloud storage.Continue Reading
Erasure coding tradeoffs include additional storage, disk update needs
Erasure coding tradeoffs include requirement for additional data storage, need to update extra disks for redundancy purposes, UC professor cautions.Continue Reading
Erasure coding brings trade-off of resilience vs. performance
IT's decision on using erasure coding in storage rests on data importance, durability more than amount of data, says storage consultant Marc Staimer.Continue Reading
Wikibon CTO: Erasure coding can help reduce data backup costs
Erasure coding can help reduce the data needed for backups and lower the cost of backup and recovery over the traditional approach, Wikibon CTO says.Continue Reading
data destruction
Data destruction is the process of destroying data stored on tapes, hard disks and other forms of electronic media so that it is completely unreadable and cannot be accessed or used for unauthorized purposes.Continue Reading
What you need to know about improving iSCSI performance
Storage expert Dennis Martin discusses how technologies like Data Center Bridging, CHAP, IPsec and iSCSI offload adapters affect iSCSI performance.Continue Reading
Define SSD: Top terms you need to know
How do you define SSD? Check out this list of important SSD terms. The list includes terms you should know and some that may seem obscure.Continue Reading
RAID with SSD: A primer
While RAID is still a storage standard, questions remain about RAID’s relevance with SSDs. This tip will explore the basics of using RAID with SSD.Continue Reading
Brocade Communications Systems Inc. 1860 Fabric Adapter
The Brocade 1860 Fabric Adapter can partition individual physical adapters into as many as 16 virtual HBAs or virtual NICs with flexible bandwidth allocation.Continue Reading
Brocade Communications Systems Inc. 6510 SAN Switch
The Brocade 6510 SAN Switch has industry-first 16 Gbps Fibre Channel (FC) support, flexible port configuration and full-duplex 768 Gbps aggregate port throughput.Continue Reading
iSCSI storage area networks explained
In part two of our series, we examine the features of an iSCSI SAN to help you decide if it's the best SAN technology for your SMB.Continue Reading
virtual SAN appliance (VSA)
A virtual SAN appliance (VSA) is a software bundle that allows a storage manager to turn the unused storage capacity in his network's virtual servers into a storage area network (SAN).Continue Reading
EDRM: Best practices when preparing for an e-discovery request
We list the nine stages of the Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM), and tell you why the preservation and collection stage is so important to data storage pros.Continue Reading
Thin provisioning storage brings utilization and capacity benefits, but with a caveat
Thin provisioning storage can deliver capacity and utilization benefits to enterprise data storage environments, but it's been hobbled by concerns over capacity allocation overload and sluggish support from major vendors.Continue Reading
Tutorials on data storage from SearchStorage.com
Check out these data storage tutorials on network-attached storage (NAS), solid-state drive (SSD) technology, tiered storage, Fibre Channel, storage-area networks (SANs) and more.Continue Reading
Virtual desktop infrastructure tutorial: Part 2
In Part 2 of our virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) tutorial, we'll discuss which new products promise to make VDI simpler.Continue Reading
Fibre Channel SAN switches tutorial
Learn all about Fibre Channel SAN switches with these articles on selecting the right switches and the best practices for managing FC switching environments.Continue Reading
hard drive shredder
A hard drive shredder is a mechanical device that physically destroys old hard drives in such a way that the data they contain cannot be recovered.Continue Reading