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• MRAM (magnetoresistive random access memory)

  MRAM (magnetoresistive random access memory) is a method of storing data bits using magnetic states instead of the electrical charges used by devices such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Continue Reading

• storage volume

  A storage volume is an identifiable unit of data storage. It can be a removable hard disk, but it does not have to be a unit that can be physically removed from a computer or storage system. Continue Reading

• storage capacity planning

  Storage capacity planning is the practice of assessing current data storage needs and forecasting future storage requirements. Continue Reading

• non-volatile storage (NVS)

  Non-volatile storage (NVS) is a broad collection of technologies and devices that do not require a continuous power supply to retain data or program code persistently on a short- or long-term basis. Continue Reading

• optical disk

  An optical disk is an electronic data storage medium that can be written to and read from using a low-powered laser beam. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • byte
  • compact disc (CD)
  • brontobyte
  • copy data management (CDM)

  • public cloud storage
  • kilobyte (KB or Kbyte)
  • hybrid cloud storage
  • cloud archive

  View All Definitions

• Why QLC flash adoption now benefits the enterprise

  While enterprises must overcome some obstacles with QLC, there is a solid case for its use. 3D NAND has played a big part in enabling QLC use within the enterprise.Continue Reading

• cache

  A cache -- pronounced CASH -- is hardware or software that is used to store something, usually data, temporarily in a computing environment.Continue Reading

• archive

  An archive is a collection of data moved to a repository for long-term retention, to keep separate for compliance reasons or for moving off primary storage media.Continue Reading

• data availability

  Data availability is a term used by computer storage manufacturers and storage service providers to describe how data should be available at a required level of performance in situations ranging from normal through disastrous.Continue Reading

• yottabyte (YB)

  A yottabyte (YB) is a measure of theoretical storage capacity and data volumes equal to 2 to the 80th power bytes, or approximately a million trillion megabytes (MB).Continue Reading

• cold storage

  Cold storage is a computer system or mode of operation designed for the retention of inactive data.Continue Reading

• tiered storage

  Tiered storage is a method for assigning different categories of data to various types of storage media to reduce overall storage costs and improve the performance and availability of mission-critical applications.Continue Reading

• secondary storage

  Secondary storage is persistent storage for noncritical data that doesn't need to be accessed as frequently as data in primary storage or that doesn't have the same performance or availability requirements.Continue Reading

• optical storage

  Optical storage is any storage type in which data is written and read with a laser.Continue Reading

• JBOD (just a bunch of disks)

  JBOD, which stands for 'just a bunch of disks,' is a type of multilevel configuration for disks.Continue Reading

• How businesses can manage Microsoft 365 storage space

  While Microsoft 365 users face storage limits across the platform, there are ways to increase capacity. It's also important to understand the limits in the first place.Continue Reading

• bare-metal restore

  A bare-metal restore (also referred to as bare-metal recovery or bare-metal backup) is a data recovery and restoration process where a computer is restored to a new machine, typically after a catastrophic failure.Continue Reading

• mSATA SSD (mSATA solid-state drive)

  An mSATA SSD is a solid-state drive (SSD) that conforms to the mSATA interface specification developed by the Serial ATA (SATA) International Organization.Continue Reading

• storage class memory (SCM)

  Storage class memory (SCM) is a type of physical computer memory that combines dynamic random access memory (DRAM), NAND flash memory and a power source for data persistence.Continue Reading

• NAND flash memory

  NAND flash memory is a type of non-volatile storage technology that does not require power to retain data.Continue Reading

• RAID (redundant array of independent disks)

  RAID (redundant array of independent disks) is a way of storing the same data in different places on multiple hard disks or solid-state drives (SSDs) to protect data in the case of a drive failure.Continue Reading

• Storage for edge computing is the next frontier for IoT

  IoT edge devices are getting smarter and will need local storage for machine learning and other AI operations. Is the industry ready for the challenge of storage for edge computing?Continue Reading

• all-flash array (AFA)

  An all-flash array (AFA), also known as a solid-state storage disk system or a solid-state array, is an external storage array that uses only flash media for persistent storage.Continue Reading

• flash storage

  Flash storage is any type of drive, repository or system that uses flash memory to keep data for an extended period of time.Continue Reading

• SSD (solid-state drive)

  An SSD, or solid-state drive, is a type of storage device used in computers.Continue Reading

• RAID 6

  RAID 6, also known as double-parity RAID, uses two parity stripes on each disk. It allows for two disk failures within the RAID set before any data is lost.Continue Reading

• RAM (Random Access Memory)

  RAM (Random Access Memory) is the hardware in a computing device where the operating system (OS), application programs and data in current use are kept so they can be quickly reached by the device's processor.Continue Reading

• NOR flash memory

  NOR flash memory is one of two types of non-volatile storage technologies.Continue Reading

• AHCI vs. RAID: Which is better for performance?

  The Advanced Host Controller Interface and RAID are fundamental concepts for running an efficient data management and storage infrastructure. Learn the AHCI and RAID basics.Continue Reading

• Apply hyperscale data center design principles to IT storage

  Storage admins in large enterprises can borrow infrastructure design principles from the major hyperscale cloud providers to optimize their own storage systems and operations.Continue Reading

• VRAM (video RAM)

  VRAM (video RAM) refers to any type of random access memory (RAM) specifically used to store image data for a computer display.Continue Reading

• PCIe SSD (PCIe solid-state drive)

  A PCIe SSD (PCIe solid-state drive) is a high-speed expansion card that attaches a computer to its peripherals.Continue Reading

• virtual memory

  Virtual memory is a memory management technique where secondary memory can be used as if it were a part of the main memory.Continue Reading

• RAID 10 (RAID 1+0)

  RAID 10, also known as RAID 1+0, is a RAID configuration that combines disk mirroring and disk striping to protect data.Continue Reading

• Serial ATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment or SATA)

  Serial ATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment or SATA) is a command and transport protocol that defines how data is transferred between a computer's motherboard and mass storage devices, such as hard disk drives (HDDs), optical drives and ...Continue Reading

• M.2 SSD

  An M.2 SSD is a small form factor solid-state drive (SSD) that is used in internally mounted storage expansion cards.Continue Reading

• NVMe (non-volatile memory express)

  NVMe (non-volatile memory express) is a host controller interface and storage protocol created to accelerate the transfer speed of data between enterprise and client systems and SSDs over a computer's high-speed PCIe bus.Continue Reading

• Manage OneDrive for Business storage limits, step by step

  OneDrive for Business is an important cloud storage element for Microsoft 365 users. Admins should be ready to adjust the storage limits for their users.Continue Reading

• bare-metal cloud

  Bare-metal cloud is a public cloud service that offers dedicated hardware resources without any installed operating systems or virtualization infrastructure.Continue Reading

• race condition

  A race condition is an undesirable situation that occurs when a device or system attempts to perform two or more operations at the same time, but because of the nature of the device or system, the operations must be done in the proper sequence to be...Continue Reading

• cloud storage

  Cloud storage is a service model in which data is transmitted and stored on remote storage systems, where it is maintained, managed, backed up and made available to users over a network (typically the internet).Continue Reading

• cloud data management

  Cloud data management is a way to manage data across cloud platforms, either with or instead of on-premises storage.Continue Reading

• blockchain storage

  Blockchain storage is a way of saving data in a decentralized network, which utilizes the unused hard disk space of users across the world to store files.Continue Reading

• Why and how to implement NVMe power management

  Understand how to use NVMe built-in power management features to conserve energy, manage heat and, in the case of mobile devices, extend operating times.Continue Reading

• 6 data storage compliance strategies for the enterprise

  Storage administrators and managers stressing over compliance should follow these analyst-recommended strategies, including taking advantage of automation and anonymizing data.Continue Reading

• Guidelines to implement storage for AI workloads

  Organizations with AI-enabled projects need an effective way to store, retrieve and share massive amounts of complex data. These tips will help meet AI data storage challenges.Continue Reading

• 8 best practices for SAN deployment within SMBs

  SMBs face a number of challenges when planning and performing a SAN implementation. Get out in front of an often intricate process with these best practices.Continue Reading

• How to develop and implement a data storage plan

  Planning is an important piece of IT. Examine the elements of a storage plan, how to prepare and implement the document, and the benefits of having one.Continue Reading

• Set up persistent storage for containers in the cloud

  All the major cloud vendors offer containers as a service. There are various ways IT admins can enable persistent storage for these flexible environments.Continue Reading

• cloud testing

  Cloud testing is the process of using the cloud computing resources of a third-party service provider to test software applications.Continue Reading

• Build an effective edge data storage plan

  IoT data storage is a key edge storage use, but not the only one. Stay on top of this movement in IT and make sure an edge infrastructure plan is in place.Continue Reading

• storage virtualization

  Storage virtualization is the pooling of physical storage from multiple storage devices into what appears to be a single storage device -- or pool of available storage capacity -- that is managed from a central console.Continue Reading

• erasure coding

  Erasure coding (EC) is a method of data protection in which data is broken into fragments, expanded and encoded with redundant data pieces and stored across a set of different locations or storage media.Continue Reading

• continuous data protection

  Continuous data protection (CDP), also known as continuous backup, is a backup and recovery storage system in which all the data in an enterprise is backed up whenever any change is made.Continue Reading

• cloud encryption (cloud storage encryption)

  Cloud encryption is a service offered by cloud storage providers whereby a customer's data is transformed using encryption algorithms into ciphertext and stored in the cloud.Continue Reading

• Calculate HPC storage costs based on these 8 factors

  IT teams that want an accurate estimate of HPC storage costs must account not only for the technology itself, but for staffing, support and ongoing operational expenses.Continue Reading

• cloud SLA (cloud service-level agreement)

  A cloud SLA (cloud service-level agreement) is an agreement between a cloud service provider and a customer that ensures a minimum level of service is maintained.Continue Reading

• 9 VDI storage best practices to better connect remote workers

  Learn how to plan and deploy VDI storage to make your remote workers more productive and efficient. It's all about knowing your users and picking the right devices.Continue Reading

• Test your knowledge of object storage usage in the enterprise

  Do you know when and where to use object storage? Take our quiz to see which workloads it's best for and insight into how object storage fits into the overall storage picture.Continue Reading

• Comparing RAID levels: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 and 50 explained

  RAID protects data and improves storage performance and availability, but it can be confusing. Read about the different types of RAID, the pros and cons, and where they work best.Continue Reading

• Immutable storage: What it is, why it's used and how it works

  When data files must absolutely, positively remain forever unalterable, immutable storage technology is one affordable approach to consider.Continue Reading

• 7 steps to retiring storage hardware safely and efficiently

  Organizations put a lot of thought into the storage equipment they purchase. The decision to retire that same hardware should get just as much consideration.Continue Reading

• What is a SAN? Ultimate storage area network guide

  A storage area network (SAN) is a dedicated high-speed network or subnetwork that interconnects and presents shared pools of storage devices to multiple servers.Continue Reading

• FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet)

  FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet) is a storage protocol that enable Fibre Channel (FC) communications to run directly over Ethernet.Continue Reading

• Fibre Channel switch (FC switch)

  A Fibre Channel switch is a networking device that is compatible with the Fibre Channel (FC) protocol and designed for use in a dedicated storage area network (SAN).Continue Reading

• SAN switch (storage area network switch)

  A storage area network (SAN) switch is a device that connects servers and shared pools of storage devices and is dedicated to moving storage traffic.Continue Reading

• unified storage (multiprotocol storage)

  Unified storage -- sometimes called network unified storage or multiprotocol storage -- is a storage system that makes it possible to run and manage files and applications from a single device.Continue Reading

• virtual storage area network (VSAN)

  A virtual storage area network (VSAN) is a logical partition in a physical storage area network (SAN).Continue Reading

• What are VMware vVols and how do they work?

  VMware's new Virtual Volumes allow virtual machines and applications to be better allocated to storage. The feature is now available in beta.Continue Reading

• hot plugging

  Hot plugging is the addition of a component to a running computer system without significant interruption to the operation of the system.Continue Reading

• Container use and the implications for storage

  Knowing which type of storage to deploy when using containers is important. We look at the storage architectures enterprises are using, the features preferred and more.Continue Reading

• Get the most out of cloud caching appliances and gateways

  Cloud storage caching can reduce performance-sapping latency. See how these appliances work, alternative approaches, in-demand features and the various products available.Continue Reading

• Computational storage fundamentals explained

  Computational storage is an emerging technology, but it isn't too soon to develop an understanding of how it can be used to address storage latency and performance issues.Continue Reading

• Storage class memory could benefit VDI storage, remote work

  SCM has the potential to meet IOPS and latency requirements of VDI workloads, but it isn't clear if it's worth the extra cost. We look at some possible ways this could happen.Continue Reading

• NVMe-oF storage technology and terms explained

  Get to know how NVMe-oF optimizes storage network performance and lowers latency with this roundup of terminology associated with the emerging technology.Continue Reading

• SMR, HAMR and other HDD technologies you can build on

  Hard disk drives could make a comeback in 2020, as new technologies such as SMR, HAMR, MAMR and dual actuators provide more capacity and speed for secondary storage.Continue Reading

• Get to know edge storage and the technology around it

  Edge computing changes how data is managed between the network endpoints and data centers or the cloud. Learn about the various components that make up an edge system.Continue Reading

• Test your QLC storage knowledge

  Do you know when and where to use QLC flash? Check out our quiz to see what workloads it's best for and other insight into the latest generation of NAND technology.Continue Reading

• 6 key AI data storage questions answered

  Want to know what to watch for when planning storage for AI workloads? Find out the key considerations and challenges for dealing with the complexities of AI.Continue Reading

• megabytes per second (MBps)

  Megabytes per second (MBps) is a unit of measurement for data transfer speed to and from a computer storage device.Continue Reading

• hybrid flash array

  A hybrid flash array is a solid-state storage system that contains a mix of flash memory drives and hard disk drives.Continue Reading

• 3D NAND flash

  3D NAND is a type of non-volatile flash memory in which the memory cells are stacked vertically in multiple layers.Continue Reading

• Get to know NVMe protocol basics with these related terms

  NVMe is a storage protocol that has made a difference in the enterprise. When looking into NVMe and its related technologies, it can help to have these basic terms on hand.Continue Reading

• Flash memory standards and interfaces every IT admin should know

  Flash memory standards can be confusing for even seasoned IT pros. TLC, QLC, MLC, SLC flash and so on. SAS vs. NVMe, NVMe-oF among others. Let's make sense of this acronym soup.Continue Reading

• Computational storage terminology explained

  Computational and edge storage are changing the way we manage data at the network edge. Understanding the terminology around this technology can help clarify how it works.Continue Reading

• The advantages of SAN technology in an HCI world

  Is your organization debating whether to replace its SAN with hyper-converged storage? Know the questions to ask, SAN's advantages for certain applications and more.Continue Reading

• 5 storage class memory queries answered

  Find out if emerging SCM technology is right for your organization with this look at the benefits, uses and products, as well as what to assess when considering it.Continue Reading

• Test your NVMe-oF storage acumen

  Do you know the basics about implementing, enhancing and monitoring NVMe-oF? Check out our quiz to see if you're up to speed on this rapidly maturing technology.Continue Reading

• cache memory

  Cache memory, also called CPU memory, is high-speed static random access memory (SRAM) that a computer microprocessor can access more quickly than it can access regular random access memory (RAM).Continue Reading

• capacity management

  Capacity management is the broad term describing a variety of IT monitoring, administration and planning actions that are taken to ensure that a computing infrastructure has adequate resources to handle current data processing requirements as well ...Continue Reading

• logical unit number (LUN)

  A logical unit number (LUN) is a unique identifier for designating an individual or collection of physical or virtual storage devices that execute input/output (I/O) commands with a host computer, as defined by the Small System Computer Interface (...Continue Reading

• NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF)

  NVMe over Fabrics, also known as NVMe-oF and non-volatile memory express over fabrics, is a protocol specification designed to connect hosts to storage across a network fabric using the NVMe protocol.Continue Reading

• CIFS (Common Internet File System)

  CIFS (Common Internet File System) is a protocol that gained popularity around the year 2000, as vendors worked to establish an Internet Protocol-based file-sharing protocol.Continue Reading

• storage as a service (STaaS)

  Storage as a service can be delivered on premises from infrastructure that is dedicated to a single customer, or it can be delivered from the public cloud as a shared service that's purchased by subscription and is billed according to one or more ...Continue Reading

• QLC NAND

  QLC NAND (quad-level cell NAND) is a form of NAND flash memory that can store up to four bits of data per memory cell.Continue Reading

• iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface)

  ISCSI is a transport layer protocol that describes how Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) packets should be transported over a TCP/IP network.Continue Reading

• NAS, SAN, or DAS? Quiz yourself on these 3 types of storage

  It's not easy to choose and deploy a data storage infrastructure system. Take this test to find out if you're ready to assess whether DAS, NAS or SAN is right for your business.Continue Reading

• 8 factors that make AI storage more efficient

  AI workloads need storage optimized for performance, capacity and availability. Discover everything you'll want to consider when planning storage for AI applications.Continue Reading

• DRAM (dynamic random access memory)

  Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) is a type of semiconductor memory that is typically used for the data or program code needed by a computer processor to function.Continue Reading

• What works best for IoT storage?

  Storage for IoT devices and applications requires new strategies and approaches. Find out how three approaches are being used to facilitate storage for consumers and enterprises.Continue Reading