Primary storage devices
Primary storage devices refer to storage hardware for data in active use, in contrast to storage used for backup purposes. They include SAN and NAS primary storage devices, non-volatile flash storage and other types of storage media. Find resources about primary storage and storage hardware, including RAID arrays and storage arrays, on this topic page.
Top Stories
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Tip
24 Oct 2025
NAS vs. cloud storage: Which is better for your business?
On-site NAS and cloud-based NAS are the two main file storage options. Organizations need to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each to make the best choice. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Oct 2025
SSD vs. SSHD vs. HDD: Which one is best?
Solid-state hybrid drives combine SSD speed with HDD capacity, but do they fit your storage strategy? Compare SSHDs vs. SSDs vs. HDDs to find the best drive type for your needs. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Oct 2025
SSD vs. SSHD vs. HDD: Which one is best?
Solid-state hybrid drives combine SSD speed with HDD capacity, but do they fit your storage strategy? Compare SSHDs vs. SSDs vs. HDDs to find the best drive type for your needs. Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2025
NetApp adds cyber resilience to primary storage
NetApp's new Ransomware Resilience service and expanded partnerships with public cloud providers further highlight its widening focus beyond data storage. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Oct 2025
What is unified storage? Features, pros/cons, comparison to block/file storage
Unified storage, sometimes called network unified storage (NUS) or multiprotocol storage, is a storage system that combines block and file storage and enables users to run and manage files and applications from a single device. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Sep 2025
What is a SAN switch? How it works and compares to other network switches
A SAN switch (storage area network switch) is a device that connects servers and shared pools of storage devices and is dedicated to moving storage traffic. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Sep 2025
What is Fibre Channel? History, layers, components and design
Fibre Channel is a high-speed networking technology primarily used for transmitting data among data centers, computer servers, switches and storage at data rates of up to 128 gigabits per second (Gbps). Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Sep 2025
Is storage the weak link in your cyber-resilience strategy?
While challenges exist in applying cyber resilience to storage platforms, vendors are starting to make it easier for organizations to add that needed layer of protection. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Aug 2025
What is Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE)? How it works, benefits, challenges and use cases
Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) is a storage protocol that enables Fibre Channel (FC) communications to run directly over Ethernet. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Aug 2025
TB vs. GB: Is a terabyte bigger than a gigabyte?
A terabyte comprises more than 1 trillion bytes. Discover how the storage measurement scale was created and where a terabyte stands among other units of measurement today. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Jul 2025
What is NTFS and how does it work?
NTFS, which stands for NT file system and the New Technology File System, is the file system that many versions of the Windows and Windows Server operating systems (OSes) use for storing, organizing, and retrieving files on hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Jun 2025
What is bit (binary digit) in computing?
A bit (binary digit) is the smallest unit of data that a computer can process and store. It can have only one of two values: 0 or 1. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jun 2025
What is a storage filer?
A storage filer is a type of file server designed and programmed for high-volume data storage, backup or archiving. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Apr 2025
What is a clustered network-attached storage (NAS) system?
A clustered network-attached storage (NAS) system is a scale-out storage platform made up of multiple NAS nodes networked together into a single cluster. Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2025
Google Cloud storage offerings bolstered for AI apps
Storage for Google Cloud now supports many features akin to AWS' catalog for AI app development, but could lead to cloud lock-in as best practices and strategies emerge. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2025
What is a disk image?
A disk image is a compressed file that contains a copy of the entire contents of a computer's hard drive or other storage media, such as optical discs or solid-state drives. Continue Reading
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News
08 Apr 2025
Dell storage lines get refresh for AI workloads
Dell Technologies rolls out PowerEdge, ObjectScale and PowerScale hardware updates, alongside new capabilities for the PowerProtect and PowerStore software. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2025
The difference between SSD and HDD storage devices explained
A comparison of SSD vs. HDD yields vastly different storage capabilities. Explore the differences and guidance on when to use each. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2025
Explore 9 software-defined storage companies
Software-defined storage offerings are all over the map in uses, features and types of platform. These nine software-defined storage companies include several IT giants. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Mar 2025
What is 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
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Definition
11 Mar 2025
What are optical disks and how do they work?
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
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Definition
25 Feb 2025
What is RAID 0 (disk striping)?
RAID 0 (disk striping) is the process of dividing a body of data into blocks and spreading the data blocks across multiple storage devices, such as hard disk drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs), in a redundant array of independent disks group. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Feb 2025
What is RAID 5?
RAID 5 is a redundant array of independent disks configuration that uses disk striping with parity. Continue Reading
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News
24 Feb 2025
StorOne update automates storage tiering for data access
StorOne Data Storage Platform uses AI and ML to automate data between tiers of flash and HDD storage without the need for custom hardware or user intervention in latest release. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Feb 2025
What is a hard disk drive (HDD)?
A computer hard disk drive (HDD) is a non-volatile data storage device. Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2025
NetApp adds cheaper options to all-flash block storage line
An early 2025 catalog refresh includes the expansion of the ASA A-Series, adding to its all-flash block storage with NetApp's OnTap storage OS. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2025
How to set up a NAS: A step-by-step configuration guide
Get the most out of your rackmount NAS appliance by setting up admin accounts, permissions and network access; running a diagnostic check; and configuring advanced options. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jan 2025
What is read-only memory (ROM)?
Read-only memory, or ROM, is a type of computer storage containing non-volatile, permanent data that normally can only be read, not written to. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2025
Lenovo to acquire Infinidat as part of growth strategy
Infinidat's high-end storage offerings fill a Lenovo portfolio gap, but its acquisition winnows the number of storage vendors in the market, according to analysts. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Dec 2024
HDDs to remain dominant storage footprint in 2025
HDDs will retain their top storage spot in the new year despite advances in flash, analysts say. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2024
4 NAS devices for enterprises in 2025 and buying factors
If you're considering a NAS device for your organization, discover the factors to evaluate and some vendor offerings to add to your NAS shopping list. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Dec 2024
What is pay-as-you-go cloud computing (PAYG cloud computing)?
Pay-as-you-go cloud computing, or PAYG cloud computing, is a payment method for cloud computing that charges based on usage. The practice is similar to that of utility bills, using only resources that are needed. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Dec 2024
Could the AI era open a new frontier for object storage?
Object storage has seen a steady progression over the years. Explore this evolution and several products that seek to capitalize on its performance, specifically for AI. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2024
Immutable storage: What it is, why it's used and how it works
A major benefit of immutable storage is insurance against many forms of data loss, such as malicious deletion. It's not infallible, but positives outweigh the potential drawbacks. Continue Reading
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News
22 Oct 2024
Dell PowerMax uses AI for storage performance, efficiency
Dell PowerMax 10.2 uses the company's AI to optimize dynamic cache, while also building out data protection and using Apex's multi-cloud features. Continue Reading
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News
17 Oct 2024
Western Digital begins to ship 32 TB HDDs
WD has jumped up to higher densities in its HDD line, shipping 32 TB SMR and 26 TB CMR drives as drop-in replacements to bring higher capacities to clouds and OEMs. Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2024
NetApp sees data management as its future
A shared metadata namespace searchable through BlueXP and a disaggregated storage architecture for faster generative AI data ingestion will kickstart NetApp's shift into new markets. Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2024
NetApp integrates security, adds hardware for GenAI future
NetApp executives see a disaggregated future for its storage hardware and software into data management, but industry analysts question how storage admins will handle these duties. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Sep 2024
Compare 5 Ceph alternatives for storage
This list of Ceph alternatives can provide a good starting point for better understanding what's available and the issues to look for during the storage decision-making process. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Aug 2024
What is NetApp?
NetApp, formerly Network Appliance, Inc., is a multinational corporation in the computer technologies industry specializing in data storage hardware, software and cloud services. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Aug 2024
An overview of storage firmware and the importance of updates
While challenges exist, IT teams that fail to update their storage firmware in a timely manner could put their data and organizations at significant risk. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Aug 2024
Western Digital split could benefit HDD, flash storage users
Though the storage market won't be massively changed by the split of Western Digital, it could benefit customers of each new company. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Aug 2024
What's the best way to protect against HDD failure?
Whatever the reason for failure, HDDs are hard to repair. Admins need to get out in front of potential issues, like the four described here, to prevent prolonged downtime. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Aug 2024
How the key-value SSD promises to outperform block storage
Key-value SSDs show potential in performance and storage management, but how would they be implemented? What other advantages do they offer over block storage? Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Aug 2024
What is a partition in computers?
A partition is a logical division of a hard disk drive (HDD) that's treated as a separate unit by operating systems (OSes) and file systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jul 2024
What is NVMe over Fibre Channel (NVMe over FC)? Definition and Guide
Non-volatile memory express over Fibre Channel (NVMe over FC) is a technology specification designed to enable NVMe-based message commands to transfer data and status information between a host computer and a target storage subsystem over a Fibre Channel network fabric. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jul 2024
What is Dell EMC?
Dell EMC is an American multinational technology company that offers products and services across all areas of computing, networking and storage. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jul 2024
What is ZFS?
ZFS is a local file system and logical volume manager created by Sun Microsystems to direct and control the placement, storage and retrieval of data in enterprise-class computing systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jul 2024
What is 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
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Definition
18 Jul 2024
What is a 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
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Definition
16 Jul 2024
JEDEC
JEDEC is a global industry group that develops open standards for microelectronics. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jul 2024
Managing unstructured data to boost performance, lower costs
Is unmanaged, unstructured data clogging up your primary storage? Get control of this costly, performance-sapping situation and start managing unstructured data cost-effectively. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jul 2024
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) is an electronic interface that enables PCs and servers to communicate with peripheral hardware, such as storage devices, printers and scanners, faster and more flexibly than previous parallel data transfer interfaces. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jun 2024
SATA Express (SATAe)
SATA Express (SATAe or Serial ATA Express) is a bus interface to connect storage devices to a computer motherboard, supporting SATA and PCI Express protocols simultaneously. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jun 2024
bad block
A bad block is an area of storage media that is no longer reliable for storing and retrieving data because it has been physically damaged or corrupted. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jun 2024
erasure coding (EC)
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
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Definition
10 Jun 2024
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 (HDD) and a NAND flash memory module. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Jun 2024
SAN vs. NAS vs. DAS: Key differences and best use cases
Compare SAN, NAS and DAS and find out what to consider when using each type of storage system. Object storage and the cloud are additional available storage options. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jun 2024
WD unveils storage for AI framework alongside new drives
As the focus for enterprise AI spreads beyond compute, Western Digital introduces a new SSD and HDD. It also released an AI framework that outlines what storage should be used when. Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2024
Hitachi Vantara VSP One adds new block storage
Hitachi Vantara has added a new block storage appliance to its VSP One storage platform, expanding its aim in the midrange with a 150% performance increase over previous versions. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 May 2024
Compare and assess 4 top small-business NAS devices
Discover how four NAS appliances stack up against one another regarding their available features to determine which product is right for your small business. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 May 2024
parallel file system
A parallel file system is a software component designed to store data across multiple networked servers. Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2024
Infinidat arrays shift from Intel to AMD in new G4 line
Infinidat's G4 storage line highlights a shift in architecture and customer focus. It's also adding a controller upgrade program as well as new data protection and cloud options. Continue Reading
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News
20 May 2024
Dell revamps storage with PowerStore Prime
Dell is combining programs and features into its main storage product PowerStore; this prime version brings higher performance, QLC and an Apex AI assistant. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2024
HPE updates Alletra MP, expands block storage to AWS
HPE is refining its Alletra MP array along with its GreenLake block storage as it doubles capacity, increases lifecycle management and extends to AWS. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 May 2024
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
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News
14 May 2024
NetApp freshens storage hardware with AFF A-Series flash
A new line of flash storage hardware focused on high availability and performance headlines NetApp's new offerings along with several storage software updates. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 May 2024
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 Computer System Interface (SCSI) standard. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2024
New HPE array brings Cray storage to the data center
The HPE Cray C500 delivers enough storage and performance for enterprise high-performance computing and AI workloads on-premises, and without the supercomputer price tag. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 May 2024
AHCI vs. RAID: Features, differences and applications
AHCI and RAID are fundamental concepts for running an efficient data management and storage infrastructure. Learn the AHCI and RAID basics, as well as how SATA and IDE compare. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Apr 2024
LTO-9 (Linear Tape-Open 9)
LTO-9 is a tape format from the Linear Tape-Open (LTO) Consortium. It launched in 2021. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Apr 2024
LTO-7 (Linear Tape-Open 7)
LTO-7 is a tape format from the Linear Tape-Open (LTO) Consortium released in late 2015. It succeeded the LTO-6 version, which launched in 2012. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Apr 2024
Linear Tape-Open (LTO)
Linear Tape-Open (LTO) is an open-format tape storage technology created by HPE, IBM and Seagate Technology. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Apr 2024
software redundant array of independent disk (software RAID)
Software RAID, also known as virtual RAID, is a form of RAID (software redundant array of independent disk) performed on an internal server. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Mar 2024
RAID 3 (redundant array of independent disks 3)
RAID 3 (redundant array of independent disks 3) is a RAID configuration that uses a parity disk to store the information generated by a RAID controller and uses striping to store the data. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Mar 2024
A primer on multiactuator HDD technology
Enterprise data centers will soon need HDDs that can exceed today's capacities. Multiactuators, which are on the rise in HDDs, may help solve the problem. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2024
DDN adds more performance to AI storage offering
At Nvidia's GTC conference this week, DDN introduced its highest performing AI storage while supporting nearly all the GPU-as-a-service cloud providers. Continue Reading
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News
05 Mar 2024
NetApp deepens storage offerings, security for AI buyers
New data protection and ransomware recovery features headline the latest NetApp updates. The vendor is also expanding its Nvidia partnership to ensure its offerings are AI-ready. Continue Reading
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Opinion
04 Mar 2024
Is hyperscale NAS the future of storage in the AI era?
Storage for AI workloads will require high capacity and performance. Some vendors have started to tackle this issue, for example with global file system technology. Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2024
IBM FlashSystem update focuses on ransomware detection
IBM FlashSystem builds on the ransomware fight in primary storage by adding AI to its FlashCore Module storage media and to Storage Defender, its data protection SaaS. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Feb 2024
file system
In computing, a file system -- sometimes written filesystem -- is a logical and physical system for organizing, managing and accessing the files and directories on a device's solid-state drive (SSD), hard-disk drive (HDD) or other media. Continue Reading
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News
21 Feb 2024
Dell PowerScale adds new all-flash nodes, with eyes on AI
Dell has added the latest-generation Intel CPUs, PCIe 5.0 storage and DDR5 RAM to PowerScale, doubling the performance and making it a more attractive fit for AI. Continue Reading
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News
21 Feb 2024
Nasuni drifts cloud storage platform into data management
Cloud storage and edge caching vendor Nasuni is adding new data observability capabilities to its platform with Nasuni IQ, now available to all Nasuni customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Feb 2024
disk array
A disk array, also called a storage array, is a data storage system used for block-based storage, file-based storage or object storage. Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2024
HPE's GreenLake for Block Storage goes GA
The third version of HPE block storage on the Alletra MP brings higher capacity and performance as well as an easier way for customers to scale out as needs change. Continue Reading
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Opinion
07 Feb 2024
Will 2024 herald an on-premises infrastructure renaissance?
The storage market and buyer feelings have changed considerably in just a few years. Enterprises often see more benefits to on-premises infrastructure than the cloud. Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Feb 2024
Start preparing now for the 50 TB-plus HDD era
With Seagate's launch of its higher-capacity HDDs, organizations will find several benefits and must also navigate a few challenges. Impacts include cost and data management. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2024
Nexsan adds data protection to NV6000 unified storage
Nexsan's new unified array, the NV6000, adds immutable snapshots that create an 'unbreakable' backup when combined with the vendor's Assureon backup appliance. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jan 2024
Seagate ships HAMR tech in new HDDs
Seagate's Mozaic 3+ brings HAMR-based HDDs to market with 3 TB platters, potentially helping to breathe new life into the legacy storage technology. Continue Reading
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News
18 Jan 2024
Hammerspace's global file system now includes tape
With the inclusion of magnetic tape storage, Hammerspace now allows customers to access archives quickly, assuming the tapes are S3 compatible. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jan 2024
shingled magnetic recording (SMR)
Shingled magnetic recording (SMR) is a technique for writing data to a hard disk drive (HDD) whereby the data tracks partially overlap to increase the areal density and overall storage capacity per disk. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Dec 2023
iSCSI initiator
An Internet Small Computer System Interface initiator is software or hardware that lets a host computer send data to an external iSCSI-based storage array through an Ethernet network adapter over a TCP-based IP network. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Dec 2023
AI to drive storage media demand in 2024
HDD and NAND-based storage media makers saw revenue and sales drop this year, but experts expect this to turn around in 2024, thanks in part to the demand for AI. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Dec 2023
hyperconverged appliance (HCI appliance)
A hyperconverged appliance (HCI appliance) is a hardware device that provides multiple data center management technologies within a single box. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2023
Dell PowerScale updates, new partnerships point to AI stack
Dell eyes AI with updates to PowerScale, an expanded partnership with AMD and a new partnership with AI lab Imbue. Its strategy is to bring a full AI stack on premises. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Dec 2023
HDD form factor (hard disk drive form factor)
HDD form factor (hard disk drive form factor) is the size or geometry of a data storage device equipped with one or more magnetic-coated spinning platters and one or more moving actuator arms with magnetic heads to read and write information. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Dec 2023
hardware RAID (hardware redundant array of independent disk)
Hardware RAID is a form of RAID (redundant array of independent disks) where processing is done on the motherboard or a separate RAID card. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Dec 2023
Lack of new data storage hardware in 2023 unsurprising
While software development and partner integrations sped up in 2023, data storage hardware innovation appeared to slow down. Industry experts weigh in on why. Continue Reading
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News
01 Dec 2023
S3 Express One Zone set to power generative AI workloads
Andy Warfield of AWS Storage breaks down the new AWS S3 tier of fast object storage and discusses future S3 development in a session at the vendor's re:Invent 2023 conference. Continue Reading
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News
17 Nov 2023
Nashville Electric selects Pure Storage to provide power
A Nashville-based power company decided to migrate off an outdated, ill-fitting Dell storage system to something more modern and more reasonable. Continue Reading
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News
15 Nov 2023
IXsystems flagship array goes all-NVMe flash
The F-Series storage array family is now all-NVMe, bringing new levels of performance and density to IXsystems flagship array as it adds a new option in the NAS storage market. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Nov 2023
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 levels of RAID, the pros and cons, and where they work best. Continue Reading