Storage architecture and strategy
Top Stories
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Conference Coverage
19 May 2025
Dell Technologies World 2025 news and conference coverage
This guide to Dell Technologies World 2025 is your window to vendor announcements and news from the conference floor. Check back regularly to read the latest. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 May 2025
2025 data storage conference lineup spotlights AI, flash
The 2025 storage conference calendar features shows where vendors will likely release product updates and experts will discuss top trends, such as AI, AI and AI. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Mar 2024
DIMM (dual in-line memory module)
DIMM, or dual in-line memory module, is a type of computer memory that is natively 64 bits, enabling fast data transfer. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Mar 2024
removable media
Removable media is any type of storage device that can be removed from a computer while the system is running. Removable media makes it easy for a user to move data from one computer to another. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Mar 2024
RAID 50 (RAID 5+0)
RAID 50, also known as RAID 5+0, combines distributed parity (RAID 5) with striping (RAID 0). It requires a minimum of six drives. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Mar 2024
DRAM (dynamic random access memory)
DRAM (dynamic random access memory) 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
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News
14 Mar 2024
S3 features unveiled as Amazon reflects on object storage past
Amazon introduced new features to its storage platform that increase speed and container options during a webinar today. It also looked back at S3's launch 18 years ago. Continue Reading
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News
07 Mar 2024
Ripple effect from Broadcom-VMware buy spreads to vSAN
Broadcom claims changes to VMware's licensing model will offer increased flexibility, but storage competitors say it's a red flag and encourage customers to move on. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Mar 2024
storage security
Storage security is the group of parameters and settings that make storage resources available to authorized users and trusted networks and unavailable to other entities. Continue Reading
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News
05 Mar 2024
HPE GreenLake for File Storage update aimed at AI
HPE GreenLake has utilized new CPUs and denser SSDs to bring more AI and data lake workloads to customers looking for an alternative to the public cloud. Continue Reading
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News
05 Mar 2024
Azure's new storage products keeps Microsoft competitive
New Azure storage offerings from Microsoft or from vendor partners such as Qumulo aim to increase parity with hyperscaler rivals and draw more enterprise buyers into its cloud. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Mar 2024
RPO vs. RTO: Key differences explained with examples, tips
The recovery point objective and recovery time objective enable an organization to know how much data it can lose and how long it can be down, key elements of a backup and DR plan. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Feb 2024
primary storage (main storage)
Primary storage is the collective methods and technologies that capture and retain digital information in active use and critical for an organization's operations. Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2024
Arcitecta leverages metadata to move critical data faster
Arcitecta has found a way to increase the data transfer speed of its Mediaflux Livewire software, which can be valuable for projects that demand significant collaboration. Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2024
New Hammerspace capability sets up enterprise AI
The latest update to Hammerspace's software-defined storage system removes metadata from data path, enabling HPC to use data from any storage source without specialized hardware. 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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Feature
08 Feb 2024
School district shares experience moving to HPE GreenLake
A California school district placed its server and storage infrastructure in the hands of HPE GreenLake. Its IT director shares the roadblocks he experienced and the benefits. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Feb 2024
disk mirroring (RAID 1)
Disk mirroring, also known as RAID 1, is the replication of data across two or more disks. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2024
Panzura CEO: Avoid tech that's shiny instead of performant
Dan Waldschmidt takes over as Panzura CEO after a year of refinement, aiming for a deliberate path to develop and introduce GenAI capabilities into its data management platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jan 2024
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
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Feature
19 Jan 2024
Types of bytes: Units of memory explained
Memory is built with basic units called bits and bytes. Understanding them unlocks efficient storage and helps master the digital landscape. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jan 2024
hybrid backup
A hybrid backup is typically when organizations use both on-premises storage and the public cloud as data backup destinations, depending on specific requirements and use cases. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jan 2024
The best enterprise data storage products of 2023
Backup, cloud, disk and storage system vendors vied for top honors in the TechTarget Storage Products of the Year competition. Find out which won gold, silver and bronze. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jan 2024
On-premises data storage could gain ground in 2024
Given the rising costs of cloud, companies are reevaluating the benefits of storing their data on premises, a trend that's expected to continue in 2024. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Jan 2024
cloud hosting
Cloud hosting is the process of outsourcing an organization's computing and storage resources to a service provider that offers its infrastructure services in a utility model. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jan 2024
Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE)
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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Tip
27 Dec 2023
Top data storage best practices include AI, object storage use
2023 featured both buzzwords and helpful technologies, but storage admins must distinguish between the two. These top tips can help enterprises store more and stay secure. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Dec 2023
dedicated cloud
A dedicated cloud is a single-tenant cloud infrastructure, which essentially acts as an isolated, single-tenant public cloud. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Dec 2023
megabyte (MB)
A megabyte is a unit of data capacity that is equal to 1,000,000 bytes in decimal notation (base 10) or 1,048,576 bytes in binary notation (base 2). Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Dec 2023
cloud storage service
A cloud storage service is a business that maintains and manages its customers' data and makes that data accessible over a network, usually the internet. Continue Reading
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News
15 Dec 2023
Solix eyes data lakes as it builds out archive platform
Solix Technologies' latest Common Data Platform update focuses on archiving, sorting and storing customer data for data lake creation and, ultimately, AI. Continue Reading
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News
12 Dec 2023
Peak:AIO CEO: Less is more to get the most out of AI storage
In this Q&A, Peak:AIO founder and CEO Mark Klarzynski explains why AI storage needs should be designed around GPU efficiency, not massive data lakes. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Dec 2023
external storage device
An external storage device, also referred to as auxiliary storage and secondary storage, is a device that contains all the addressable data storage that is not inside a computer's main storage or memory. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2023
Generative AI fuels demand for hybrid cloud storage in 2024
Object storage remains an important component of generative AI creation and training, driving enterprise IT teams to consider hybrid cloud storage for lower costs and more options. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Dec 2023
magnetic tape storage
Magnetic tape is one of the oldest technologies for electronic data storage. 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
29 Nov 2023
Amazon S3 storage picks up speed at re:Invent 2023
The release of Amazon S3 Express One Zone kicked off AWS re:Invent 2023, which featured new storage products that added capabilities to the public cloud's file and object storage. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Nov 2023
block storage
Block storage is an approach to data storage in which each volume acts as an individual hard drive that is configured by the administrator. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Nov 2023
email archiving
Email archiving is a systematic approach to saving and protecting the data contained in emails to enable fast retrieval. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Nov 2023
SAN switch (storage area network switch)
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
06 Nov 2023
object storage
Object storage, also called object-based storage, is an approach to addressing and manipulating data storage as discrete units, called objects. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Nov 2023
Fibre Channel switch (FC switch)
A Fibre Channel (FC) switch is a networking device that's compatible with the FC protocol and designed for use in a dedicated storage area network (SAN). Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Oct 2023
virtual storage area network (VSAN)
A virtual storage area network (VSAN) is a logical partition in a physical storage area network (SAN). Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Oct 2023
yobibyte (YiB)
A yobibyte (YiB) is a unit of measure used to describe data capacity as part of the binary system of measuring computing and storage capacity. Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Oct 2023
NetApp aims to boost all-flash consolidation with ASA C-Series
NetApp's ability to deliver multi-cloud capabilities with Google and other cloud providers rather than as a storage-as-software deployment might accelerate multi-cloud operations. Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2023
Nyriad aims to simplify storage-as-a-service pricing
Nyriad's UltraIO-as-a-Service enters the market, seeking to simplify purchasing and on-premises deployment. However, it's not a fit for every industry. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Oct 2023
10 data storage questions for enterprises to ask
Does top management support your organization's storage needs? Is the storage platform compliant with regulations? These are just two of the data storage questions you need to ask. Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 Oct 2023
Storage as a service value continues to increase
Explore how storage as a service can be a cheaper option for enterprises and how one vendor will potentially increase the value with updates to its platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Oct 2023
archive
An archive is a collection of data moved to a repository for long-term retention, to be kept separate for compliance reasons or moved off primary storage media. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Oct 2023
Future of storage lies in collaboration, unified management
Storage vendors throughout 2023 bet big on unified management and collaboration tools as what the market will want and what will help them stand out among the enterprise C-suite. Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2023
OpenZFS interest grows alongside rise of unstructured data
With the explosion of unstructured data, lower-cost file systems such as OpenZFS are gaining more attention as they continue to gain support from vendors. Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2023
Komprise offers insight into storage costs across clouds
Storage Insights for the Komprise Data Management platform enables users to define metrics for storage consumption across clouds and vendors for cost management and migration. Continue Reading
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News
18 Sep 2023
Scality CEO on ESG and storage as a solved problem
Scality's CEO discusses the company's ESG efforts, ESG in IT, object storage's role in primary storage and AI while seeing the problems of storage have mostly been solved. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Sep 2023
write-through
Write-through is a storage method in which data is written into the cache and the corresponding main memory location at the same time. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Sep 2023
write-back
Write-back is a technique used to cache data between the local processor or central processing unit and the final storage location, which is typically either main memory -- RAM -- or disk. Continue Reading
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News
06 Sep 2023
Panasas taps Seagate's Ken Claffey as new CEO
In this Q&A, the new Panasas CEO talks about the company's direction, how it is branching out and how generative AI will drive adoption of parallel file systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Aug 2023
I/O (input/output)
I/O (input/output), pronounced "eye-oh," describes any operation, program or device that transfers data to or from a computer. Continue Reading
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News
30 Aug 2023
NetApp cloud storage evolving for stateful K8s, AI
Stateful Kubernetes storage, faster storage for AI data ingestion and more are all important features NetApp seeks to support for first-party cloud storage among the hyperscalers. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Aug 2023
The future of storage administration: 4 key questions answered
What are the best moves a storage professional can make? Learn about the skills, technologies and strategies to focus on now for the most payback in the future. Continue Reading
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News
24 Aug 2023
Google Cloud adds storage capabilities to support AI, ML
The latest additions to Google Cloud's storage portfolio will focus on bringing object storage into the file-centric workloads of AI and ML alongside a Google-run NetApp service. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2023
VMware vSAN Max disaggregates storage for hybrid cloud
Early HCI vendor VMware separates storage from compute in its new vSAN offering, targeting enterprise hybrid clouds and seeking to avoid the compute sticker shock. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Aug 2023
Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM)
The Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM) is a conceptual framework that outlines activities for the recovery and discovery of digital data. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
18 Aug 2023
Navigate storage networking requirements, architectures for AI
Optimize your approach to AI workflows with reliable storage networking capabilities to enhance productivity, strengthen performance and improve data management. Continue Reading
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News
10 Aug 2023
AWS adds vaulting, multi-cloud services at Storage Day
The hyperscaler introduced new features and services to AWS including an air-gapped cyber vault service and support for multi-cloud at its annual storage event. Continue Reading
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News
08 Aug 2023
Vast Data sets sights on analytics, AI
Vast Data expands on its primary storage origin story, adding database management options and targeting analytics, all with an eye on AI workloads. Continue Reading
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News
01 Aug 2023
Vast Data looks beyond storage to the data lakehouse
Vast Data, a storage software vendor, introduces a new data management platform that unites its software capabilities into a platform. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
26 Jul 2023
A primer for edge infrastructure deployments
There are several questions to ask and approaches to consider regarding edge storage and infrastructure. An example of use may help your organization decide on implementation. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jul 2023
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
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Tip
25 Jul 2023
Evaluate object storage advantages and disadvantages
Object storage advantages include capacity and flexibility, while access time is one of the disadvantages. Compare key pros and cons of this trending type of storage. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jul 2023
For hybrid, on-prem storage, containers need fresh approach
Organizations want the flexibility of containers and the reliability of legacy storage. IT experts weigh in on how IT built for different eras can -- and needs to -- work together. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jul 2023
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 network protocol. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jul 2023
How to maintain polyglot persistence for microservices
Managing microservice data may be difficult without polyglot persistence in place. Examine how the strategy works, its challenges and some options for polyglot databases. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Jul 2023
DreamWorks Animation taps NetApp in transition to cloud
DreamWorks Animation built a microservices-focused hybrid storage architecture by combining NetApp flash storage and software with Microsoft Azure cloud services. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Jul 2023
Storage in space? The data's already there
As research and businesses become more established in space, data storage needs are growing. Vendors are building for the otherworldly conditions and keeping an eye on the moon. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jun 2023
flash storage
Flash storage is any type of drive, repository or system that uses flash memory to write and store data for an extended period. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jun 2023
NVMe (non-volatile memory express)
NVMe (non-volatile memory express) is a transfer protocol created to accelerate the transfer speed of data in solid-state storage devices. Continue Reading
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News
26 Jun 2023
HPE GreenLake exec: It's always the year of storage
In this Q&A, HPE's Omer Asad talks about HPE GreenLake's transformation into an on-premises hyperscaler and the importance of both storage hardware and the abstraction of it. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jun 2023
Distributed blockchain storage survives Web3 hype
Storage vendors selling distributed blockchain storage continue to make an enterprise pitch for Web3 technology, despite a wary market following the Web3 hype cycle. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jun 2023
Western Canada Lottery bets on HPE Alletra MP storage
When its old infrastructure needed an upgrade, Western Canada Lottery went all in with GreenLake and HPE Alletra storage. Continue Reading
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Opinion
15 Jun 2023
Pure flash storage evolves, puts HDD investments in question
Innovations in flash storage driving down cost might make it more difficult to justify investments in hard disk drives moving forward, Pure Storage CEO and others claim. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Jun 2023
storage pool
A storage pool is capacity aggregated from disparate physical storage resources in a shared storage environment. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 May 2023
Direct Memory Access (DMA)
Direct Memory Access (DMA) is a capability provided by some computer bus architectures that enables data to be sent directly from an attached device to the computer's main memory. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 May 2023
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
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News
22 May 2023
Dell finds storage Apex of Project Alpine
Storage and cloud products developed under Dell Technologies' Project Alpine emerge for Dell Apex, including storage platforms for partner clouds and public cloud offerings. Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 May 2023
Nutanix lays out vision for multi-cloud PaaS
Organizations face challenges with complexity across IT infrastructure. Nutanix aims to simplify with a PaaS platform that extends across many locations. Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2023
Scality hardens Artesca in 2.0, deepens Veeam connections
Artesca 2.0, the latest update for Scality's object storage service, includes new security features, such as login MFA, and greater support for Veeam's data protection APIs. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 May 2023
SerDes (serializer/deserializer)
A SerDes or serializer/deserializer is an integrated circuit (IC or chip) transceiver that converts parallel data to serial data and vice-versa. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 May 2023
RS-232C
RS-232C is one of the earlier versions of the long-established standard RS-232, which defines a physical interface for relatively low-speed serial data communication between computers and related devices. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 May 2023
FDISK
FDISK is a disk utility included in all versions of MS-DOS, Windows and Linux for formatting or partitioning a hard disk drive, or to delete different portions of it. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Apr 2023
protected mode
Protected mode, also called protected virtual address mode, is the primary mode of operation for an Intel-based x86 microprocessor. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Apr 2023
Overcome obstacles to storage sustainability
Green IT initiatives should include data storage, but there are various sustainability challenges related to both on-premises and cloud-based storage systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Apr 2023
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
JPEG (pronounced JAY-peg) is a graphic image file compressed with lossy compression using the standard developed by the ISO/IEC Joint Photographic Experts Group. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Apr 2023
What the new LTO roadmap means for tape storage
The future of tape is bright, and it should be on every storage manager's shortlist. LTO and its massive current and future capacity have a place among other storage media types. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Apr 2023
software portability
Software portability is a characteristic attributed to a computer program if it can run with minimal rework on operating systems (OSes) other than the one for which it was created. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Mar 2023
Can composable infrastructure and computational storage mix?
'Composable' and 'computational' are often said in the same breath, but how exactly are they related -- or not? While there are differences, a combination could serve enterprises. Continue Reading
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News
14 Mar 2023
Amazon adds new S3 features for data lakes, hybrid cloud
Amazon dropped new features for its object storage service that include an open source file client, new data purchasing capabilities and private data replication for Outposts. Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2023
Komprise Analysis offers standalone SaaS data visibility tools
Analytical capabilities of the data management vendor's flagship product are now available as a separate SaaS to help provide better visibility into enterprise data. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Mar 2023
byte
In most computer systems, a byte is a unit of data that is eight binary digits long. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Feb 2023
brontobyte
A brontobyte is an unofficial measure of memory or data storage that is equal to 10 to the 27th power of bytes. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Feb 2023
gigabit (Gb)
In data communications, a gigabit (Gb) is 1 billion bits, or 1,000,000,000 (that is, 10^9) bits. It's commonly used for measuring the amount of data that is transferred in a second between two telecommunication points. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Feb 2023
SMB 3.0 (Server Message Block 3.0)
SMB 3 (Server Message Block 3.0) is a protocol that provides a way for a computer's client applications to read and write to files from a server in a computer network. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Feb 2023
copy data management (CDM)
Copy data management (CDM) is an approach to reducing storage consumption that involves eliminating the unnecessary duplication of production data. Continue Reading