Information is stored on a variety of storage devices nowadays. One of the most pressing challenges is deciding which storage to utilize and for what types of data use cases – mobile apps, databases, websites, files, or mission-critical data backup. In this article, we’ll review the basics of data storage along with some of the best options available to organizations today.
Data Storage: Defined
In its most basic form, data storage refers to the use of a recording medium to store data on computers or other devices. Moreover, data storage specifically refers to magnetic, optical, or mechanical media that records and preserves digital information for current or future operations.
Types of Data Storage
Although it is not difficult to comprehend data storage, the various types and options might be perplexing, especially if you are not an IT expert. Below is a quick rundown and a closer look at the different types of data storage:
Primary Storage
Primary storage refers to the computer's memory. It includes:
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Read-Only Memory (ROM)
Secondary Storage
On the other hand, secondary storage is non-volatile and can preserve data even after the computer has gotten turned off. The following get included in this category:
Compact Discs
Hard Drives
Flash Memory
Tertiary Storage
Tertiary storage comprises devices such as removable mass storage that are attached to the computer. These get used frequently to store files that the user only seldom accesses, such as:
USB flash drives
External Hard Drives
SSD Cards
Benefits of Data Storage
The increase in the appreciation of the importance of data storage paved the way to the rise of cloud storage— a technology that keeps, maintains, and secures data remotely.
Below is a list of the advantages of this type of data storage:
Safe Backup Storage
The 3-2-1 backup strategy encourages businesses to make three copies of their documents, with the first two getting saved in two different types of storage and the third being kept off-site. Cloud storage makes this a whole lot easier as it allows you to keep the third copy of your data off-site and secure.
Scalable Service
In cloud computing, you just pay for what you use, so you do not have to guesstimate how much more space you will need for the year and risk paying for empty or insufficient space.
Increased Security
Cloud data storage can help you become more secure against cyberattacks. Cloud storage ensures that your credentials and data are protected with many layers of security, allowing you to rest easy knowing that only authorized individuals have access to your files on the cloud.
Data Storage Solution Providers
Today, the cloud is getting used by thousands of businesses, big and small. It might be time to use cloud-based solutions to grow your organization. As you deliver world-class customer experiences to your market, integrating cloud storage ultimately improves your business, increases efficiency, and improves revenues. Below are several providers who bring decades of experience to this business-critical task:
365 Data Centers
365 Data Centers object storage platform allows you to store, organize, and share files using APIs or compatible applications. Their object storage solution gives you the flexibility and availability to store nearly an infinite amount of files without the burden and hassle of operating a complicated infrastructure. 365’s robust, carrier neutral ecosystem and secure, reliable edge colocation, network, IP, DRaaS, BaaS, cloud compute and storage, and business continuity services help organizations reduce costs, drive innovation, and improve their customer experience.
Equinix
Equinix Metal enables customers to more easily take advantage of Equinix’s global reach and rich ecosystems by making automated interconnected bare metal available at software speed worldwide. Utilizing Pure Storage on Equinix Metal allows users to run their operations as a true, automated, storage-as-a-service model seamlessly across multiple clouds.
QuadraNet
QuadraNet is a Fully Integrated Multi-Site Solutions provider with 20 years of experience developing, managing, and implementing technologies at enterprise scale. Their Infracloud Storage Solution is billed hourly based on your online resource size. With transparent pricing and no gimmicks, this remains a great solution for customers who want little surprises with their data storage solution.
VPLS
With 18 data centers worldwide and over 68,000 servers under management, VPLS has the expertise and global reach for all your cloud, colocation, hosting, backup and disaster recovery needs. When it comes to their data storage solution, VPLS Solutions is proud to partner with the fastest growing storage company in history, Nimble Storage. Nimble Storage’s flash optimized hybrid storage arrays are engineered for maximum efficiency, performance and value. Nimble Storage integrates the exceptional performance of flash with the favorable economics of high-capacity hard disk drives to make the perfect storage solution for your critical data and applications.
