Features

Features

• 2024 data storage conference lineup spotlights AI, memory

  The 2024 storage conference calendar featured several high-profile events. Vendors released product updates at these shows while experts discussed top storage trends.  Continue Reading

• Physical vs. virtual memory: How the two types compare

  Physical memory wasn't enough for storage systems. Computer architects created virtual memory to ease the performance burden and work alongside the physical form.  Continue Reading

• An intro to CAMM memory and how it compares with DIMMs

  Compression attached memory modules, or CAMMs, are making news as a potential replacement for DRAM DIMMs. How big of a future do they have?  Continue Reading

• Compare 3 differences in self-managed and Open-Channel SSDs

  Open-Channel SSDs can be beneficial but only in the right uses. There are three key differences to analyze with their management as compared to self-managed SSDs.  Continue Reading

• AI model training drives up demand for high-bandwidth memory

  Developed over a decade ago, high-bandwidth memory is experiencing a sharp uptick in popularity due to the demand for high-end GPUs from chipmakers like Nvidia.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• TechTarget Storage Products of the Year judging criteria

  This article discusses how products are judged for the TechTarget Storage Products of the Year awards.  Continue Reading

• 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

• With Project Lightning, Dell to strike out in new directions

  Dell's Project Lightning is a parallel file system that will be tied to the vendor's AI Factory portfolio, but the promise of new hardware could also mean entry into new markets.  Continue Reading

• 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

• A primer on Ceph storage technology, products

  Ceph is a scalable distributed storage platform that can evolve as needed. Take a deep dive into its popularity, assorted offerings and how to get around challenges.  Continue Reading

• 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

• How to manage storage resiliency

  Resilient storage has never been more important to an organization than it is now. Ensure storage systems can respond to issues with a strong game plan.  Continue Reading

• How Software-Enabled Flash could aid SSD management

  A new development in flash storage could be a flexible option for any large-scale installation, as well as systems with custom software that's tuned for optimum performance.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 12 cloud storage and file-sharing services to consider

  Cloud-based file-sharing services, such as the list of products here, enable organizations to collaborate with colleagues and clients all over the world.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• How to employ conventional SSD management

  In the conventional style, admins manage SSDs within the SSD. Best practices include using the trim command and occasionally checking the SSD's SMART attributes.  Continue Reading

• A pseudo-SLC flash primer: Benefits and drawbacks

  Regardless of its use, pseudo-SLC represents a credible option for organizations considering multibit flash over SLC flash. The technology makes MLC and TLC function like SLC.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• How AI in SSDs could help enterprises

  Several vendors are equipping SSDs with artificial intelligence. An AI SSD could help enterprises in such areas as management, performance and security.  Continue Reading

• An overview of Microsoft Project Silica and its archive use

  Microsoft's Project Silica stores data in quartz glass, similar to the crystals in Superman films. The team now has four distinct areas of research.  Continue Reading

• 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

• A primer on storage anomaly detection

  Storage admins should continuously monitor systems to identify and act upon unusual behavior. Anomaly detection can proactively address issues before they become serious problems.  Continue Reading

• 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

• An introduction to hybrid multi-cloud storage

  When implementing hybrid multi-cloud, IT teams must continually monitor and evaluate their environments. Understand best practices for this new type of storage platform.  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 levels of RAID, the pros and cons, and where they work best.  Continue Reading

• 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

• How SSD encryption can protect enterprise data

  It's easy for an SSD to fall into the wrong hands. Encryption, which is common in SSDs, is a powerful tool to protect mission-critical and personal data.  Continue Reading

• TD Securities chooses Dell PowerMax to grow with it

  Looking at high-end block storage systems for high transactional needs, a Canadian wholesale bank decided to tap Dell PowerMax as an investment for current and future business.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Computational storage SSD options vary in benefit level

  Computational storage SSDs come in two major formats: programmable and fixed-function. They have stark differences in feature set and market acceptance.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 8 best practices for a zero-trust storage strategy

  Explore how to apply the zero-trust security model to storage systems. Given today's threat landscape, additional data protection is key for enterprises.  Continue Reading

• 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

• SAS vs. NVMe: The future of 2 key storage interfaces

  In SAS vs. NVMe, both interfaces play significant roles in enterprise storage. See how they stack up in terms of performance, scalability, flexibility and manageability.  Continue Reading

• Flash memory guide to architecture, types and products

  Flash memory, a staple of consumer electronics, is playing a wider role in enterprise storage. This guide offers an overview of flash, from current use cases to future directions.  Continue Reading

• A primer on SSD response time, other performance benchmarks

  Consider several SSD performance benchmarks, including SSD response time, as key units of measurement. Also, note the difference between benchmarks and load generators.  Continue Reading

• Flash memory vs. RAM: What's the difference?

  Even though vendors refer to flash memory and conventional RAM -- the main memory of a PC or server -- as solid-state memory, these two memory types are significantly different.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 5 NAND flash manufacturers balance performance, reliability

  NAND flash manufacturers Kioxia, Micron, Samsung, SK Hynix and Western Digital offer varying levels of capacity. They also provide an assortment of uses.  Continue Reading

• How to purchase SSDs during a NAND flash price drop

  Although NAND prices are collapsing, that doesn't mean they will pop back up at some future date. It's rarely a good idea to purchase SSDs well before they are needed.  Continue Reading

• How CXL 3.0 technology will affect enterprise storage

  Understand CXL 3.0 technology before its impacts on storage take serious effect. While the specification improves on previous generations, it could also demand more from storage.  Continue Reading

• What lies beyond the yottabyte?

  Once data is measured in yottabytes, the world will need new terms for data projections. That's where two new terms -- the ronnabyte and the quettabyte -- come in.  Continue Reading

• Choose between NAND vs. NOR flash memory

  When comparing NAND flash memory to NOR, it's important to examine the structural differences to understand which type of non-volatile memory is best suited for some applications.  Continue Reading

• Compare DRAM vs. DRAM-less SSDs for cost, performance

  Are DRAM-less SSDs the way of the future? While they're a great fit for hyperscale data centers, other organizations may also find benefits, such as cost.  Continue Reading

• Data hoarding and the role of storage

  The promise of future insights drives companies to store data. But there are potential drawbacks when storing data and better management methods than keeping everything.  Continue Reading

• Understand how the CXL SSD can aid performance

  Although CXL SSDs are only in the research phase, their performance shows promise. When used as simple memory extensions, they should improve programs that manage large data sets.  Continue Reading

• How SSD data reduction can help enterprises

  Data reduction techniques have been difficult to achieve on SSDs, but vendors appear to be making progress. The more effective the data reduction, the more affordable SSDs become.  Continue Reading

• Volatile times for non-volatile memory as NAND sales decline

  All the major NAND vendors are seeing poor earnings as the demand for flash storage has dried up over the last two quarters.  Continue Reading

• 6 best practices for metadata storage and management

  Metadata is crucial to getting the most out of data, so organizations should store it properly. Best practices include protection and understanding the IT architecture.  Continue Reading

• Storage vendors look to make case for sustainability

  Energy costs are rising, and sustainability is all the rage. But storage vendors may struggle convincing customers to combat climate change during an economic downturn.  Continue Reading

• The best enterprise data storage products of 2022

  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

• Data growth to help storage vendors weather slowing economy

  The economy may be slowing down, but reliance on data isn't -- a reality that might help enterprise storage vendors wade through economic turbulence in 2023.  Continue Reading

• The future of data storage must handle heavy volume

  Storage manufacturers have an eye on the future with investments in technologies, but it's unclear if they will be able to effectively counter the exponential rise in data volumes.  Continue Reading

• Explore 5 secure data storage best practices

  From access control to air gapping and beyond, IT administrators should employ several technologies and procedures to help ensure they have secure data storage.  Continue Reading

• Prep school uses Wasabi storage to protect student data

  A Connecticut prep school with a massive amount of data to protect chose a combination of cloud storage providers to get the job done within a tight budget.  Continue Reading

• Automation company swaps Isilon for software-defined storage

  The Swedish automation company Hexagon needed super scale and performance for its files. The new SDS upgrade speeds up customer response times.  Continue Reading

• A primer on CXL technology uses

  The Compute Express Link, an open source memory interconnect, is gaining traction. Take a deep dive into why it's important and how it improves performance.  Continue Reading

• Filmmaker uses NAS storage for better collaboration

  With normal workflows out the window, horror filmmaker Damien LeVeck eased the collaborative movie editing process by going all-in with Blackmagic Cloud Store.  Continue Reading

• State tax agency nixes slow HDD backup for speedier flash

  The Mississippi Department of Revenue chose an all-flash storage and backup setup to maximize app performance and minimize headaches after a spinning-platter disaster.  Continue Reading

• TGI Fridays dishes up modern hybrid cloud storage

  TGI Fridays' corporate IT team traded business headaches from end- of-life hardware to a modern hybrid cloud storage system using Nasuni and Microsoft Azure.  Continue Reading

• Ride through racetrack memory and its storage implications

  IBM is working on a concept called racetrack memory, which is one of a few possibilities for the future of storage. But is it feasible, and when will it be commercially viable?  Continue Reading

• The storage administrator is dead; long live the storage admin

  IT employers still see the value of keeping storage administrator jobs in house despite the allure of savings with managed services.  Continue Reading

• Data storage interview questions for your next storage role

  Data storage administrators must be able to adapt and optimize storage for evolving workloads and business needs. Here are some questions to prepare for in an interview.  Continue Reading

• What to know about SMART SSD use

  This overview of SMART attributes in SSDs explains how organizations can put them to good use. SMART SSDs provide peace of mind about device life span.  Continue Reading

• Tips to plan storage elements of artificial intelligence

  Author and data engineer Chinmay Arankalle explores how organizations can manage storage for AI. Management and storage options include data lakes and high-performance storage.  Continue Reading

• How to plan for a potential data storage shortage

  Try saying 'data storage shortage' five times fast. Hopefully you won't need to say it often in the near future, but with escalating data volumes, planning is key.  Continue Reading

• Considerations to plan AI storage architecture for big data

  This chapter from 'The Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Workshop' examines how to plan for AI data storage. Plan for factors like volume and scale for long-term success.  Continue Reading

• Storage certifications to bolster your skills

  Storage admins looking to gain new skills or make better use of their vendor-supplied storage systems can look to certification and qualification courses.  Continue Reading

• How supply chain issues affect data storage and what IT can do

  Supply chain issues challenge IT teams and data storage administrators. It's important to be as proactive as possible when managing storage in an era of such uncertainty.  Continue Reading

• Inside the plan to enhance optical storage

  It's going to take some outside-of-the-box technology to help make up for the escalating increases in stored data. Could colored digital characters be an answer?  Continue Reading

• What sustainable data storage means for your data center

  Storage sustainability requires commitment from the entire organization. Don't put it on the back burner -- these tips can help the environment and keep the issue top of mind.  Continue Reading

• TGen saves time and expands research using MemVerge

  TGen needed more memory to get over HPC analysis issues; the nonprofit used MemVerge's Big Memory software to create larger memory pools and get research and analysis done faster.  Continue Reading

• Hammerspace connects virtual studio of Jellyfish Pictures

  The Hammerspace Global Data Environment enables collaboration and savings for Jellyfish Pictures, a U.K.-based animation studio with artists working across the world.  Continue Reading

• School district sheds Dell EqualLogic for DDN

  Simsbury Public Schools brought in two DDN arrays that helped the district speed up its VDI environment and reduce its IT footprint at a better cost.  Continue Reading

• Ways to add enterprise NVMe drives to your infrastructure

  Organizations can benefit from faster data transport between applications and storage through NVMe. When looking at enterprise NVMe, remember management and cost considerations.  Continue Reading

• OpenDrives key to remote editing of Dave Grohl documentary

  Jim Rota and Dean Gonzalez lacked high-performance storage needed to make and edit their new music documentary, so they turned to a vendor born out of Hollywood movie-making.  Continue Reading

• SSD vs. SSHD vs. HDD: Which one is best?

  Hybrid drives promise fast, cost-effective performance for primary and secondary storage. Here's what you need to know about the benefits and drawbacks compared to SSDs and HDDs.  Continue Reading

• The role of NVMe network storage for the future

  This chapter excerpt from 'Building a Future-Proof Cloud Infrastructure' examines the role networking and storage protocols, like NVMe, could have in the remote storage market.  Continue Reading

• 6 enterprise data storage startups to watch in 2022

  Storage startups continue to innovate despite supply chain sluggishness. Here are six we'll be keeping an eye on in 2022.  Continue Reading

• Composable infrastructure providers tackle modern workloads

  Composable infrastructure vendors include titans in IT like Dell and HPE, but also startups such as Fungible and Liqid. Explore product features and the tech's pros and cons.  Continue Reading

• Pure Storage enables healthcare org's cloud Kubernetes

  Pure Storage's Portworx products and AWS managed EKS service creates digital infrastructure for CHG Healthcare, enabling faster app development and portability across clouds.  Continue Reading

• Vast Data solves high-performance computing challenge

  When DUG began to supply high-performance computing as a service, it discovered its storage was not up to the task, sending the company on a years-long journey.  Continue Reading

• The best enterprise storage systems and products of 2021

  Thirty-nine finalists competed for top honors in the annual 'Storage' magazine and SearchStorage Products of the Year awards. Find out which won gold, silver and bronze.  Continue Reading

• The best enterprise cloud storage of 2021

  Judges in this year's Products of the Year competition tap the best cloud storage products for enterprises, with unstructured file storage and Kubernetes storage taking honors.  Continue Reading

• The best enterprise storage arrays of 2021

  Tintri, Infinidat and Dell EMC enterprise arrays win top honors in the Products of the Year disk and disk subsystems category for their use of flash and automation.  Continue Reading

• Predictions for the top data storage trends of 2022

  The constant need to organize, analyze and protect the hoard of data collected by organizations is pushing technology to new heights. Are these four predictions on your watch list?  Continue Reading

• The top data storage and management tools of 2021

  Software focused on large-scale data management and storage in expanding environments won in this year's Products of the Year storage system and application software category.  Continue Reading

• Web3 use cases for storage flimsy for now

  The marketing lingo of Web3 is slinking into the storage industry, but the use cases are few and the technology immature.  Continue Reading

• CyArk migrates digital archive to Seagate's Lyve Cloud

  On a mission to create 3D digital blueprints of cultural heritage sites, CyArk discovered its storage infrastructure was too brittle for the task. It turned to Seagate for help.  Continue Reading

• Illinois college uses Wasabi cloud storage to cut ties with tape

  Moraine Valley Community College's IT department replaced its tape backup system with modern cloud storage using Rubrik and Wasabi, saving on time and costs.  Continue Reading

• Hard disk drives to remain dominant storage media in 2022

  Hard disk drives are increasing in density and maintaining a lower price point than alternatives, but flash is gaining ground. Here, experts sound off on the fate of HDDs in 2022.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise data storage 2021 Products of the Year finalists

  The 20th anniversary of the 'Storage' magazine and SearchStorage Products of the Year contest showcases 39 finalists in backup, cloud, disk, hyper-converged and management.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 storage stories highlight trends of 2021

  The top 10 storage stories of 2021 highlight both large vendors and startups and demonstrate reader interest in performance, better pricing and new features.  Continue Reading

• Understand NVMe 2.0 specification and its related features

  NVMe 2.0 added several features for storage administrators to consider, including domain support. The specification also made enhancements, such as to Endurance Group Management.  Continue Reading