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
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
13 May 2024
unified storage
Unified storage -- sometimes called network unified storage or multiprotocol storage -- is a storage system that enables users to run and manage files and applications from a single device. 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
08 Apr 2024
backup storage device
A backup storage device is a hardware component for storing copies of data. 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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Tip
31 Jan 2024
4 NAS devices for enterprises in 2024 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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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
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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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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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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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
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News
08 Nov 2023
DDN Infinia expands storage around HPC, AI
DDN has created a new software-defined object storage product, Infinia, for AI and HPC secondary storage. The tech can also be applied to some enterprise storage use cases. Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2023
New IBM Storage Scale focuses on AI, HPC
Adding to the growing list of storage for AI, IBM Storage Scale System 6000 brings the vendor's parallel file system as well as nearly a ronnabyte of capacity to a single cluster. Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2023
Western Digital to split flash, HDD business units in two
Western Digital will spin off its flash storage business into a separate company by the second half of 2024, leaving hard drives under the WD banner. Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2023
NetApp adds new flash hardware, debuts VMware DR service
The enterprise storage vendor continues its hybrid cloud portfolio push with capacity flash for the ASA hardware family and bolts a VMware DR service to its BlueXP console. Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2023
Dell PowerMaxOS 10.1 targets operational, energy efficiency
The latest Dell PowerMaxOS update brings greater data reduction and power usage monitoring to its top-of-the-line storage array. The update also keyed in on cyber-resilience. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Oct 2023
RAID controller
A RAID controller is a hardware device or software program used to manage hard disk drives or solid-state drives in a computer or storage array so they work as a logical unit. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Sep 2023
RAID 4 (redundant array of independent disks)
RAID 4 (redundant array of independent disks) is a RAID configuration that uses a dedicated parity disk and block-level striping across multiple disks. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Sep 2023
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
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News
30 Aug 2023
StorCentric winds down, Nexsan stands out
StorCentric's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing pushed the storage conglomerate and the companies it acquired into limbo. Now one of those companies might find new footing. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Jul 2023
Lenovo's latest heavy on flash, security for enterprise storage
Lenovo's concentration on QLC flash, hybrid cloud and ransomware protection in its latest hardware and software offerings should aid enterprise buyers. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jul 2023
floating gate transistor (FGT)
A floating gate transistor (FGT) is a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology capable of holding an electrical charge in a memory device that is used to store data. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Jul 2023
slack space (file slack space)
Slack space, or file slack space, is the leftover storage space on a computer's hard disk drive when a file does not need all the space it has been allocated by the operating system. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jul 2023
flash memory card
A flash memory card -- sometimes called a storage card -- is a small storage device that uses non-volatile semiconductor memory to store data on portable or remote computing devices. 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
29 Jun 2023
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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Definition
28 Jun 2023
M.2 SSD
An M.2 SSD is a small form factor solid-state drive (SSD) that internally mounted storage expansion cards use. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jun 2023
logical block addressing (LBA)
Logical block addressing (LBA) is a technique to specify the addresses of blocks of data on a storage device, such as a hard disk. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jun 2023
Charge trap technology advantages for 3D NAND flash drives
Flash drive cells based on charge trap technology have several advantages over older floating gate cells. However, take note of potential reliability issues. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2023
Pure takes aim at HDDs with FlashArray for colder storage
Pure Storage added a new, cost-efficient model to its FlashArray line expanding potential uses cases. It's also rolling out new controller upgrades and data protection SLAs. Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2023
NetApp rolls out new ASA block storage, recovery guarantee
NetApp's latest update includes a new line of all-flash SAN, an expansion of its OnTap software to all storage systems and a ransomware recovery guarantee. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2023
DDN launches all-QLC ExaScaler
The all-QLC ExaScaler scale-out parallel file system from DDN slots in between performance and costs. It comes at a time when AI workloads are on the rise. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 May 2023
commodity hardware
Commodity hardware in computing is computers or components that are readily available, inexpensive and easily interchangeable with other commodity hardware. Almost all PCs use commodity hardware. Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2023
Dell PowerStore zeros in on security, energy efficiency
Dell has added a handful of security features and integrations to PowerStore through an OS update, while obtaining Energy Star certification for two of its PowerStore models. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2023
Pure unifies block, file storage on single FlashArray
Pure Storage expanded the unified storage market by granting native file, block and VM support on a FlashArray, which could reduce complexity and costs for some customers. Continue Reading
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News
25 Apr 2023
A fine, earnings and new tech for Seagate
Seagate faces a $300 million fine for selling HDDs to Huawei and reported less than stellar earnings, but it continues to press forward on HDD technology. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Apr 2023
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
20 Apr 2023
HPE brings multi-protocol Alletra storage to GreenLake
HPE's newest addition to its Alletra portfolio supports block, file and object protocols. It reflects a shift toward simplification and commoditization in storage hardware. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Apr 2023
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 disks or solid-state drives (SSDs), in a redundant array of independent disks group. Continue Reading