File storage systems make it possible to store documents and manage permissions. They can also be used for backup and archiving purposes.
Traditionally, computer files have been stored on hard disks. However, they are increasingly being stored on other forms of non-volatile storage media such as CD-Roms and Digital Versatile Discs.
Disk-based
Disk-based storage technologies rely on hard disk drives to store and retrieve data. They can be supplemented with backup-to-tape and cloud methods to manage data for archiving and disaster recovery. These systems use data reduction techniques such as deduplication and compression to maximize storage capacity.
Traditional hard disks have concentric tracks on which information is stored. When a disk drive reads or writes data, the actuator arm carries an electric charge to the platters and changes their physical properties (optical or magnetically) to record the data. The actuator arm then moves to the next track, which can cause a brief delay in the flow of data between a computer and the device.
RAID technology spreads data files across multiple inexpensive disks to speed up reading and writing operations and improve reliability. It also allows smaller backup windows and reduces network bandwidth demands. However, many users will eventually hit limits on their scalability, whether in terms of storage capacity or performance.
Network-attached
Data storage solutions help organizations protect their files from cyberattacks and other types of data loss. They also make it easy to backup files for quick recovery in case of a system failure or other disaster. However, the reliability of data storage systems tends to vary and the costs for implementation and maintenance may be high.
Network-attached storage (NAS) provides file-level data access to multiple network clients. It uses protocols such as NFS, which is used by Unix and Linux clients, and SMB/CIFS, which is favored by Windows users. AKiTiO’s NAS devices are aimed at the small office and home office market, allowing users to store and share files in their homes or workplaces.
Unlike direct attached storage (DAS), which is connected directly to a computer, NAS connects via an Ethernet switch to the network and is accessible over a web browser or desktop application. This makes it an ideal solution for distributed teams that need to work in different locations or time zones. However, NAS devices can be vulnerable to physical theft.
Cloud
Cloud storage technologies allow you to save files to a remote server that is maintained by a third party. This removes the need to back up data on external devices and reduces the risk of system failure. Additionally, data is backed up across multiple servers to ensure that it can be retrieved even if one of the servers fails.
This type of file storage allows team members to access data from anywhere, which supports a collaborative work culture. It also provides peace of mind in terms of governed access and improved security. In addition, automated backups help to speed up disaster recovery and mitigate the effects of ransomware attacks.
One drawback of this file storage technology is that it relies on an internet connection and requires a reliable provider. In addition, it can be expensive and difficult to upgrade. It is best to test it at a small scale before implementing it for the entire organization.
Solid-state
Solid-state storage technologies (SSDs) are faster, quieter, smaller and more durable than hard disk drives. They are a perfect fit for applications that require high performance and low latency such as video editing, content creation and virtualization environments.
SSDs read and write data to an underlying set of interconnected flash memory chips made out of silicon. Each chip contains a bit of information that is either a 1 or a 0. A flash controller built into an SSD manages error correction and wear leveling as well as managing even data distribution.
A new technology called NVMe (non-volatile memory express) reduces CPU overhead and streamlines operations to increase input/output per second and reduce latency. This makes SSDs more valuable than HDDs for certain applications such as cloud computing and enterprise storage systems.