Types and capacity of storage.
Today’s world is centered on research, knowledge and information is “data-consuming”. Thankfully, with the aid of technology through computing systems, the growing reliance on data can be sustained through various application hardware’s and software’s that help store this data and produces them when needed.
Data storage can be described as a system whereby an electronic system retains retrievable data for future use. Data storage is very important for business ventures and indeed any venture at all to survive in our world today. This means that it is important for us all to continue investing in data storage facilities that guarantee that data is being stored securely and is free from cyber-attacks and electronic corruption.
The more data and information increases, the more the need for higher storage capacities to accommodate them. When talking about data storage, we should note that it is not just enough to store data. It is more important that they can be retrieved and produced at any point that reference needs to be made to them. Data is useless if it is stored away without the ability to be retrieved. This is why data Storage and data security go hand in hand.
Website owners and users in particular needs to be abreast of the various storage types available for their dedicated servers so they can choose the ones that suit them the most to avoid losing valuable data later on. Businesses need access to efficient, secure and reliable data storage servers that would provide them with value for their money.
There are different types of storage. They include:
- Direct Attached Storage. The Direct Attached Storage as the name suggests is a type of storage system for dedicated servers that forms a part of the storage network by directly connecting to the servers. It is connected to only one computer and cannot be accessed by others.
- Storage Area Network. The Storage Area Network uses a centralized system approach to gather storage resources from different servers to create its own large storage network to enhance storage capacity and performance.
- Cloud Data Storage. Just like in cloud computing, data storage facilities exist in the clouds. This means that they are hosted in certain data centers where they are made available to their users who can decide to purchase additional servers for storage whenever they want without having to buy storage hardware for that purpose.
- Network Attached Storage. The Network Attached Storage stores data through a file-based storage system. With this system, it is possible to share stored files from the system to other users without disrupting the overall network system. It is connected to a computer network to enable it provide data access to different clients.
These storages have different capacities and website owners should seriously consider the needs of their business when choosing the type of storage, they want for their dedicated servers.
Here is a summarized guide;
- Direct Attached Storage should only be used when the data storage requirement is small because the size of the Direct Attached Storage enclosure restricts the storage capacity. It is perfect for local storage functions.
- Storage Area Network; this is suitable for business networks that require complex storage systems and requirements.
- Cloud Data Storage; the cloud Data Storage has the capacity to secure data and keep it safe from natural disasters and incidents like fire, flooding, etc. and can also replace some basic staff functions at very affordable rates.
- Network Attached Storage; the Network Attached Storage is majorly suited for small business networks that prioritize efficient access to and transfer of files.
Assignment of Servers
Servers are central systems in a computer network that enables the storage, management, accessibility and transmission of data. There are different kinds of servers that perform different functions on the computer.
A single server can be configured to attend to the needs of multiple clients in the same way that one client can make use of multiple servers to perform different functions.
When it comes to web hosting services and assignment of servers, there are basically three most common infrastructure hosting options. They are the VPS hosting, cloud hosting and the dedicated servers hosting. The main difference between dedicated servers and other types of servers is that while other types of servers are made to serve multiple functions, the Dedicated servers are configured to perform a particular function at a time thereby aiding efficiency and productivity.
While the resources of non-dedicated servers are shared between other website users and can cause clogging of the servers’ central operating unit and RAM, dedicated servers are not shared between any other user and don’t have to deal with clogging and storage problems like the non-dedicated servers. Dedicated Servers also enhance performance and security of data, flexibility and is economical in the long run.
Comparison Table.
Different types of storage fits different kinds of businesses and purposes. In order to provide clarity and to help your decision-making process, we have drawn up a comparison table below, showing the advantages and disadvantages of the different storage systems.
| TYPE OF STORAGE | ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Direct Attached Storage | 1. It is cheap and affordable
2.It is easy to set up 3. It is easy to retain physical access. |
1. Small storage capacity
2. It cannot expand to accommodate more data. 3. Low security assurance |
| Storage Area Network | 1. It’s accommodating and can expand to accommodate new Resources. | 1. It is expensive to set up and maintain |
| Cloud Data Storage | 1.It is inexpensive
2. It is easy to set up 3. It is easy to maintain 4. It can help reduce costs of hiring staff or manpower |
1. Network speed can be slow since it’s reliant on the local connection speed. |
| Network Attached Storage | 1. It enables recovery of file
2.It is suitable for small business and home networks 3. It makes transfer of data very easy. 4. It is reliable 5. It provides extended storage. |
1. It’s an on-site data backup and data can easily be lost if there is any error
2. It requires a level of technological knowledge to enable use |
From the information above, clients can easily decide on the server type to go for. These servers would meet the basic needs and daily demands of the users and depending on whether you go for shared or dedicated servers, you always have something to benefit. Dedicated servers are more preferred by a growing number of people though.