Storage Solutions

Computer data storage generally refers to a variety of computer components, devices, and recording media that retain information from computers for a period of time. Computer data storage is a fundamental component of modern computers. There are two types of computer data storage: primary and secondary. Primary data storage refers to all storage that is directly accessible by the Central Processing Unit (CPU). Secondary data storage, modernly referred to as storage, is not directly accessible by the CPU. Instead, computers usually use input/output channels to access secondary storage and transfer the desired data using intermediate area in primary storage. 

There are several secondary methods of storing computer data, each pertaining to certain levels of data storage. Since the need for mass storage and more permanent data storage solutions has become increasingly popular, modern storage solutions have been developed and enhanced to address these needs. Common examples of these storage solutions can be broken down into two categories: tape storage and disk storage.

Tape Storage

For many years, tape storage has been the defacto standard for storing data. Tape storage generally involves magnetic storage devices. Magnetic storage devices use various patterns of magnetization on a magnetically coated surface, such as a tape, to store information. Tape storage is non-volatile, meaning the device will retain the stored data even if the device is not constantly supplied with electric power. Examples of magnetic tape storage devices include cassettes and cartridges.

While tape storage devices may be substantially less expensive than other data storage options, tape storage is tedious and time-consuming. It takes time to find a tape, mount it on a device, and search for the data. Depending on the physical location of the tape, this process can take hours, even days. Also, it is becoming more difficult to find matching software on which to review the stored data.

Disk Storage

Disk storage solutions have become the preferred technology for long-term data storage and mass storage because it tends to be quicker and more efficient than tape storage since disks can read and write information much faster. Similar to tape storage, hard disk storage is non-volatile. Disk storage can include magnetic storage devices, such as hard disks, or optical storage solutions, such as CD’s and DVD’s.

The basic concept of magnetic storage was already discussed above. Hard disks and floppy disks are examples of magnetic disk storage devices. A common form of hard disk storage is network attached storage (NAS). Network attached storage devices are attached to a local area network and are assigned an IP address. Essentially, network attached storage is a server that is dedicated to nothing more than file sharing.

Rather than magnetic storage, one could opt for optical storage. Optical storage drives differ from magnetic storage devices in several ways. For instance, magnetic storage stores data in magnetic form while optical storage stores data optically. Also, optical storage uses lasers to read and write the data while magnetic storage does not.

Although disk storage solutions can be advantageous, there are some challenges in using disk storage as opposed to tape storage. While the life expectancy of a disk far exceeds a tape and there are re-writable recording technologies, disk storage solutions can be expensive, fairly unreliable, hard to delete, and easily damaged.

Like any other information technology (IT) investment, there are a number of considerations one must take into account when evaluating possible data storage solutions. Before deciding which method you should use, consider hardware and software acquisition costs, media costs, hardware and software maintenance costs, floor space, amount of data to be stored, and the length of time for which you want to store the data.

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