The Basics of Data Storage and How it Works

One thing is clear about the future of technology—data is king. From user experience to marketing, every business analyzes data, then expertly applies it to improve their practices and increase their profits.

New devices, platforms, and software debut every day. A tremendous amount of data is being created and recorded every second, but where is it being stored?

The answer is everywhere and anywhere. To break it down, we first have to define exactly what data storage means.

What is Data Storage?

Data storage at its simplest is gathering and retaining digital information in a variety of forms across computers and any other technological device. The data is generally collected in an electromagnetic form.

The collected data is always available, as it is stored in a digital format. You can manage and access data using a variety of different technologies. While cloud storage may be a popular choice, all data storage technologies are effective and powerful in their own way. The most commonly known data storage options are:

• Cloud storage
• Object storage
• Network-attached storage
• File storage

Types of Data Storage Technologies

How do you choose which type of data storage tech is right for you?

• Cloud storage is a well-known option that grants users the ability to access their data from any device. This virtual data storage isn’t tied down to one computer or device. Cloud-based storage is famous for its easy use and reliability.
• Object storage is not as common, but users report it as being equally effective. Object-based storage technology takes every piece of data you have and turns it into an “object.” The data is held in one massive storehouse which may be spread across several physical storage devices. Object storage is particularly useful for large companies because of the limitless scaling ability. In fact, all major cloud services use object storage as their main storage method.
• Network-attached storage (NAS) is used when companies want to use multiple machines to share storage across one network. NAS grants the opportunity to centralize data, which makes it more secure and improves team communication. Using NAS, managers can set permission levels so highly sensitive data can only be accessed by select employees.
• File storage is fairly simple to understand. File storage keeps all stored data in a hierarchical file with various folders. Just like the file system on your computer, file storage organizes data into indexes, folders, and subfolders. A number of NAS systems use file storage in their processes.

Data Storage Is Constantly Evolving

The possibilities for the future of data storage are endless. Artificial intelligence is advancing at a rate that ensures it will become more prominent and most likely surpass the current data storage technologies we have.

SEAM Services is the leading data destruction company in both North Dakota and South Dakota. When you are ready to destroy, shred, wipe or sanitize your data, however it is stored, contact us to ensure it is done securely, safely, and completely! Learn more about our destruction methods here.