Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• 5 NAND flash manufacturers balance performance, reliability

  NAND flash manufacturers Kioxia, Micron, Samsung, SK Hynix and Western Digital offer varying levels of capacity. They also provide an assortment of uses. Continue Reading

• Pure flash storage evolves, puts HDD investments in question

  Innovations in flash storage driving down cost might make it more difficult to justify investments in hard disk drives moving forward, Pure Storage CEO and others claim. Continue Reading

• Evaluate flash memory advantages and disadvantages

  Flash memory and solid-state devices have revolutionized storage, but to deploy them effectively, you must understand their advantages and disadvantages. Continue Reading

• Nutanix lays out vision for multi-cloud PaaS

  Organizations face challenges with complexity across IT infrastructure. Nutanix aims to simplify with a PaaS platform that extends across many locations. Continue Reading

• How CXL 3.0 technology will affect enterprise storage

  Understand CXL 3.0 technology before its impacts on storage take serious effect. While the specification improves on previous generations, it could also demand more from storage. Continue Reading

• HPE GreenLake updates reflect on-premises cloud IT evolution

  On-premises as-a-service products improve simplicity and speed. Updates to the HPE GreenLake platform, including in block storage and data protection, build on those benefits.Continue Reading

• What are 5 top cloud data storage risks?

  Storing data in a cloud repository makes good sense and has many benefits. However, any decision to migrate important data to a cloud service brings some risks.Continue Reading

• What the new LTO roadmap means for tape storage

  The future of tape is bright, and it should be on every storage manager's shortlist. LTO and its massive current and future capacity have a place among other storage media types.Continue Reading

• Choose between NAND vs. NOR flash memory

  When comparing NAND flash memory to NOR, it's important to examine the structural differences to understand which type of non-volatile memory is best suited for some applications.Continue Reading

• A short guide to Azure Data Lake Storage pricing

  Azure Data Lake Storage offers pricing that's competitive with similar platforms. However, many elements of the secure, large storage platform factor into the overall cost.Continue Reading

• Compare DRAM vs. DRAM-less SSDs for cost, performance

  Are DRAM-less SSDs the way of the future? While they're a great fit for hyperscale data centers, other organizations may also find benefits, such as cost.Continue Reading

• Understand how the CXL SSD can aid performance

  Although CXL SSDs are only in the research phase, their performance shows promise. When used as simple memory extensions, they should improve programs that manage large data sets.Continue Reading

• Can composable infrastructure and computational storage mix?

  'Composable' and 'computational' are often said in the same breath, but how exactly are they related -- or not? While there are differences, a combination could serve enterprises.Continue Reading

• How SSD data reduction can help enterprises

  Data reduction techniques have been difficult to achieve on SSDs, but vendors appear to be making progress. The more effective the data reduction, the more affordable SSDs become.Continue Reading

• Explore Google Cloud Storage classes

  For organizations that use Google Cloud Storage, it's crucial to store data in the optimal class. Understand top uses, benefits and drawbacks of Google Cloud's assorted services.Continue Reading

• Why QLC flash changes the hybrid cloud equation

  In the debates of hard drives vs. flash and on vs. off premises, the answer is often not just one over the other. However, surging QLC flash technology offers many benefits.Continue Reading

• Fibre Channel vs. iSCSI: What are the differences?

  Discover how Fibre Channel and iSCSI compare when it comes to meeting SAN performance, ease of use, manageability, total package and TCO requirements.Continue Reading

• The best enterprise data storage products of 2022

  Backup, cloud, disk and storage system vendors vied for top honors in the TechTarget Storage Products of the Year competition. Find out which won gold, silver and bronze.Continue Reading

• Advantages and disadvantages of storing data in the cloud

  Organizations that want to reduce on-site storage costs can consider cloud for easy pricing models and scalability. However, take note of drawbacks such as lack of data control.Continue Reading

• The future of data storage must handle heavy volume

  Storage manufacturers have an eye on the future with investments in technologies, but it's unclear if they will be able to effectively counter the exponential rise in data volumes.Continue Reading

• AWS re:Invent storage updates aim to maximize data value

  Among the multitude of announcements at AWS re:Invent 2022, storage was a focus for the cloud vendor. Amazon EFS specifically had several enhancements.Continue Reading

• A guide to AWS storage cost

  Amazon S3, FSx, Elastic File System and Elastic Block Store have different price structures, but data use remains the top factor in determining the cost of cloud storage.Continue Reading

• Amazon EBS vs. EFS: An 'elastic' comparison

  Elastic Block Store and Elastic File System are two of Amazon's most popular storage types. Compare how they store data before deciding which one to use.Continue Reading

• 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

• NetApp BlueXP and the journey to an 'evolved cloud'

  With BlueXP and Astra, NetApp has a plan for data and application management across cloud locations. The vendor seeks to help customers reach what it calls an 'evolved cloud.'Continue Reading

• How to use S3-compatible storage

  Amazon S3 is a popular platform for object storage. Through the use of APIs, though, storage vendors can offer their own take on S3, potentially improving management and cost.Continue Reading

• A comparison of distributed file systems

  There are many different distributed file systems available, so careful analysis of the options, as well as good project management, helps ensure a successful installation.Continue Reading

• How to effectively compare storage system performance

  Your power as a buyer is stronger before the sale closes: Ask for what's required to effectively evaluate storage vendors' system performance.Continue Reading

• DPUs vs. SmartNICs: What storage admins need to know

  To determine whether a SmartNIC or DPU is right for their organization, admins must understand the capabilities of different kinds of NICs and DPUs.Continue Reading

• What is network-attached storage (NAS)? A complete guide

  Network-attached storage (NAS) is dedicated file storage that enables multiple users and heterogeneous client devices to retrieve data from centralized disk capacity.Continue Reading

• 4 NAS devices for enterprises in 2023

  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

• Cloud storage vs. data center: How to choose

  It's essential to have efficient and cost-effective data storage. Both cloud and data center storage offer good options, so understand your needs before you choose.Continue Reading

• NAS vs. cloud storage: Which is better for your business?

  On-site NAS and cloud-based NAS are the two main file storage options. Organizations need to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each to make the best choice.Continue Reading

• Consider the advantages and disadvantages of NAS

  NAS devices provide file sharing that is easy to manage but may be harder to scale than other storage types. Get to know the advantages and disadvantages of NAS.Continue Reading

• NAS vs. object storage: What's best for unstructured data storage?

  There are advantages and disadvantages to using NAS or object storage for unstructured data. Find out what to consider when it comes to scalability, performance and workload type.Continue Reading

• Ride through racetrack memory and its storage implications

  IBM is working on a concept called racetrack memory, which is one of a few possibilities for the future of storage. But is it feasible, and when will it be commercially viable?Continue Reading

• NAS vs. server: Which storage option should you choose?

  NAS and server-based storage have unique attributes that support a variety of storage and DR applications, and each can be supplemented by cloud-based storage as needed.Continue Reading

• Explore software-defined storage pros and cons

  Software-defined storage gives organizations more flexibility and often lower costs, but be prepared to self-troubleshoot. Get to know the pros and cons of SDS.Continue Reading

• 7 guidelines to secure network storage

  These practices, including firmware and VPN guidance, protect NAS devices. Use these steps as standalone procedures or incorporate them into your overall security process.Continue Reading

• Explore 7 software-defined storage companies

  Software-defined storage offerings are all over the map, in uses, features and types of platform. These seven software-defined storage companies include several IT giants.Continue Reading

• Data storage interview questions for your next storage role

  Data storage administrators must be able to adapt and optimize storage for evolving workloads and business needs. Here are some questions to prepare for in an interview.Continue Reading

• Understand the Intel Optane shutdown

  Intel's upcoming shutdown of Optane follows multibillion-dollar losses. However, some technology benefits came out of the IT giant's effort to improve storage performance.Continue Reading

• Compare software-defined storage vs. storage virtualization

  SDS and storage virtualization are two approaches that help storage teams efficiently and cost-effectively manage resources. Examine the differences between the two.Continue Reading

• TechTarget Storage Products of the Year 2022 nomination form

  Nominate your favorite or best storage products for the annual TechTarget Storage Products of the Year awards.Continue Reading

• TechTarget Storage Products of the Year judging criteria

  This article discusses how products are judged for the TechTarget Storage Products of the Year awards.Continue Reading

• Differences in scale-up vs. scale-out storage

  Scaling up and scaling out are both approaches to increase storage capacity. To decide which approach to take, consider short- and long-term requirements.Continue Reading

• Explore top AWS storage types for file, block, object

  There are several AWS storage types, but these four offerings cover file, block and object storage needs. Explore how the cloud storage choices compare with each other.Continue Reading

• Storage certifications to bolster your skills

  Storage admins looking to gain new skills or make better use of their vendor-supplied storage systems can look to certification and qualification courses.Continue Reading

• QLC vs. TLC SSDs: Which is best for your storage needs?

  QLC flash memory is best for most read-intensive workloads, while TLC is suited to write-dominant workloads. Discover how QLC vs. TLC NAND are coexisting in the data center.Continue Reading

• Key features of a distributed file system

  Distributed file systems enable users to access file data that is spread across multiple storage servers. A DFS should uphold data integrity and be secure and scalable.Continue Reading

• Pure Storage's focus shines at Pure Accelerate 2022

  At Pure Accelerate 2022, Pure Storage displayed its continued investment in R&D, coupled with new product releases. The vendor should continue to make a splash in flash.Continue Reading

• Choose the best Azure Blob Storage tier

  Hot, Cool or Archive -- where should Azure Blob Storage go? Each tier has its challenges, but don't panic if data is in the wrong one, with step-by-step directions for moving tiers.Continue Reading

• Inside the plan to enhance optical storage

  It's going to take some outside-of-the-box technology to help make up for the escalating increases in stored data. Could colored digital characters be an answer?Continue Reading

• Consider these 5 storage-as-a-service questions before buying

  Buy or lease? Subscription or consumption pricing? Ask these storage-as-a-service questions -- and others -- to decide if the tech is right for your organization.Continue Reading

• Explore 5 Microsoft Azure storage types before buying

  Some types of Azure storage are prevalent, such as Blob, but others are less well known. Your organization may have a use for each of the five detailed, so get to know each one.Continue Reading

• A guide to Microsoft Azure storage pricing

  Take a deep dive into the costs of Microsoft Azure cloud storage across several different types, including Blob and Files. Compare pricing with AWS and Google Cloud.Continue Reading

• SSD vs. SSHD vs. HDD: Which one is best?

  Hybrid drives promise fast, cost-effective performance for primary and secondary storage. Here's what you need to know about the benefits and drawbacks compared to SSDs and HDDs.Continue Reading

• The role of NVMe network storage for the future

  This chapter excerpt from 'Building a Future-Proof Cloud Infrastructure' examines the role networking and storage protocols, like NVMe, could have in the remote storage market.Continue Reading

• Composable infrastructure providers tackle modern workloads

  Composable infrastructure vendors include titans in IT like Dell and HPE, but also startups such as Fungible and Liqid. Explore product features and the tech's pros and cons.Continue Reading

• The best enterprise storage systems and products of 2021

  Thirty-nine finalists competed for top honors in the annual 'Storage' magazine and SearchStorage Products of the Year awards. Find out which won gold, silver and bronze.Continue Reading

• The top data storage and management tools of 2021

  Software focused on large-scale data management and storage in expanding environments won in this year's Products of the Year storage system and application software category.Continue Reading

• The best enterprise cloud storage of 2021

  Judges in this year's Products of the Year competition tap the best cloud storage products for enterprises, with unstructured file storage and Kubernetes storage taking honors.Continue Reading

• The best enterprise storage arrays of 2021

  Tintri, Infinidat and Dell EMC enterprise arrays win top honors in the Products of the Year disk and disk subsystems category for their use of flash and automation.Continue Reading

• Predictions for the top data storage trends of 2022

  The constant need to organize, analyze and protect the hoard of data collected by organizations is pushing technology to new heights. Are these four predictions on your watch list?Continue Reading

• NVMe-oF over IP: A complete SAN platform

  NVMe/TCP or NVMe/RoCE are technologies that can now provide complete SAN platforms with multiple cost structures and are able to support different customer requirements.Continue Reading

• Weigh these 6 enterprise benefits of storage as a service

  Storage as a service offers cloud procurement and remote management of on-premises storage. Benefits include scalability, utilitylike consumption pricing and storage optimization.Continue Reading

• 7 decentralized data storage networks compared

  Set to change the distributed data storage market, decentralized storage offers organizations a promising alternative to centralized cloud storage.Continue Reading

• Understand NVMe 2.0 specification and its related features

  NVMe 2.0 added several features for storage administrators to consider, including domain support. The specification also made enhancements, such as to Endurance Group Management.Continue Reading

• Compare file storage options in the cloud

  In the hot market of file storage in the public cloud, there are many options across some of the largest vendors. Performance is a major consideration.Continue Reading

• Top 5 data storage best practices include Teams, containers

  From Teams storage limits and cloud security out to the edge and container-native storage, this roundup of best practices provides a review of recent advice articles.Continue Reading

• Holographic data storage: Next big thing or bust?

  The latest work in holographic storage development approaches its uses in a different way. Take a deep dive into the possibilities and potential of this 3D storage.Continue Reading

• How can organizations manage Microsoft Teams storage limits?

  Microsoft Teams storage limits can be complex for organizations to track. Learn the details and how to add Microsoft 365 storage to avoid capacity problems.Continue Reading

• Why QLC flash adoption now benefits the enterprise

  While enterprises must overcome some obstacles with QLC, there is a solid case for its use. 3D NAND has played a big part in enabling QLC use within the enterprise.Continue Reading

• Flash memory guide to architecture, types and products

  Flash memory, a staple of consumer electronics, is playing a wider role in enterprise storage. This guide offers an overview of flash, from current use cases to future directions.Continue Reading

• Performance, reliability tradeoffs with SLC vs. MLC and more

  Learn the important capacity, performance and reliability differences between multilayer flash when it comes to adding SSD storage to your organization.Continue Reading

• Cache vs. RAM: Differences between the two memory types

  Cache memory and RAM both place data closer to the processor to reduce latency in response times. Learn why one can be faster, along with other key variables in cache vs. RAM.Continue Reading

• AWS Outposts vs. Azure Stack vs. Google Anthos hybrid storage

  Explore the essential buy-in, deployment, implementation and management factors organizations should consider when comparing these major hybrid cloud storage services.Continue Reading

• Explore the consumption-based IT and Opex storage landscape

  The evolving consumption IT, pay-as-you-go infrastructure and storage model is a hot trend. Explore benefits, challenges and five top vendors in the field.Continue Reading

• How the Container Storage Interface can aid Kubernetes use

  Compared to in-tree plugins, the Container Storage Interface simplifies Kubernetes integration with storage devices, but thorough testing of CSI drivers is a must.Continue Reading

• NVMe speeds vs. SATA and SAS: Which is fastest?

  The NVMe protocol is tailor-made to make SSDs fast. Get up to speed on NVMe performance and how it compares to the SATA and SAS interfaces.Continue Reading

• AHCI vs. RAID: Which is better for performance?

  The Advanced Host Controller Interface and RAID are fundamental concepts for running an efficient data management and storage infrastructure. Learn the AHCI and RAID basics.Continue Reading

• Next-generation PCIe key to composable infrastructure progress

  High-performance computing and AI environments are just two strong uses for composable architecture. Explore benefits and drawbacks of PCIe in composable systems.Continue Reading

• Boost array performance with Optane-ready products

  Explore a group of Optane-ready products to improve storage performance. In addition, there are other options beyond self-managed hardware for the same purpose.Continue Reading

• Work around NVMe storage controller drive limitations

  Innovation in the storage and memory market helps with the challenge of NVMe drive limits. Be sure to make the right comparisons and scale out effectively.Continue Reading

• Explore storage orchestration services, benefits, challenges

  Orchestration and automation can aid storage management. Here, dive into technical details of orchestration, including containers and Kubernetes, and how it can help.Continue Reading

• Data storage management: What is it and why is it important?

  Effective data storage management is more important than ever, as security and regulatory compliance have become even more challenging and complex over time.Continue Reading

• Object vs. block vs. file storage: Which is best for cloud apps?

  Object, file and block storage often vie for the hearts and minds of cloud app users. Making the right choice can have a profound effect on app performance, reliability and cost.Continue Reading

• Build a cloud-ready, global distributed file system

  Organizations that want to extend traditional network file shares across data centers, branch offices and public cloud infrastructure have many options.Continue Reading

• Consider these container-native storage features, vendors

  Container-based applications have a major effect on storage. It's important to assess the benefits, functionalities and providers of container storage.Continue Reading

• Data storage management advantages and challenges explained

  Although establishing a data storage management strategy can be difficult, with increasingly distributed and complex systems, it offers several benefits to the organization.Continue Reading

• An overview of Microsoft Project Silica and its archive use

  Microsoft's Project Silica stores data in silica glass, similar to the crystals in 'Superman' films. In fact, 'Superman' already played a major role in the forward-looking project.Continue Reading

• A primer on DNA data storage and its potential uses

  DNA storage isn't just a futuristic concept -- many companies are actively involved in its development and promotion. There's a major use case in data archiving.Continue Reading

• Explore the challenges, benefits of provisioned IOPS storage

  IT admins who want the flexibility to provision IOPS independently from capacity can turn to certain software-defined storage and cloud services offerings.Continue Reading

• How do data processing units support enterprise storage?

  While only a small number of hardware vendors offer DPUs, the technology has significant implications for IT storage systems -- and the admins who manage them.Continue Reading

• A close look at NetApp Cloud Volumes Service for Google Cloud

  Compared to other versions of the NetApp Cloud Volumes Service, the software-defined edition on Google Cloud has some key distinctions that IT admins should note.Continue Reading

• Set up persistent storage for containers in the cloud

  All the major cloud vendors offer containers as a service. There are various ways IT admins can enable persistent storage for these flexible environments.Continue Reading

• How can ransomware attack cloud storage?

  A ransomware attack on cloud storage can have catastrophic effects. Cloud storage is still online, which means it is susceptible to some cyberattacks, so users must be careful.Continue Reading

• 7 signs a small business should shift from NAS to SAN

  Take a deep dive into seven reasons, including performance issues and scalability demands, an SMB would want to ditch NAS in favor of entry-level SAN.Continue Reading

• How edge object storage aids distributed computing

  Object storage is living on the edge. Explore how edge object storage works, why vendors pair it with NVMe and flash SSDs, and the benefits it provides.Continue Reading

• Young Superwomen in Flash: What Is Their Situation?

  The SuperWomen in Flash Leadership Award winner discusses key issues for women in the storage industry and young women in the industry share their professional journeys and more.Continue Reading