Tips

Tips

• How to prepare a data storage budget, with free template

  Budgeting for data storage can be part of an organization's larger budget -- but make sure every line item, from technology purchases to salaries, is included.  Continue Reading

• Compare 5 Ceph alternatives for storage

  This list of Ceph alternatives can provide a good starting point for better understanding what's available and the issues to look for during the storage decision-making process.  Continue Reading

• Compare Box vs. Dropbox enterprise storage platforms

  Both Box and Dropbox offer features and integrations that any modern enterprise could use for its cloud storage. Choosing between Box vs. Dropbox depends on various factors.  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 Storage and Files. Compare pricing with AWS and Google Cloud.  Continue Reading

• Analyze enterprise Box cloud storage pricing options

  Box Enterprise and Enterprise Plus offer more features at similar prices to other platforms and may be a better option if you're mainly looking for storage.  Continue Reading

• AI-focused storage choices, features and considerations

  The list of GenAI-focused storage options grows as Pure, Dell, HPE and other major vendors innovate to win over IT infrastructure buyers.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for protection from ransomware in cloud storage

  Cybercriminals are getting smarter and evolving their enterprise attacks. Be proactive -- get out in front of ransomware in cloud storage before the attack occurs.  Continue Reading

• How to use AI in storage management

  Organizations can use AI for storage management and AIOps to learn where to make improvements in their storage infrastructure, but note the benefits and drawbacks.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for completing a storage migration plan

  Storage migration doesn't have to be such a daunting task. With the proper plan, an organization can get out in front of issues and be ready for the important process.  Continue Reading

• An overview of storage encryption for enterprises

  The constantly increasing data volumes and locations -- plus the number of security threats -- should push enterprise storage strategies to include strong encryption.  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

• AHCI vs. RAID: Features, differences and applications

  AHCI and RAID are fundamental concepts for running an efficient data management and storage infrastructure. Learn the AHCI and RAID basics, as well as how SATA and IDE compare.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for using Box cloud storage

  Box cloud storage options could be a fit for enterprises. Features go beyond storage and include content monitoring, data migration and document management.  Continue Reading

• How storage migration tools can help enterprises

  Storage migrations are common but can be challenging. But enterprises don't have to go it alone. Tools can aid the many different kinds of migrations and their circumstances.  Continue Reading

• 9 top cloud storage security issues and how to contain them

  A handful of major cloud storage security issues, such as insufficient access controls and lack of compliance, remain. Learn how to successfully address them.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for cloud storage optimization vs. repatriation

  While cloud storage repatriation grabs headlines, it's not for everyone. Sometimes, it's better to improve an organization's platform rather than make a wholesale change.  Continue Reading

• How AI and cloud storage can work together

  AI can help cloud storage providers with management, but challenges for users include vendor compatibility issues, lack of transparency in cost and privacy concerns.  Continue Reading

• 7 causes of SSD failure and how to deal with them

  Although SSDs are a reliable storage technology, they are still prone to occasional failure. Here are some best practices to keep your SSDs humming along.  Continue Reading

• 7 best practices for cloud storage migration

  While some organizations are moving data back on site, cloud storage is still popular. A successful migration is important -- these best practices and third-party tools could help.  Continue Reading

• 4 NAS devices for enterprises in 2024 and buying factors

  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

• Why object storage for AI makes sense

  Object storage and AI are two hot trends in tech. They exist on their own but work well together too. Still, organizations must also consider the challenges of using both.  Continue Reading

• Top data storage best practices include AI, object storage use

  2023 featured both buzzwords and helpful technologies, but storage admins must distinguish between the two. These top tips can help enterprises store more and stay secure.  Continue Reading

• Top 4 data storage trends for 2024

  This year's storage trends include some technologies, such as artificial intelligence, that make platforms more secure and easier to manage, plus a potential reversal in the cloud.  Continue Reading

• How to handle Google Cloud Storage costs

  The cost of Google Cloud Storage isn't just about stored data. Administrators must also consider processing, network usage, retrieval and replication.  Continue Reading

• Compare Google Cloud Storage vs. Google Drive for enterprises

  Explore the differences between Google Cloud Storage and Google Drive, such as storage type and space, to decide what's best for your enterprise, and consider their similarities.  Continue Reading

• Compare block vs. file vs. object storage differences, uses

  Object storage has surged in popularity, but file and block still have clearly defined uses. Access, metadata and performance are among admins' key considerations.  Continue Reading

• Ask these 9 cloud storage questions before use

  Use these questions as a starting point for your transition to the cloud. You'll discover that some uses and data sets are suitable for cloud storage, while others are not.  Continue Reading

• 10 data storage questions for enterprises to ask

  Does top management support your organization's storage needs? Is the storage platform compliant with regulations? These are just two of the data storage questions you need to ask.  Continue Reading

• Compare file storage options in the cloud

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

• 7 decentralized data storage networks compared

  Decentralized storage offers organizations an alternative to centralized cloud storage. While cost can be a benefit, support levels vary among some of the top vendors.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate object storage advantages and disadvantages

  Object storage advantages include capacity and flexibility, while access time is one of the disadvantages. Compare key pros and cons of this trending type of storage.  Continue Reading

• Explore benefits, tradeoffs with SLC vs. MLC vs. TLC and more

  Learn the important capacity, performance and reliability differences among multilayer flash types, including SLC vs. MLC vs. TLC, and typical uses for each.  Continue Reading

• EEPROM vs. flash memory: What's the difference?

  Even though there might be a 10 million-to-one price-per-gigabyte difference between EEPROM and NAND flash, each memory type makes sense in its own role.  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

• Charge trap technology advantages for 3D NAND flash drives

  Flash drive cells based on charge trap technology have several advantages over older floating gate cells. However, take note of potential reliability issues.  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

• Why Amazon S3 is a ransomware target and how to protect it

  Hacking continues to evolve. While Amazon S3 is a major ransomware target, admins can take steps in configuration and event logging, among other protection measures.  Continue Reading

• A primer on quantum computing storage and memory

  Quantum computing storage and memory are quite different from traditional storage. The implications for storage capacity, for example, are extraordinary.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for NFT data storage

  NFTs are a trend in the digital marketplace, but where and how should enterprises store them? There are three major options to explore for NFT data storage.  Continue Reading

• Overcome obstacles to storage sustainability

  Green IT initiatives should include data storage, but there are various sustainability challenges related to both on-premises and cloud-based storage systems.  Continue Reading

• Compare Azure Blob Storage vs. Data Lake

  Capacity, security features and pricing are just a few of the many factors to consider when organizations compare Azure Blob Storage and Data Lake.  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

• 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

• How to optimize data storage governance

  Data governance manages the availability, usability, integrity and security of data. Follow these best practices for governance as it relates to data storage.  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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Stay organized with 6 file storage best practices

  File storage can quickly become disorganized without organizational planning. Use best practices like retention policies and naming conventions to easily manage file storage.  Continue Reading

• 7 NAS encryption best practices to protect data

  Data storage security is as important now as it's ever been. Encryption is one way to make NAS devices more secure against such threats as ransomware.  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

• 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

• How to set up a NAS: A step-by-step configuration guide

  Get the most out of your rackmount NAS appliance by configuring admin accounts, permissions and network access; running a diagnostic check; and configuring advanced options.  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

• Tips to achieve compliance with GDPR in cloud storage

  GDPR compliance can be tricky in the cloud since organizations aren't the owners and processors of cloud storage. Research cloud vendors, and craft a plan to ensure compliance.  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

• 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

• 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

• A primer on disaggregated storage

  Disaggregated storage enables organizations to scale compute and storage separately for high-performance, low-latency workloads. Some benefits are cost savings and flexibility.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for legal hold storage

  Storing data for legal holds could be a mission-critical task. Storage admins should understand how to prepare for legal holds and deal with them when they occur.  Continue Reading

• Key differences in software RAID vs. hardware RAID

  Hardware RAID generally costs more than software RAID but may offer better performance. Consider factors like cost, performance needs and OSes to find the best fit.  Continue Reading

• What's driving the resurgence in tape storage use?

  Tape storage use has had a recent revival as a result of its air-gapped protection from ransomware. But that's not the only reason why businesses use the legacy technology.  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

• 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

• Explore top data lake providers for substantial storage use

  Don't be deterred by the murky waters of data lake technology. Fishing for the right provider to accelerate your analytics is probably easier than you think.  Continue Reading

• How enterprises can ensure NVMe security in 2.0

  Today's world demands airtight security more than ever. Key NVMe security features, such as namespaces, the Lockdown command and TLS in NVMe over TCP, keep data safe.  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

• What to look for in a green cloud storage provider

  Alongside cost and flexibility, a commitment to sustainability is a key consideration for organizations trying to choose a cloud storage provider.  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

• Reduce data storage waste with planning, retention policies

  Delete unneeded data to ensure no data storage is wasted and to save both time and money. Use retention policies, data repositories and compliance as guides to get started.  Continue Reading

• Tips to reduce the environmental impact of data storage

  Data storage technology can harm the environment. Choose efficient storage strategies and green-friendly cloud providers to help reduce the environmental impact of data storage.  Continue Reading

• Best options for video data storage include cloud, tape

  Video data storage presents some challenges, such as dealing with large file sizes and compliance. Here's what to consider when assessing storage options for video data.  Continue Reading

• 5 tips for primary storage ransomware protection

  Explore the steps storage administrators can take to safeguard against ransomware. Dive deep into tips on access control, vulnerabilities and storage monitoring.  Continue Reading

• How to effectively plan cloud storage scalability

  There are many benefits but also many considerations in including cloud storage as part of a scalability strategy, from analysis of needs to testing your providers.  Continue Reading

• Perform data storage testing to prevent issues

  Put your data storage to the test, and get out ahead of potential problems. Data validation -- whether manual or with software -- helps ensure the integrity of your data.  Continue Reading

• Understand your storage infrastructure management

  Emerging technology, such as AI and software-based storage management systems, have simplified how IT manages its infrastructure. Explore the many components of modern management.  Continue Reading

• Data retention and destruction policy template: A free download

  The downloadable data retention and destruction policy template on this page will help with compliance. Use this structure for developing other IT data management policies.  Continue Reading

• What is SAN zoning and what are the different types of zoning?

  Zoning can be set up according to server, storage and SAN switch. Discover what type of zoning to use, how zone sets extend SAN segmentation and the various zoning schemas.  Continue Reading

• Implement data storage policy with guidelines, free template

  Data storage policies are an important piece of data management. The free template on this page will help organizations lay out requirements for secure storage.  Continue Reading

• How businesses can manage Microsoft 365 storage space

  While Microsoft 365 users face storage limits across the platform, there are ways to increase capacity. It's also important to understand the limits in the first place.  Continue Reading

• Adopt data storage security standards to ensure compliance

  Data storage security standards are vital to prepare for audit activities and ensure compliance. This tip examines standards that address data storage security.  Continue Reading

• Demystify the distributed file system and object storage market

  IT teams in search of a distributed file system that supports object storage must carefully map out their requirements -- and remember that no two products are exactly alike.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 data storage issues and how to overcome them

  Don't overlook or ignore these 10 data storage issues -- including ones related to staff, security and cost -- as they could disrupt operations without the proper planning.  Continue Reading

• How the CXL interconnect will affect enterprise storage

  The Compute Express Link standard will shake up the enterprise storage market in several significant ways. Here's what admins need to know.  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

• Apply hyperscale data center design principles to IT storage

  Storage admins in large enterprises can borrow infrastructure design principles from the major hyperscale cloud providers to optimize their own storage systems and operations.  Continue Reading

• Manage OneDrive for Business storage limits, step by step

  OneDrive for Business is an important cloud storage element for Microsoft 365 users. Admins should be ready to adjust the storage limits for their users.  Continue Reading

• How immutable object storage can help protect data

  Ransomware is just one of the many threats that makes immutability an important piece of object storage. There are several products and methods to consider.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for enterprise image data storage

  Digital document images consume an ever-growing amount of storage space. Here's a look at several ways to store images efficiently and cost-effectively.  Continue Reading

• Decentralized cloud storage: What you need to know

  Decentralized storage in the cloud could help protect against cyberattacks, among other benefits. Explore the uses for this emerging technology, plus some of its challenges.  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