Tips

Tips

• 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

• 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

• 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 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. However, take note of the benefits and drawbacks.  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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Why and how to implement NVMe power management

  Understand how to use NVMe built-in power management features to conserve energy, manage heat and, in the case of mobile devices, extend operating times.  Continue Reading

• 6 data storage compliance strategies for the enterprise

  Storage administrators and managers stressing over compliance should follow these analyst-recommended strategies, including taking advantage of automation and anonymizing data.  Continue Reading

• 12 ways to manage your data storage strategy

  Data storage systems were never easy to manage, and with spiraling capacities it's gotten even harder. Try these 12 techs and practices to help ease the storage management burden.  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

• Guidelines to implement storage for AI workloads

  Organizations with AI-enabled projects need an effective way to store, retrieve and share massive amounts of complex data. These tips will help meet AI data storage challenges.  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

• 8 best practices for SAN deployment within SMBs

  SMBs face a number of challenges when planning and performing a SAN implementation. Get out in front of an often intricate process with these best practices.  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

• How to develop and implement a data storage plan

  Planning is an important piece of IT. Examine the elements of a storage plan, how to prepare and implement the document, and the benefits of having one.  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

• Top 5 cloud storage security issues and how to contain them

  A handful of major cloud storage security issues, such as insufficient access controls and compliance, remain. Learn how to successfully address them with guidance from IT experts.  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

• Build an effective edge data storage plan

  IoT data storage is a key edge storage use, but not the only one. Stay on top of this movement in IT and make sure an edge infrastructure plan is in place.  Continue Reading

• Compare entry-level SAN arrays for the SMB market

  Performance, capacity and data protection features are a few of the many factors SMB organizations should consider in their comparisons of entry-level SANs.  Continue Reading

• Calculate HPC storage costs based on these 8 factors

  IT teams that want an accurate estimate of HPC storage costs must account not only for the technology itself, but for staffing, support and ongoing operational expenses.  Continue Reading

• What the 4 PMem App Direct Modes mean for your organization

  Do you know the difference between the four Intel Optane persistent memory App Direct Mode types? Find out how you can use each of them most effectively.  Continue Reading

• 9 VDI storage best practices to better connect remote workers

  Learn how to plan and deploy VDI storage to make your remote workers more productive and efficient. It's all about knowing your users and picking the right devices.  Continue Reading

• Immutable storage: What it is, why it's used and how it works

  When data files must absolutely, positively remain forever unalterable, immutable storage technology is one affordable approach to consider.  Continue Reading

• 3 ways to ease the green data storage transition

  Energy-efficient storage promises several benefits. Finding the right approach requires carefully assessing available technology, where you keep your data and costs.  Continue Reading

• Cloud storage best practices in the work-from-home era

  Find out what data and applications are best for cloud storage, what design factors to consider and how to choose the right service to meet short- and long-term needs of remote workers.  Continue Reading

• 7 steps to retiring storage hardware safely and efficiently

  Organizations put a lot of thought into the storage equipment they purchase. The decision to retire that same hardware should get just as much consideration.  Continue Reading

• Comparing 7 storage network protocols

  Compare characteristics of common storage network protocols, such as iSCSI, Fibre Channel, FCoE, NFS, SMB/CIFS, HTTP and NVMe-oF, to decide which one is best suited to your needs.  Continue Reading

• How to deal with the challenges of cloud storage vs. SAN

  Whether you're managing cloud storage or a local SAN, both have issues. Compare 13 areas where SAN and cloud storage challenges can arise and find out how to deal with them.  Continue Reading

• SAN management best practices for optimizing performance

  SANs consolidate resources and provide a high-speed network for storage traffic, but that doesn't mean you're off the hook when it comes to performance management.  Continue Reading

• Advantages and disadvantages of using a SAN

  SAN benefits include speed, scalability and fault tolerance, but the technology isn't without its drawbacks. Cost and complexity are big concerns for smaller organizations.  Continue Reading

• 5 ways hybrid cloud storage is changing SAN management

  Increasing reliance on cloud storage is changing the way storage area networks are managed and the challenges that SAN admins face in responding to business requirements.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshoot SAN issues to improve performance

  Common SAN problems include compatibility issues, hardware failures and sluggish storage response times, but a few proven strategies can easily resolve these issues.  Continue Reading

• Prevent the storage and data security risks of remote work

  Many organizations have employees working from home, but some may not have taken the security and training precautions that remote work requires.  Continue Reading

• Cloud VDI storage: Nasuni vs. Panzura and other competitors

  Data storage for distributed VDIs can be a challenge. Find out how Nasuni, Panzura and other vendors are overcoming obstacles with new approaches to cloud virtual desktop systems.  Continue Reading

• 5 critical capabilities for multi-cloud data management

  Organizations face increasing challenges managing data across multiple clouds. Find out the features to look for in your multi-cloud data management products and services.  Continue Reading

• NVMe Zoned Namespace lowers costs and improves performance

  The new zoned storage interface capitalizes on NAND flash capabilities to let host software communicate with NAND storage to better align workloads with SSD storage.  Continue Reading

• Get the most out of cloud caching appliances and gateways

  Cloud storage caching can reduce performance-sapping latency. See how these appliances work, alternative approaches, in-demand features and the various products available.  Continue Reading

• Pay-as-you-go storage consumption and its challenges

  Consumption-based storage has benefits, but it also has challenges, including what it is, unknowns about its future, and control and cost issues. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• 5 signs it's time for a NAS or SAN upgrade

  It's easy to tell when it's time to modernize your storage infrastructure if you know the warning signs. Find out what they are and how Liberty Mutual Insurance handled its upgrade.  Continue Reading

• Data storage security best practices for avoiding cyberattacks

  Protecting stored data requires meticulous planning and a well-crafted strategy. Here are steps you need to take today to keep your organization's essential data safe and secure.  Continue Reading

• Storage class memory could benefit VDI storage, remote work

  SCM has the potential to meet IOPS and latency requirements of VDI workloads, but it isn't clear if it's worth the extra cost. We look at some possible ways this could happen.  Continue Reading

• Computational storage may ease edge storage efforts

  Before diving into storage at the edge, ensure your organization can meet the technology's lofty space and resource requirements. Computational storage can help.  Continue Reading

• Storage and database innovation evolve in tandem

  Faster storage means faster database operations. Discover how developments and innovation in storage improves the performance and flexibility of database technology.  Continue Reading

• 5 areas to assess when rethinking storage at the edge

  Does your organization have the right edge storage resources? Here's what you need to focus on to ensure your organization keeps pace with changes at the edge.  Continue Reading

• Maximizing containerized storage performance and flexibility

  Are you taking full advantage of container storage? When properly deployed, containers can bring significant benefits, including better flexibility and performance.  Continue Reading

• Boost cloud storage performance for your work-from-home workforce

  Optimizing cloud storage security and performance are key to transitioning to a 100% remote workforce. Learn best practices to follow as your organization responds to COVID-19.  Continue Reading

• Make remote SAN management work in the age of coronavirus

  SANs usually aren't configured to allow remote management. Find out what storage admins can do during the COVID-19 crisis to ensure their organization's SAN can be managed remotely.  Continue Reading

• What the breakup of data management and storage means to you

  There are distinct advantages to abstracting data management from storage. Find out how this new approach makes these operations simpler and cheaper to run.  Continue Reading

• Flash memory standards and interfaces every IT admin should know

  Flash memory standards can be confusing for even seasoned IT pros. TLC, QLC, MLC, SLC flash and so on. SAS vs. NVMe, NVMe-oF among others. Let's make sense of this acronym soup.  Continue Reading

• Fine-tune your storage-as-a-service approach

  What you need to know about storage-as-a-service options to make them work for your organization. Service levels, data protection and upgrade schedules can be the differentiators.  Continue Reading

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

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

• The pros and cons of flash memory revealed

  Flash memory and solid-state devices have revolutionized storage, but to deploy them effectively you must understand what they can and can't do. Find out what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• High-performance object storage challenges in the modern data center

  Object storage works well for long-term backup and archiving. See how high-performance capabilities are expanding it to high-scale, high-capacity workloads.  Continue Reading

• SAN vs. HCI: 5 questions to ask

  SAN or hyper-converged infrastructure? Which one will become your organization's on-premises technology choice? Discover which approach may ease complexity and control costs.  Continue Reading

• Choose the right storage management interface for you

  While older storage interfaces were created to meet international standards at the time, storage has evolved, and updated interfaces may be required to manage your infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Using on-premises object storage beyond secondary storage

  On-premises object-based storage is replacing traditional storage in areas such as streaming, big data and IoT. Get the latest on how this technology is being used.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 storage area network applications for the enterprise

  Find out why a SAN makes sense for enterprise applications such as databases, server virtualization, business applications, VDI, and development and testing.  Continue Reading