The challenge of many companies is moving along with the world of ever-changing technology. Today, the most successful businesses are those who can quickly learn new technology, adapt and then move along. Those that stick with old ways of doing things tend to fall behind with time. This is the same with data storage!
Now, we live in an information age. That means the most important asset of a company or an organization is its data. The competitive advantage of a business can simply be its data and information system. In view of that, you want to keep your data and information in the best way possible. You don’t want to expose your data to competitors or save it in a way that will not be economical for your business. When it comes to data storage, there are two main ways: the traditional hard disk and flash-based data storage.
The Traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
For many years, the traditional hard disk drive (HDD) storage has been the most common solution adopted by individuals and companies are like for saving data. It involves the use of a rotating magnetic disk for physical storage. After storage, data can be retrieved digitally and used on the computer.
Generally, hard disk drives (HDD) have a high storage capacity, popular and relatively cheaper. It uses a read-write mechanism for storing data. Since its non-volatile, it can keep the stored data on its system even without power. This makes it very easy and convenient to use. However, trouble comes when it begins to accumulate a lot of data.
Challenges of the Traditional Hard Disk Drive
The traditional hard disk drive involves the rotating and moving of the magnetic disk. With more data being stored, it reduces the speed of operation and hence affects the computer being used. This is why many companies and institutions are forced to get an external and alternative storage system which will not slow down the computer with increasing data storage.
Apart from issues with speed, the constant movement of parts creates intense heat. This heat causes the various parts of the magnetic disk system to suffer wear and tear over a period of time. As this happens, its regular maintenance will be required to avoid breakdown which will cost companies and organizations a lot of money.
It is also important to know that the traditional hard disk drive cannot work without power, It requires more power to operate even though the data can be held for over a period of time. The storage system is not portable. That means you cannot easily carry or move the data to another place. You need to access the computer wherein the data has been saved or carry the computer about to use the data. This can be frustrating.
The Flash Storage
A lot of individuals and companies who have been using traditional storage have seen the pitfalls that come with it. This has paved the way for flash storage, also known as the Solid State Drive (SSD) Storage. While the latter relies on power to accumulate data, the flash storage does not need the application of power to save date therein. This is because it has been designed to save data without the moving of parts.
Flash drives are not actually a new form of technology. They are actually small devices that can be plugged into the USB port of a computer to save data. The memory in which the data is stored is called the “ flash memory”. This is why it is popularly known as flash storage. Flash memories come in various sizes based on their storage capacities: 128 GB, 256 GB, 1 TB etc. The prices range from $ 10 to 100 based on the storage capacity.
Benefits Of Using Flash Storage.
Since it does not require moving parts for storage, it means enhances the speed and security of data processing. It is fast and much easier to use than traditional storage. Flash storage does not create the problem of wear and tear which means saving capital that might otherwise be spent on regular maintenance of computer systems. This makes it cost-effective and affordable for anyone. The following are the benefits of using flash storage.
- Flash storage provides efficient storage
The flash storage has taken over the mobile market due to its efficient storage system. It does not only help you save more data without affecting the speed of your computer. That means a flash disk enhances the speed of your computers. it also works with cloud computing and processing system. You can easily retrieve, use or accumulate data online or offline. All-flash storage devices are compatible with data services such as QoS, encryption, data reduction, snapshots and others.
- Flash storage is portable
Flash storage devices are portable. That means there is no need to limit information on one computer system. You can easily carry data to any place you are going to. With an inbuilt evergreen storage system, you can access all your files, media and programs at anywhere, whether it is a meeting, conference or workshop. If you have bookmarked web pages on your flash drive, you can be able to visit those site even when you are offline. This offers you the flexibility to use stored data at any time you choose.
- Flash storage ensures data backup
No matter how large your traditional storage capacity, you need to have a backup. When you don’t have an efficient flash storage back up system for your files and documents, you might be exposing yourself to a huge loss. If all your company data has been saved on your computer monitor, then it means when the computer breaks down, it will be hard to access those data. But if you have backed up all those data on your flash drive, you wouldn’t have to worry about anything.
- Flash storage helps extend the lifespan of your computer
Using flash storage in addition to the traditional one will help you extend the lifespan of your computer. This is because flash storage does not involve corruption, wear & tear or regular maintenance of your computing system. You don’t have to worry about the slowing down of your computer processing, and this help to increase the lifespan of your computer. You can just get a flash drive to support the traditional hard disk storage.
- Flash disk consumes less electrical power
For the traditional hard disk drive to work, it has to always be spinning. This involves continuous power usage. On the other hand, the flash storage does to not have to spin to retrieve, save and accumulate data. This enables flash storage to use less electrical power which will serve as a huge saving for a company. To decide on kind of flash storage that will meet your companies needs, you can analyze the kind of usage you will need and then contact a Virtix IT for supply.
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