Free Data Storage Solutions
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Many data storage systems are available today, with great variety in type and cost. Storing information is becoming increasingly important, both for business and personal use. As in the times mentioned in Daniel 12:4, ...many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. The amount of files needed to store and transmit this information is steadily growing. Access to the database is important in nearly every aspect of a business. Therefore it is important that this information be securely stored and that the files are available when they are needed. Secure storage and reliability also need to be balanced by the cost of the system. Some free data storage solutions are available. However, most of these are offered as introductory incentives with the hope of later retaining the user as a regular paying customer.
Several of the free data storage solutions seem to be more for personal use rather than for use as corporate data storage systems. Generally a specific amount of space is offered, for whatever database a customer wishes to preserve. A popular use for these systems is the storage of digital photographs. Be cautious, however, as to entrusting photographs or other personal information to sites whose reputation is unknown. Even if these sites are reputable, perhaps it is best to use it as a redundant site rather than the main repository of important information. Some free data storage solutions offer additional space for a minimal cost.
If a corporation is looking for a storage solution, those responsible should consider several things. The protection of the database is of primary importance. However, one also needs to consider ways to reduce downtime and lower the costs of meeting a company's storage needs. In addition, maintaining the systems should not be impossibly complex or time-consuming. Finally, a system should be able to be adjusted to deal with increased future requirements.
People who configure systems try to avoid having any part of the data storage systems subject to a bottleneck where a failure of one part leads to the shutdown of the whole system or prevents one from accessing certain information until the problem is resolved. They use hardware which can be exchanged while the computer is running, without loss of data. Another safeguard is the use of RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive/Independent Disks) systems. In this system, multiple disk drives are combined into an array which provides performance which is better than any of the individual drives. The RAID system comes in a variety of configurations, both hardware and software. As long as they have redundancy, both types can use hot spare drives. These drives are physically installed in the array, but are not used unless an active drive fails. The spare replaces the failed drive and the array is rebuilt including it in the system. This can help reduce downtime needed for repairs. One fault in this system is that since all the drives are being used fairly evenly, when one fails, another may be likely to follow soon afterwards. If a second drive fails before the system has rebuilt using the spare, items can be lost. A RAID 6 configuration can protect a database during the failure of two disks, but it requires the use of a more advanced RAID controller.
Some data storage systems provide a snapshot -- a copy of a volume of information at a precise point in time -- which can be used for backup. It is also useful for testing various systems and noting performance after particular improvements have been made or hardware has been substituted. For even greater security against data loss, remote mirroring technology can be used. Under this system, volumes of information can be copied to separate arrays which are located in a variety of places. Thus, the mirrored items are safe even if the first repository is damaged.
After being reasonably sure that crucial information is secure, an administrator may be concerned about minimizing downtime (the time the system is unavailable due to reconfiguring or repair). Some companies provide systems which use automated load balancing. Even if arrays are added, or removed for repair, the company provides servers and applications which allow continuous access to the data. The data is automatically redistributed to available hardware. This allows greater performance and a minimum of disruption to the users. The virtualizing aspects of this system lessens the burden on staff people, for they no longer have to spend time installing, configuring, balancing and providing security for arrays. Nor do they have to create or map volumes of data. In this way, managing data storage systems requires less time, effort or knowledge from available technology staff.
An iSCSI (Internet Small Computer Systems Interface) system is one which allows customers to send commands to devices on remote servers. The iSCSI system is a popular Storage Area Network (SAN). These systems provide high performance, yet lower costs. Ethernet switches and adaptors are much less costly than those of fibre channel networking cards, switches and bridges. Be careful not to go overboard on purchasing arrays when choosing a networked system. Otherwise, money is being spent for capacity which is not yet needed. If a system is chosen which is modular and has automated load balancing, costs are kept in check because the company can buy only what is needed at the time. However, it is easy to expand and add more arrays when they are actually needed. Another benefit is that iSCSI can be run using existing networks, unlike fibre channel systems, which need special cables. Although these are not free data storage solutions, considering security, reliability and availability of data, the money which is required to implement this system is well spent.
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