We live in a data-rich culture. Every piece of connected technology we interact with, rely on, and utilize in our daily lives generates a treasure trove of data. That data must be easily and instantly accessible, and it must be stored, protected, and analyzed in order to be useful.
The data storage trends for the coming year will build upon the successes of the past and look toward the future of data producing, data accessing, and data-reliant technology. Here, we’ll look ahead to the trends in data storage for 2018 and beyond.
Hybrid Cloud
In just a few short years cloud data storage has grown from a commonly misunderstood way to store and access data to the driving force behind the explosion of mobile computing we see today.
Cloud computing has enabled us to cut the cord and access emails, data files, and the web from virtually anywhere.
However, basic cloud computing lacks the agility and flexibility to meet the needs of modern data deployment requirements. That’s why one of the biggest data storage trends will by the hybrid cloud.
Hybrid cloud computing involves a mix of a private cloud, a public cloud, and on-site servers. By moving workloads between private and public clouds, computing costs can be lowered and computing needs can be met.
The flexibility and scalability of hybrid cloud computing will give smaller companies and enterprises access to cutting-edge data storage, data access, and data processing. What’s more, utilizing a hybrid cloud decentralizes computing—minimizing bottlenecks or data overload. In short, hybrid cloud computing provides better adaptability and greater data deployment options.
Colocation
Colocation is an emerging option for cloud data storage. With colocation, you provide the servers, your colocation host provides the data center including all server management—cooling, security, connectivity, and even scalability.
Colocation allows you to mitigate rising IT management costs by shifting server control to an outside company. It provides flexible, scalable data storage at reduced costs.
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is upon us. Every day, more and more of our tools, objects, and appliances utilize network connections—refrigerators, thermostats, home security systems, and much more. In 2015, there were around 15.4 billion connected devices. That number is expected to grow to 75.4 billion by 2025.
Each and every connected device generates data files. These files need to be processed, analyzed, and stored. Data storage platforms will need to be agile enough to process all this new data.
Edge Computing
Edge computing is one of the biggest data storage trends for 2018. Edge computing optimizes cloud computing processes by performing data processing at the edge of the network that normally takes place at centralized data storage centers, near the source of the data.
Edge computing moves data processing to the edge of the network, near the source of the data. Pushing data processing and storage away from a centralized location to the edge decreases the volume of data traffic and minimizes latency.
This will be especially beneficial for data-rich producing technology like driverless vehicles and the IoT.
Data Storage Trends for 2018
Data storage and processing is the foundation for our mobile world. The data trends for the foreseeable future will create a more flexible, dynamic network that allows for streamlined communication and greater automation.
