Data Management Glossary
File Storage
What is File Storage?
File storage, or file-based storage, is the process of storing digital files, such as documents, photos, videos, and other types of data, primarily unstructured data, in a secure and accessible location. There are several options available for file storage, including:
- Local storage: This involves storing files on a physical device, such as a hard drive, USB drive, or memory card. Local storage can provide a high level of control over the files, but there is a risk of data loss if the device fails or is lost or stolen.
- Cloud storage: This involves storing files on remote servers that are accessed through the internet. Cloud storage providers offer varying levels of security, accessibility, and storage capacity, and can be a convenient and cost-effective option for storing and accessing files.
- Network-attached storage (NAS): This is a type of storage device that is connected to a network and allows multiple users to store and access files. NAS devices can provide a high level of control and security over the files, but can be more complex and expensive to set up than other options.
When choosing a file storage solution, it is important to consider factors such as security, accessibility, reliability, and cost. It may also be helpful to assess the specific needs of your organization or personal use case, such as the volume and type of files that need to be stored, and the number of users who will need to access them.
File Storage Cost Savings
File storage cost savings can be achieved by optimizing your storage strategy to reduce the amount of data that needs to be stored, and by leveraging cost-effective storage solutions.
Here are some tips file data storage cost savings suggestions:
- Know your data: Conduct an audit of your files to determine which files are necessary and which can be deleted or archived. By reducing the amount of data you need to store, you can save on storage costs. Learn more about Komprise Analysis.
- Use compression: Compressing files can reduce their size, allowing you to store more files in the same amount of storage space. Many file types, such as images and videos, can be compressed without losing quality.
- Leverage cloud storage: Cloud storage providers offer a range of options with varying levels of storage capacity and pricing. By choosing a provider that meets your needs, you can save on the cost of physical storage devices and maintenance.
- Consider tiered storage: Use different types of storage for different types of files, such as high-performance storage for frequently accessed files and lower-performance storage for archival files. This can help you optimize storage costs while still ensuring accessibility and performance.
- Implement data deduplication: Data deduplication is a process that eliminates redundant data, such as duplicate files or multiple versions of the same file. By reducing the amount of duplicate data, you can save on storage costs.
File data is growing exponentially. Budgets are not. Reducing file storage costs, while gaining data value is a top enterprise IT priority.
Read the white paper: Know your file tiering options: Storage-based vs. Gateways vs. File-based.
Read the white paper: Block-level vs. File-level tiering.