What are the latest data storage methods in 2024?

Data storage has become an indispensable part of daily business operations. The three main types of storage are file storage, object-based storage and block storage, each with key differences in how they handle and store data.

1. File storage: Also known as file-level storage or file-based storage, this system organizes and presents data with a hierarchical structure of files and folders. Data is stored in the form of individual pieces of information within a folder, like putting a few papers into a Manila folder. Each chunk of data has a unique identifier, allowing the storage system to place smaller bits of data in the most convenient locations.

2. Object-based storage: Also known as object-based storage, this is a flat structure where files are broken into parts and spread across multiple hardware. In object storage, data is broken down into discrete units called "objects" and stored in a single repository, rather than as files in a folder or blocks on a server. Object-based storage volumes work as modular units. Each volume is a self-contained repository that includes data, a unique identifier for locating objects within the distributed system, and metadata describing the data.

3. Block storage: This system splits data into arbitrarily divided, uniform-sized volumes. Block storage's capabilities to handle data are limited and require processing at the application or database level, which may increase the workload for developers or system administrators.

Part 1: How the 3 types of storage work and their advantages and disadvantages

File Storage

File storage involves storing the content of the files in a hardware device, usually a disk, tape, or optical disk, in a structured format.

Working Principle:

The working principle of file storage is that files are stored and managed according to a specific format and standard. In the file system, each file has a unique filename and corresponding extension to identify and differentiate different files. The file system organizes and manages files through a tree-like directory structure, and users can access and operate files by path name. The file system stores and manages files in a block-wise manner with each file occupying one or more consecutive disk blocks, which can be stored dispersedly in different locations on the disk.

Advantages:

Quick access, backup, and reuse of the content in the file.

Flexible operation and management of the file, such as creation, deletion, modification, and movement.

Supports various types of files and data storage, including text, images, audio, video etc.

Disadvantages:

Relatively slow storage speed, especially when dealing with large amounts of data. The file system is prone to damage or crash, leading to data loss or corruption.

File operation and management requires a certain level of technical skills, which may be difficult for non-professionals.

Object-based storage

Object storage is a storage structure which stores data as units of objects rather than files or blocks. Each object contains data and metadata, and metadata is used to describe the attributes, properties, and relationships of the data.

Working Principle:

The working principle of object storage is to store data in the form of objects in a distributed storage system. Each object has a unique identifier used to locate and access the object within the system. Object storage systems usually adopt a distributed architecture, scattering data across multiple nodes to achieve high availability and fault tolerance.

Advantages:

Efficient data access: Object-based storage systems can rapidly access and read data within objects, especially when handling large amounts of data.

Flexible storage: Object storage supports various types of file and data storage, such as text, images, audio, video, and it can flexibly adjust the data storage method.

Easy to scale: Object storage systems, typically with a distributed architecture, can easily expand storage capacity and performance to meet the growing data needs.

High availability and fault tolerance: Object storage systems usually have high availability and fault tolerance, ensuring data reliability and stability.

Disadvantages:

Higher complexity: Object storage systems, usually deploying a distributed architecture, require handling a large amount of data and communication and coordination among nodes, making it more complex than file storage.

Performance may be affected: Due to its distributed structure, an object storage system may suffer performance issues from network latency and node load when processing large data. It is challenging to ensure data consistency in distributed systems：Object storage systems need to adopt various mechanisms to ensure data consistency and reliability.

Block Storage

Block storage is a storage method that stores data in fixed-size blocks, each with a unique identifier. Block storage typically employs a distributed storage system, supporting multiple nodes and fault-tolerance mechanisms.

Working Principle:

Block storage works by storing data in fixed-size blocks, each with a unique identifier. These blocks can be raw disk space or logical blocks abstracted from other storage layers. Block storage typically uses a distributed storage system, supporting multiple nodes and fault-tolerance mechanisms. In block storage, data is divided and stored according to the size of the block, not stored as files or objects.

Advantages:

Efficient data access: As block storage stores data in fixed-size blocks, it can quickly access and read data.

High performance: Block storage typically has high performance and can meet high concurrency and high throughput requirements.

Scalability: Block storage supports dynamic expansion and can adjust according to demand and availability, ensuring efficient data storage.

Reliability: Block storage can provide reliable data backup and recovery functions to ensure data integrity and persistence.

Disadvantages:

Management Complexity: Since block storage stores data in blocks, it requires the management of a large number of blocks and metadata information, making it more complex than file and object storage.

Not suitable for unstructured data: Block storage is typically only suitable for structured data and raw disk space; it is not very suitable for unstructured data and file-type data. It is challenging to ensure data consistency in distributed systems. Block storage systems need to adopt various mechanisms to ensure data consistency and reliability.

Part 2: File Storage, Object-based Storage, or Block Storage: Which One Should I Choose?

File storage is suitable for the following scenarios:

Personal computers and mobile devices: File storage is one of the most common data storage methods used on personal computers and mobile devices. It can store various types of files (such as documents, images, audio, video, etc.) on your local computer or mobile device, allowing users to access and edit these files at any time.

Business servers: In a business environment, file storage can be used to store all types of business files, such as documents, reports, contracts, etc. It can help businesses improve work efficiency and reduce the risk of data loss.

Internet applications: Many internet applications require the storage of files on servers, where users can download and access these files at any time. File storage can provide stable and reliable file storage services to ensure that users can access the files they need at any time.

Object-based storage is suitable for the following scenarios:

Mass data storage: Object storage can support mass data storage, providing efficient and reliable storage for both structured and unstructured data.

Data persistence: Object storage can provide persistent data storage services to ensure data stability and reliability.

High concurrent access: Object storage can support high concurrent access to meet the demands of large-scale concurrent access.

Unstructured data processing: Object storage can handle unstructured data, such as images, videos, audio, etc., and provide flexible data processing methods.

Data backup and archiving: Object storage can be used for backup and archiving of various business applications, databases, and unstructured data, providing efficient and reliable data backup and recovery services.

Block storage is suitable for the following scenarios:

Block storage is suitable for scenarios that require high performance, stability, and data consistency, such as core databases and financial/medical applications. In block storage, data is stored in blocks of fixed sizes, each with a unique identifier. This type of storage usually uses a distributed storage system, supporting multiple nodes and fault tolerance mechanisms. Block storage has advantages such as efficient data access, high performance, scalability, and reliability, but it also comes with disadvantages such as management complexity, unsuitability for unstructured data, and difficulty in ensuring data consistency. In practical applications, you need to choose the right storage method based on specific demand and scenarios.

Extras: How to send large files with Raysync?

Relying on Raysync transmission technology, it can easily cope with high-speed transmission of super-large files and massive small files. With the breakpoint resume, multiple checks, automatic error retransmission mechanism, it ensures the transmission speed and quality. In addition to fast and reliable large file transmission, Raysync also provides high-speed and secure cloud solutions for large files through integration with object-based storage.

Sammary

In conclusion, the choice between file storage, object-based storage, and block storage should be determined by your specific needs and operational environment. Each storage method comes with its own unique set of strengths and is designed to handle specific types of tasks efficiently.