Flash storage is in the latest trend because it is way faster and feasible than the previous data storage methods. One may get confused between the terms Flash, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and SSD (Solid State Drive). Therefore, it is important to focus on their meaning precisely before we proceed with the benefits of flash storage.
The Hard Disk Drive uses magnetic storage for accumulating and retrieving the digital information in which one or more rotating disks are used for the physical storage. It is comparatively cheaper and has really high storage capacity, but the speed is compromised to a great extent when it comes to performing read-write mechanism. It is a non-volatile storage which keeps the data even without power.
SSD storage does not require moving parts to store the data. It was previously RAM-based that would save the data only if the power was applied, else would get lost. Flash is basically an old technology, but was designed to permanently accumulate the information even if the power wasn’t there. The SSD hard drives are based on the principle of Flash, meaning, Flash is an implementation that allows SSD to store the data without moving parts.
1. Less energy consumption – Since HDD keeps its disk continually spinning, it consumes more energy than Flash. Flash, on the other hand, does not move its disks, hence consumes way less electrical power.
2. Speed – There is no denying that Flash storage is way faster compared to others. These are 100 times swifter than the HDDs. The performance of Flash also tends to improve with time and again since it has been introduced.
3. Profitable in large-scale – If one goes with a business point of view, it is evident that the speed is a mandatory factor to run it smoothly. For that, Flash storage has a huge role to play in the form of AFA (All-Flash Arrays). Hence, it is one of the key benefits of Flash storage.
4. Disaster Recovery – Flash does not have issues like disk scratching if consistent read-write requests are being made. Moreover, if anything unfortunate happens, say an earthquake, the data wouldn’t get lost.
5. Portability – Flash storage could be used in nearly all the handheld devices such as mobile phones, and tablets use this technology. It enables the user to be able to carry a lightweight and powerful computer all the time. On a large scale, this implies to compact, and manageable servers that quickly free up space whenever required.
These are just the basics of the kinds of storage system, and benefits of Flash storage. It is possible that it may also cover more points. You are free to write those points, if something you think we might have missed, in the comment section. We would be glad to receive your feedback.