Modern businesses generate vast quantities of data (some of it sensitive). They need to be able to access this data reliably and, in some cases at least, quickly. That means they need robust data storage solutions. With that in mind, here is a straightforward guide on how to compare data storage solutions in Denver data centers.
Data storage solutions are systems and technologies used to store, manage, and retrieve digital information. They come in various forms, ranging from on-premises hardware to cloud-based services, catering to different needs such as performance, scalability, security, and cost efficiency.
Storage solutions can be categorized into three main types.
Direct-attached storage (DAS): Solutions that attach directly to a device such as internal and external hard drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and USB flash drives.
Network-attached storage (NAS): Solutions that connect to and are accessed through a network. Technically, cloud-based storage solutions are considered NAS although they are often treated as a distinct data storage solution.
Storage area networks (SAN): Solutions that are accessed by means of specialized, high-speed networks to deliver peak performance.
Here are 7 key features of data storage solutions.
Capacity: The total amount of data a storage system can hold, typically measured in gigabytes (GB), terabytes (TB), or petabytes (PB). Higher-capacity solutions accommodate large datasets and growing storage needs.
Performance: Refers to data access speeds, measured in input/output operations per second (IOPS) and throughput. High-performance storage solutions use SSDs or NVMe technology for faster data retrieval.
Redundancy: Ensures data availability by duplicating it across multiple locations or drives (e.g., RAID configurations) to prevent data loss in case of hardware failure.
Data security: Includes features like encryption, snapshots, and backup mechanisms to safeguard data from corruption, loss, or cyber threats.
Accessibility: Determines how users or systems can retrieve and use stored data, whether through local connections, remote access, or cloud-based platforms.
Scalability: The ability to expand storage capacity as data requirements increase. This can be achieved by adding more drives in a physical system or leveraging cloud-based expansion.
Integration: Compatibility with existing IT infrastructure, including operating systems, applications, and networking environments, ensuring seamless operation.
Following these 7 steps will ensure that you use a robust process when evaluating data storage options in Denver. Ideally, this process should be followed by a test period to ensure the solution meets your expectations.
Define storage requirements: Start by assessing your data storage needs, including the type of data, volume, compliance requirements, and expected growth. Identify specific use cases such as backup, archiving, or high-performance computing.
Set a budget: Determine your financial constraints and allocate a budget for storage solutions, considering both initial investment and ongoing costs such as maintenance, upgrades, and potential scalability expenses.
Research available options: Identify storage providers in Denver, including local data centers, managed service providers, and cloud vendors with regional availability. Compile a list of potential options based on your needs.
Assess vendor reputation: Review customer feedback, case studies, and industry ratings of storage providers. Check for reliability, customer support quality, and past performance in delivering storage solutions.
Evaluate security and compliance standards: Ensure the provider meets regulatory requirements relevant to your industry, such as HIPAA, GDPR, or SOC 2, by reviewing their certifications and security policies.
Compare service-level agreements (SLAs): Examine the terms of service, including uptime guarantees, response times, and failure resolution processes to determine reliability.
Review contract terms and support services: Before finalizing a decision, analyze contract flexibility, exit strategies, and available customer support options.
DataBank offers four main data storage solutions, each of which is designed to be industry-leading in its category.
DataBank’s object storage leverages the widely used Amazon S3 API, making integration simple. It features a predictable pricing model with a single rate per terabyte and no egress fees. With 99.99999% data durability, this solution is ideal for storing large-scale unstructured data such as backups, media files, and analytics datasets.
SAN storage provides a redundant and encrypted environment for businesses needing secure, high-performance storage. Designed for enterprises handling mission-critical workloads, DataBank’s SAN solutions support scalable capacity expansion and multi-site data protection, ensuring business continuity.
DataBank’s Enterprise Cloud platform integrates high-performance computing with robust storage capabilities. It offers dedicated resources, ensuring low-latency access to data while maintaining compliance with industry regulations. This solution is well-suited for organizations requiring scalable storage with on-demand performance optimization.
DataBank enhances data resilience with managed backup solutions that support on-site and cloud-based recovery. Their disaster recovery services ensure businesses can quickly restore operations in case of system failures, ransomware attacks, or natural disasters.
The factors affecting the cost of colocation in Denver are much the same as the factors affecting the cost of colocation in other cities. Here is a quick overview of them, along with Denver-specific considerations.
Look into how Denver data centers handle compliance with industry standards. Learn about the importance of regulatory compliance for data centers. Explore the key compliance standards in Denver data centers. Discover how DataBank ensures compliance in its data centers. Find out how to keep your business safe today!
Your choice of Denver data center needs to align with your broader goals and objectives of the organization. The clearer you can be about your needs and wants, the easier it will be for you to judge if a data center is a good fit for them.
Discover the DataBank Difference today:
Hybrid infrastructure solutions with boundless edge reach and a human touch.
