Data Backup Digest

Last year was a huge year for the world of data storage. From the growing acceptance of application containers and the widespread migration to the cloud to significant advancements in robotics, quantum computing, and machine learning – big data is making its presence known in ways that we never thought possible.

Now, as 2019 is well underway, experts expect even more breakthroughs, innovations, and trends surrounding the niche of data storage.

1.Enjoying cheaper flash memory

One of the most readily apparent trends is also one that has the biggest impact on the common consumer. In fact, NAND flash memory isn't just getting cheaper – it's getting denser, too. Not only does this result in lower prices for consumers and businesses alike, but it means that manufacturers can creative NAND modules with higher capacities and smaller form factors than ever before.

2.Embracing all-flash arrays and NVMe technology

Businesses are starting to embrace all-flash arrays, including the NVMe (non-volatile memory express) format, faster than experts predicted in 2018. While some consumers are still hesitant to embrace SSDs, mainly on account of the added price over HDD drives, many companies already recognize the advantages of all-flash arrays; including unprecedented data transfer speeds, ultra-high system mobility, consistent data latency, reduced replacement costs, and greater environmental sustainability.

3.Utilizing real-time analytics

Real-time data analytics, also known as streaming analytics, is also growing in popularity. In most cases, companies are much better off utilizing and applying data as opposed to processing it, storing it, and managing it over a long-term basis. As such, the specialty of real-time analytics is bound to increase in the coming weeks, months, and even years.

4. Creating new systems with machine learning and artificial intelligence

Neither machine learning nor artificial intelligence (AI) would be possible without data – but next-gen systems are capable of using data in ways we could have never imagined. While it wasn't long ago when the most impressive display of machine learning and AI was seen in IBM's Watson supercomputer, which competed – and won – against human opponents on the popular game show, Jeopardy, the future is focused on adapting similar systems for use in academia, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.

5.Using multiple cloud service providers to support daily operations

Although most cloud service providers would like their customers to stick with their service, the truth is that most companies use more than one cloud platform. Per recent studies, approximately 81% of companies admitted to using multiple service providers. The primary reasons include data protection and security, system availability, and efficiency.

6.Increasing governance and maintaining compliance

The General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, was introduced as EU law in mid-2018 – but we're likely to see even more rules, policies, and standards in 2019. The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, which was also passed in 2018, is likely to spur jumpstart some new developments in the U.S. – although it won't actually go into effect until 2020. A total of 12 states enacted some sort of new standards regarding data protection and many more are expected to follow suit.