Data storage trends are continually shaping the market for several years, and we can expect a stronger data storage 2020 market ahead. The magic lies with the new technologies that push prices lower and unveils new opportunities for enterprises. As per the IDC report, there was a slight decline in total spending for data storage for the first two quarters in the year 2019, while the graph takes a sharp growth in the third quarter in the global spending for external data storage. This clearly shows a voracious appetite of enterprises for data. It is the technologies that work instrumental behind this data storage demand. As the trends follow the sharp growth of technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, machine learning, robotics, Blockchain, and the Internet of Things, which generate enormous data, that drives a need for greater storage capacities.

So, it is not only about data storage but also the new technologies that can help to store and process more data in a short time. Hence, it is expected that the coming years will see a surge of modern data storage solutions like in-memory and persistent memory databases, graph databases, and data fabric.

What is hot data storage?

It is common to use temperature terminology like hot and cold in data storage space that describes the tiered service levels. The levels specify and differentiate how crucial is the data to the current business and how frequently it would be used for the business purpose. So, how the terminology hot and cold relevant here? Well, there is no standard industry definition of hot and cold data. However, the terms originate based on where the data was stored historically.

– If the data is stored close to the CPUs and heat of spinning drives then it is called hot data.

– On the contrary, the cold data is stored on tape or a drive that is far away from the floor of the data center.

– Hot data requires the most expensive and fastest storage as it is accessed more frequently or right away. This data is business-critical.

– As the cold data is accessed less frequently they need to be stored in less expensive and slower media.

– Usually, hot data is stored in a hybrid storage environment for fast data access. It uses the fastest transport protocol. Also, it locates near to the client.

– Hot data are resource-intensive. Thus, cloud vendors charge a premium amount for this.

– Hot data uses solid-state drivers because these are optimized for lower latency. At the same time, they provide higher transactional rates. However, hard disk drives are more suitable due to their higher durability when the drive is heavily accessed with intensive read and write cycles.

So, in the case of hot data storage, we need a fast and consistent response time. Web content, video editing, online transactions are some of the examples of hot data access. Besides, hot storage services handle workloads with many small transactions. Examples of this scenario are data transformation, telemetry data, and messaging.

Hot Data storage 2020 trends

Automated Data Management

With the aggressive progress of machine learning and artificial intelligence, applying these technologies to data management is steep. As per Gartner’s note on the top 10 Data and Analytics Trends for 2020, “With technical skills in short supply and data growing exponentially, organizations need to automate data management tasks. Vendors are adding machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to make data management processes self-configuring and self-tuning so that highly skilled technical staff can focus on higher-value tasks.”

Multi-cloud storage

As part of the data storage 2020 trend, we will see the seamless data movement between multiple cloud platforms. This will involve on-premise and public cloud vendors. This signifies how the data move from one place to the other and about its accessibility. It will involve a multi-cloud concept in data accessibility where it is multiple application-centric. This will involve an enormous surge in enterprise cloud migration. At the same time, it will result in optimum value from data as the business will pinpoint the weaknesses and strengths of multiple cloud vendors. This will involve new vision and skills for both on-premises administration and cloud administration.

Flash storage

The most revolutionary technology in data storage 2020, which is expected to see a surge is Flash Storage. Spinning disks are over, and they will be replaced with SSDs, which will provide better performance, easy management, space efficiency, and energy-saving. Additionally, it enables a new breed of storage tech trends: storage automation, integrated data security, and public cloud integrations built on top of the flash storage foundation. It is time to flash array to continue. However, for organizations that have already upgraded their legacy systems to SSDs, it will be a cost-effective solution. There is a trend of flash storage nowadays since the price decreases, advancement in fabrication capabilities, and many more.

Storage automation

IT infrastructure automation signifies modern cloud data centers with fewer errors and improved efficiency. For data storage 2020, storage automation will be the new normal.  There will be a rise in the containers in enterprise IT since the automated virtual IT infrastructures are becoming prevalent. Consequently, automated frameworks would continue to grow that will make way for persistent storage. Besides, it will increase the demand for full-stack admins.

Streamlined storage environment

Data storage 2020 shows a trend towards containers to allow the users to lay down the infrastructure by providing a streamlined application and storage environment. As a result, users don’t need to worry about incompatible utilities or apps or OS patches. This is why containers are supposed to be relevant and useful for enterprise data center management.

Integrated data protection

Flash storage transforms storage administration, performance, and proficiency in a revolutionary manner. This storage transformation signifies an increasing need for upgraded efficiency in the context of securing the data from evolving attacks, threats, corruption, human errors, and system failures. This will show an inclination towards investing in integrated data protection and tools than ever.

Hyper-converged Storage

With the growth of hybrid cloud and software-defined infrastructure, there is a higher demand for hyper-converged storage. Vendors like Cisco, HPE, and Dell are touting hyper-converged storage as an ideal solution for hybrid cloud, multi-cloud, and software-defined storage environments. To a large extent, enterprises are also buying this storage. As a result, the hyper-converged infrastructure market is witnessing a compound annual growth rate, and it will continue through 2024. Edge computing is another catalyst for the adoption of hyper-converged storage. Since they are easier to manage than traditional storage arrays, hyper-converged storage is well suited for a remote office. It is also a cost-effective solution for enterprises as some processing and storage are done at the edge of the network instead of transmitting the entire work to the public cloud.

Green Storage

Since global data warming is at its top, state data centers are significant contributors to this. These data centers consume an enormous amount of energy. Interestingly, almost 3% of the world’s electricity consumption and 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is a huge carbon footprint indeed! Thus many companies are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to energy saving. So, they are looking for environment-friendly storage solutions or green storage solution which can deliver the highest level of performance yet consume the lowest possible power. Hence, as part of data storage, 2020 trends organizations will work hard to find green storage.