World Template

Five Best Data Storage Compression Methods

Data storage compression eliminates many of the redundant features and costs of data storage. Below are the five best methods of transparent and lossless data storage compression.

Original and Compressed Data

#1 File System Compression
This straightforward approach transparently compresses each file into a written disk which enable the storage footprint to be reduced. The early PC contains highly expansive hard drives. Each with premium storage space. Software compression tools like SuperStor Pro or Disksboubler were extremely popular and pioneered their way into the mainstream file compression system. However, these methods of file system compression have long since caused floods of complaints due to poor performance. In short, these files should be dispersed onto compressible files that are written a single time and used infrequently. For instance, databases make for terrible candidates in the file system compression department, whereas application registers are awesome candidates in storage compression.

#2 Storage Array Compression
Sun Microsystems has done the nearly impossible and implemented compression into their products below the file system at block level. They have integrated the San fabric server and storage into one independent system known as the Sun Fire x4500. The server includes a high volume of internal storage as well as ZFS already installed.

#3 NAS Compression Appliance
The Storwize STN-6000p incorporates the NAS storage with file storage compression. All it takes is an installation between the network and storage device, thus enabling transparent and lossless storage compression. It will improve your NAS storage by over three hundred percent and will allow a fast ROI.

#4 Backup Storage Compression
Tape hardware dates back. It is so common that manufacturers of tape media take the time to list the compressed capabilities in its marketing material. The benefits of tape hardware compression include that it will not slow down your system, it is included on practically all modern drive types, and it typically enables compression ratios over 2:1. The Virtual tape libraries support compression as well but not all are created equal. Many of the Virtual tape manufacturers presently utilize software compression which will slow down writing speeds.

#5 Data Deduplication
A google search can bring in over five hundred and sixty thousand pages of deduplication and information. This fairly new concept is in high demand. Data deduplication is available in two different forms. It can be target based or source based. Target based deduplication occurs within the storage devices virtual tape as well as NAS storage arrays like EMC, DL3D, Data Domain, Sepaton S2100, Quantum DXi series, and Diligent ProtectTIER. Source based deduplication happens within the client by products like EMC Avamar and Symantec Puredisk. It has become so popular that we believe it will soon become a standard feature in future storage devices.