Top Storage Stories of 2021

Summary

This article summarizes the top 10 data storage stories of 2021, focusing on emerging trends, technological advancements, and market shifts. It discusses key events, including the split between Intel and Micron on 3D XPoint technology, the rise of storage startups, fluctuations in NAND flash pricing, and the increasing adoption of as-a-service storage models. It also highlights the importance of software upgrades and enhanced features, such as ransomware protection, in driving market interest.

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** Main Story**

Okay, so 2021 was quite the year for data storage. A lot happened, and frankly, keeping up can be a challenge. But don’t worry, let’s break down the key trends and what they mean for you and your business. Think of it as a quick catch-up over coffee.

The Intel/Micron Split: End of an Era?

First off, remember the whole Intel and Micron thing with 3D XPoint? That was a big deal. They decided to go their separate ways, which was surprising, wasn’t it? Basically, this tech, which Intel marketed as Optane, was supposed to be this super-fast memory bridging the gap between DRAM and flash. Micron’s now focusing on Compute Express Link (CXL), while Intel’s sticking with Optane, betting on that SCM/CXL combo. What does it all mean? Well, expect some serious competition in the storage-class memory (SCM) arena.

The Startup Surge: Where Innovation Brews

Then you’ve got the rise of the startups. These guys are really shaking things up. They might not be dominating the market yet, but they’re pushing the envelope with new data storage ideas. Keeping an eye on them is crucial. Who knows, you might just find the next disruptive tech that gives your business a real edge.

Riding the NAND Flash Rollercoaster

NAND flash prices? Ugh, what a headache, right? They went up in 2021 because of component shortages. The good news is experts are predicting they might drop soon. So, what’s the play? Be strategic with your purchasing. Figure out exactly what you need and when you need it. Otherwise, you could end up paying way more than you should. Or maybe even running out. That happened to me once, I left ordering it too late for a project and had to spend 3 days finding an alternative. Not fun, let me tell you!

Storage-as-a-Service: The Flexible Future

And then there’s the whole ‘as-a-service’ revolution. Everyone’s doing it! Dell’s Apex is a prime example, offering storage solutions that scale with your needs, kinda like HPE GreenLake and those public cloud options. The big win here? You only pay for what you use, which can seriously optimize your IT budget.

Software is King

Don’t underestimate the power of software updates. They really drive customer demand. NetApp’s OnTap 9.10.1, for example, had some killer ransomware protection features and NVMe/TCP support. Always go for solutions that are constantly improving security, performance, and functionality; it’s like getting a new car every year with just a software update. Well, almost.

Dell EMC Steps Up

Dell EMC wasn’t sitting still either. They rolled out some solid updates to their PowerStore and PowerScale offerings. The new entry-level PowerStore is a big win for SMBs, making high-end storage more accessible. Plus, the PowerScale F900 with all-NVMe tech is a beast for demanding workloads.

QLC NAND: The Cost-Effective Contender

QLC NAND is getting more popular, and while it’s cheaper, it does have some drawbacks in terms of endurance and write speeds. But vendors are working on ways to get around these issues, so expect QLC NAND to become a more common storage option in the coming years. Is it right for you? It depends on your workload and budget, you need to assess the price, performance and endurance balance to make the right call.

Nvidia GPUDirect Storage: Speeding Up GPU Workloads

If you’re dealing with GPU-heavy workloads, you need to know about Nvidia’s Magnum IO GPUDirect Storage. It lets data go straight from the GPU to storage, bypassing the CPU. This is huge for research and deep learning applications, where every millisecond counts. It’s not a new technology, but new applications of the tech are showing up all the time, for instance did you know there are now databases taking advantage of it?

Seagate Lyve Cloud: Predictable Pricing

Seagate’s Lyve Cloud is an interesting option if you’re looking for predictable storage costs. It’s a storage-as-a-service (STaaS) offering with transparent, capacity-based pricing. No hidden fees, no complex data services – just straightforward storage.

Cloud Backup and Archiving: The New Normal

Finally, everyone’s moving data backup and archiving to the cloud. It’s easy, scalable, and cost-effective. However, watch out for those egress fees and data transfer complexities. Make sure you do your homework and understand the total cost of ownership before jumping in.

So, there you have it. 2021 in a nutshell. While these insights are valuable, remember the storage landscape is constantly evolving. Keep an eye on emerging trends and technological advancements to stay ahead of the game. It’s June 10, 2025, as I’m writing this, and who knows what tomorrow will bring?