Data Apocalypse!

The future of data storage

When thinking about data, you may associate the word with tables of information, but really, data is essentially used to describe information — in any of its various forms: pictures, videos, audio, files, etc. Perhaps it will help conceptualize the what, if we know the how.

There are various ways to store data: DNA, recordings, and even handwriting! But it terms of computer-legible storage (digital storage), the two fundamental forms are HDD and SDD. Both methods translate every piece of data into binary numbers: 1 (true) and 0 (false). Even conventional numbers are stored as binary:

The hard disk drive (HDD) consists of disks, with magnetic coatings. These disks are paired with a magnetic head, which is the part of the mechanism that actually reads/writes the magnetic information. Think of this part as a turntable, that not only reads the disk, but writes as well!

As stated, data is stored in binary numbers. Those binary numbers are recorded as series of tiny areas on the disk with magnetism. The data on HDD is accessed in a random-access manner (not the RAM you’re thinking), which means the time it takes to access any piece of element of a sequence, or addressable elements of a non-sequence, on the disk, is equal in time. HDDs are great because they are non-volatile storage, which means they retain stored data even if your computer is off. [Tip: if you want to destroy information on an HDD, just put a magnet really close to the disks…no, not your fridge magnet]

The other form of data storage is Solid State Drive (SSD). SSDs use integrated circuits (a bunch of chips) where data is written/read/deleted electronically and uses Flash memory. Flash memory has two main types, NAND and NOR logic gates, but is essentially an electronic, non-volatile (remember this term) computer storage medium. Newer computers use SSDs because compared to HDD, SSD draws less power, has less OS boot up time, no moving parts, hence less heat produced, and quicker read/write speeds.

Now that we understand how data is stored for an individual on a personal computer, what about businesses? Where do they store their immense data collection? Cue the cloud storage!

Just as HDD and SSD are made up of physical parts, Cloud storage is just as palpable. The physical storage of the cloud spans multiple servers, and sometimes, in different locations. You can think of a server as a regular computer on steroids, whose purpose is to process requests and deliver data to another computer (client) over the internet or a local network. These servers can use SSD, HDD, or both! A collection of servers, or server farm, is owned and managed by a hosting company who is responsible for ensuring clients’ data are available and accessible. The hosting company, or provider, offers cloud storage through data center virtualization, which is essentially the “cloud” part of cloud storage. Think of data center virtualization as a cloak, made up of tools, technologies and processes, that is draped over the servers — this allows the physical infrastructure to host multiple organizations’ virtualized data centers. The allure of cloud storage for businesses is the cost effectiveness of storing their information on already-built servers, rather than investing a lot of money and talent in building a server for themselves.

We can now grasp what data is and how it is stored, but here’s a more interesting question:

The exact timeline is still unknown, but reader beware: data apocalypse is HIGHLY possible.

Although companies like Facebook and Amazon are expanding their data storage space, there are individuals that are trying to make data storage and processing data more efficient.

Let’s break down that explanation with an analogy. Data is recorded on CDs by having a laser pass over the disc, and every time it feels a bump, it records a 1, when it doesn’t feel a bump, it records a 0. This form of storage is not sustainable. Remember when you scratched your CD and it wouldn’t play anymore, that’s because you literally scraped away data. 5D technology records data INSIDE the glass disc, rather than on top like a CD. This method, along with the durability of glass is why 5D storage can outlive humanity. Some major documents that have already been etched away are Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Magna Carta and Kings James Bible. Can you imagine having glass farms instead of server farms?

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. Comments and fact-checking is most welcomed.

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