Hierarchical storage management (HSM), also called tiered storage, is a cost-effective data storage and management technique that automatically moves data between expensive and cheaper storage devices based on usage. The goal is to optimize data access performance while minimizing storage costs.
HSM systems are necessary because while faster storage devices like solid-state drive (SSD) arrays have higher performance, they can be costly to use per byte stored. HSM solves this issue by keeping the main portion of corporate data on slower devices and copying essential data to faster drives as needed.
With HSM in place, the system monitors the data usage, and makes informed decisions on what data should be archived on slower devices and what data needs to remain on faster devices. Organizations use HSM to improve performance, reduce storage costs, and manage storage space efficiently.
Hierarchical storage management software catalogs data and searches for frequently used files to place on the upper level for quicker access. The software also manages requests to the library level, and ensures that all requests are timely.
FAQ:
What is HSM used for?
HSM is used in data storage and management. It allows organizations to optimize storage performance while minimizing storage costs. It monitors data usage and moves data between expensive and cheaper storage devices appropriately based on system needs.
What are the benefits of using HSM?
HSM offers organizations a cost-effective storage system that optimizes data access performance while minimizing storage costs. It ensures that frequently used data is stored on faster disk drives and archived data on slower media in lower tiers. This technique helps to improve storage space efficiency and reduces storage costs.
What is the role of software in HSM?
The software is the backbone of hierarchical storage management. It organizes and catalogs data, searches for frequently used files and ensures that requests to the library level are timely. It makes informed decisions about which data should be stored on faster or slower storage devices based on usage.
Final thoughts
Hierarchical storage management (HSM) is a cost-effective data storage and data management technique that automates the movement of data between expensive and cheaper storage devices based on usage. It offers organizations the ability to optimize storage performance while reducing storage costs and increasing storage space efficiency. The use of HSM software makes it easier to manage data, and organizations can use it to achieve their data storage and management goals.
