Word of the Day: all-flash array (AFA)

Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms | August 15, 2018 all-flash array (AFA) An all-flash array is a solid state storage disk system that contains multiple flash memory drives instead of spinning hard disk drives. Flash memory, which has no moving parts, is a type of nonvolatile memory that can be erased and reprogrammed in units of memory called blocks. Flash is a variation of erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and got its name because its memory blocks can be erased in a single action or "flash." A flash array can transfer data to and from solid state drives (SSDs) much faster than electromechanical disk drives. In the past, flash was more expensive than spinning disk, but the development of multi-level cell (MLC) flash has lowered the price of SSDs.   The flash memory in an AFA typically comes in the form of SSDs, which are similar in design to an integrated circuit. As with its disk-based counterpart, an all-flash array provides shared storage in a storage area network (SAN) or network-attached storage (NAS) environment.   A defining characteristic of an AFA is the inclusion of native software services that enable users to perform data management and data protection directly on the array hardware. This is different from server-side flash installed on a standard x86 server. Inserting flash storage into a server is much cheaper than buying an all-flash array, but it also requires the purchase and installation of third-party management software to supply the needed data services. Read more... Quote of the Day "All-flash arrays, whether built with fast SSDs or custom flash cards, are the race cars of the data storage world, characterized by IOPS numbers in the millions and fast connections to host systems." - Jim O'Reilly Trending Terms hybrid flash array non-volatile memory EEPROM 3D NAND flash garbage collection hyper-convergence Learning Center Three trends causing the rapid commoditization of AFA storage New technology and market trends have caused AFA storage prices to plummet, leading to commoditization of all-flash arrays and opportunities for upstart vendors and customers. Navigating the all-flash array storage buying process Learn how to assess your organization's needs for all-flash array storage and how to evaluate the different AFA storage products to find the right fit. NVMe technology is but a first step toward bigger things NVMe technology is leading the way to storage-class memory and other, more significant advances in storage. Get ready for it to play an important role in your storage strategy. AFA storage advances may mean the end of the hybrid market As AFA storage becomes more affordable without performance loss, it may mark the end of any reasons to choose hybrid storage over all-flash. Forget all-flash arrays, aim for flash-optimized storage first Vendors should focus on developing cost-effective, easy-to-use flash-optimized storage rather than pushing all-flash catch-all storage offerings. Quiz Yourself You should explore data archiving long before there's a risk that your storage limit will be _____. a. met b. reached Answer Stay in Touch For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com Visit the Word of the Day Archives and catch up on what you've missed! FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter This e-newsletter is published by the TechTarget network. To unsubscribe from Whatis.com, click here. Please note, this will not affect any other subscriptions you have signed up for. TechTarget, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com Copyright 2018 TechTarget. All rights reserved.