As solution providers innovate in new and exciting ways, they demand more from their hardware - not just in processing power but in data storage and handling. Use cases involving IoT sensors and mobile computing are generating more data than ever. If left unchecked, this phenomenon, known as data gravity, threatens the performance of solutions worldwide within only a few years. Fortunately, there are steps providers can take today to minimize its impact.
A data epidemic
Finances Online says the world's daily data creation will grow from 74 zettabytes daily in 2021 to 149 in 2024. For reference, a zettabyte is a measurement in bytes with one and twenty-one zeroes after it. Examined another way, creating 149 zettabytes annually breaks down to 1.7 MB generated per second.
However, the growing problem is not just the amount of data. Instead, it's data's effect on the performance of current systems. The more information is stored, the more effort it takes to move and process it. And, as one can guess, the more data that needs to be searched or handled by an application, the slower that application is likely to perform.
In addition, the more data handled, the longer the processing and transmission times required. These factors create latency, the enemy of a solution's performance. Therefore, data gravity is a genuine problem for solution providers and their clients.
The Edge - bringing data closer
One interim step that solution providers can take to alleviate congestion and preserve performance is moving computing to the Edge.
No longer must applications run in centralized core or cloud data centers. Instead, they can live on ruggedized servers in smaller, non-traditional locations that are physically closer to end-users. This move preserves the low-latency performance that solutions require while still allowing for data creation to take place.
While computing at the Edge is not a new concept, only recently are clients beginning to see its potential. As we know, the effect of Moore's Law is waning, and the idea of centralized ultra-powerful servers is being replaced with more computing power in more places. No longer can we rely upon the network and a few high-powered servers. With more data to handle than ever, processing must occur everywhere.
The challenge of the edge
While most companies have yet to leverage Edge Computing fully, it still presents conceptual challenges regarding data gravity. For example, as more servers are located at the Edge, more data will be stored there, resulting in the eventual challenge of storage even in those locations. In other words, although moving solutions to the Edge is a wise choice for many organizations, it doesn't fully address the challenge of data gravity.
Another way to address data gravity - data management
In truth, although hardware vendors like Dell Technologies work tirelessly to alleviate the future effects of data gravity, no single solution will be the answer. Instead, a host of innovations will be necessary.
One such answer is Dell Technologies' intelligent data management. With it, organizations can begin working to handle their data better today and thereby minimize the future effects of data gravity.
The benefits of Dell Technologies' data management
Dell Technologies' data management technology provides several advantages over traditional practices, including:
- Faster backup and recovery that improves system performance and reliability
- Smaller footprints that lower both storage and bandwidth needs
- Easy-to-Use Tools to allow IT personnel to monitor storage needs and act before they impact system performance
- Cloud-enabled technology to provide simplified connectivity to AWS, Azure, and other cloud providers
- Massive scalability prevents performance bottlenecks that can result from rapid growth
- Self-service options offer data owners maximum control
- SaaS-based management with tools to analyze and troubleshoot data over distributed networks
An in-depth view into Dell Technologies' data management
Dell Technologies offers a variety of solutions through its partners for data management. Its data protection and backup appliances, software, and other solutions enable you to keep your data safe and optimized to perform across physical, virtual, and cloud environments.
Some specific Dell Technologies offerings include:
- Enterprise backup software to handle ever-growing volumes of data, even in shrinking backup windows
- Intelligent data systems that manage data in hybrid and public clouds and on-premises, all in a unified view
To prevent data gravity's pull today - partner with UNICOM Engineering
In addition to being a three-time Dell Technologies Americas OEM Partner of the Year, UNICOM Engineering has spent decades providing expert systems integration support and advice. Today, we leverage our position as an Intel Technology Provider and a Dell Technologies Titanium OEM Partner to drive seamless transitions and support for the most demanding applications - even as their data needs grow.
With various experts, we can not only help power your existing solutions but also limit the risk of bringing new ones to market. To learn more about how UNICOM Engineering can help drive your solution forward, watch our Why Build on Dell Video or visit our website to schedule a consultation today.