storage

Storage is the process of retaining items for future use. It applies to physical goods, information, and energy. In logistics, storage encompasses facilities and systems used to hold items until they are needed or moved. In information technology, storage refers to devices and media that retain digital data.

Physical storage involves warehouses, depots, silos, and other facilities. Key considerations include capacity, access, handling, environment (temperature and humidity), security, and cost. Storage systems use shelving, pallets, and automation to organize items and enable tracking with barcodes or RFID.

Data storage in computing covers volatile memory and nonvolatile media. Persistent storage retains data when power is removed. Common media include magnetic hard drives, solid-state drives, optical discs, and magnetic tape. Primary memory (RAM) is fast but temporary; persistent storage is slower but durable. Interfaces and file systems provide access and organization.

Advanced storage architectures include networked and cloud options. Network attached storage provides file-level access over a network; storage area networks deliver block storage to servers. Cloud storage offers scalable, off-site data retention with redundancy. Data protection employs backup, archiving, replication, and disaster recovery strategies.

Key metrics describe capacity and performance, including bytes (KB, MB, GB, TB), throughput, latency, and IOPS. Modern systems use tiered storage, moving data between fast media and cheaper, slower media based on access patterns. Storage design aims to balance cost, performance, durability, and accessibility.