The growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a significant transformation in the data storage landscape, according to a recent global study conducted by Recon Analytics and commissioned by Seagate Technology. The report highlights how companies across various sectors are preparing for an explosion in data generation and are consolidating cloud storage as a central pillar of their repositories.
The Cloud as a Strategic Solution
Cloud storage is positioning itself as a preferred option for organizations due to its cost-effectiveness and scalability. According to IDC, 89% of the data stored by major cloud service providers resides on hard drives, a technology that offers competitive efficiency in cost per terabyte.
The study reveals that 61% of companies using the cloud as their primary storage method expect their storage needs to double in the next three years. In Singapore, albeit more conservatively, 53% of firms project similar growth.
Roger Entner, founder and principal analyst at Recon Analytics, explains: “The study’s results point to an increase in demand for data storage, with hard drives being the main beneficiaries. As business leaders plan to store more AI-driven data in the cloud, cloud services are well-positioned for a second wave of growth.”
Keys to Storage Growth
- AI Adoption: Globally, 72% of companies are already using AI, driving the need for robust solutions to manage data on a large scale. In Singapore, this percentage is 62%.
- Long-Term Data Retention: 90% of companies worldwide and 85% in Singapore consider it essential to store data for longer periods to improve AI outcomes, ensuring more accurate and reliable models.
- Security and Storage as Priorities: The report identifies storage as the second most important component for AI infrastructures, just after security. Other relevant aspects include data management, network capacity, and regulation.
Innovations for the Next Generation of Storage
To meet the growing demand, manufacturers are developing advanced technologies. BS Teh, Chief Commercial Officer at Seagate, states: “The key to reliable AI is storing data for longer periods, which requires innovations in actual density. Our focus is on increasing storage capacity per drive with technologies like HAMR.”
These innovations not only respond to the volume of data generated by AI but also aim to reduce costs and improve energy efficiency, two crucial aspects in the current context.
Challenges and Opportunities of AI-Driven Cloud Storage
While the expansion of cloud storage presents an opportunity, it also brings significant challenges:
- Energy Impact: Increases in storage capacity must be accompanied by sustainable solutions to minimize energy consumption.
- Data Reliability: Organizations must ensure that stored data is secure and accessible over the long term.
- Interoperability and Regulation: Companies must balance the need for storage with compliance with local and international regulations.
Conclusion
The data explosion driven by AI is transforming the storage landscape, positioning the cloud as the strategic solution for organizations. This growth not only reinforces the relevance of cloud storage but also drives innovation in hardware technologies such as HAMR drives and promotes the adoption of sustainable strategies.
As artificial intelligence evolves, cloud storage will need to grow not only in capacity but also in reliability and efficiency, solidifying its role as a fundamental tool for business development in the digital age.
via: IDC