With the sheer amount of raw data being generated by big data applications, Internet of Things and machine learning, modern business enterprises may find their conventional file-level storage systems are overwhelmed and inadequate for the task. In those situations, enterprises often choose to deploy a system known as storage area network.

This quick glossary, written by Mark W. Kaelin for TechRepublic Premium, explains terms and concepts associated with this high-speed data storage network and provides a foundational basis for implementing SAN solutions in your business.

• Featured definition from the glossary:

  Block-level storage

  A data storage system in which blocks of raw data are identified by an arbitrary and assigned identifier. This identifier is then used to store and retrieve the data as needed. These blocks have no obvious meaning in terms of files or documents. Block-level storage is commonly used for storing data found in a database format and is particularly useful for SAN systems because of the increased transfer speeds.

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TIME SAVED: Crafting this content required 14 hours of dedicated writing, editing and research.