ABSTRACT

This chapter looks at the mediums and basic component building blocks that get hardware and software defined into solutions or service. In addition to drives with integrated media, there are also storage mediums such as magnetic tape, optical, and flash, where the media is packaged in a cartridge that works in conjunction with a drive or reader. Management considerations include the software implemented as firmware for device interfaces with servers, storage systems, controllers, or other appliances for configuration, as well as command, control, data movement, integrity and consistency checks, status and performance reporting, error notification, and implementing various features or functionalities. Device firmware can be updated via different tools; in larger storage systems or appliances, this is usually handled as part of the system’s operating software. Performance includes activity such as input/output operation of various sizes, which can be random or sequential and streaming.