MAID is a computer system that uses hundreds or thousands of disk drives for near-line storage, allowing unlimited information storage with fast access. It supports a write once, read once methodology and reduces power needs. MAID archiving technology could revolutionize long-term data archiving, reducing the need for tape backup systems or paper storage.
Massive Array of Idle Disks (MAID) refers to a computer system that uses hundreds or even thousands of disk drives for near-line storage. Near line archiving falls somewhere between fast online access or disk archiving and offline tape archiving. Using a MAID system allows the amount of information stored to be relatively unlimited while maintaining access to the information stored as fast as possible. Using MAID archiving is a way for organizations to limit the retrieval of information once it has been archived. The concept supports a write once, read once methodology where the information transferred into the MAID system is not accessible every day.
Disk drive and storage technology have greatly improved in recent years. These improvements in disk drives, such as the introduction of Serial ATA (SATA) drives, which are designed to be turned on and off as needed, have reduced the amount of power required to maintain and support MAID storage systems. SATA drives can boot when data stored within the MAID is requested and accessed, but do not require constant power when not in use.
Another benefit of the large array of inactive disks, as the name suggests, is that the MAID system is packed tightly into a storage unit, yet only 25% of the drives within the MAID system are designed to be used in any moment. This will also help reduce the overall power needs of the MAID storage system while maintaining anytime access to the persistent data that is stored there.
MAID archiving technology could revolutionize the way long-term data archiving is handled, allowing items to be held electronically and available at the push of a button. This could reduce the need for tape backup systems or even paper storage. An organization seeking to make any document available to any user or requester at any time or location may be in an ideal position to consider a MAID filing system. Persistent documents can then be accessed from anywhere in the world without having to locate the tape or file where a copy of the document might reside. Knowing that technology like MAID exists and could one day be very affordable could allow the idea of the paperless office to come to life faster than anyone ever expected. As the price of hard drives continues to fall and technology continues to improve, MAID systems and constantly available persistent data can change the way all organizations manage their data.
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