What is the Best Way to Learn Artificial Intelligence? Posted on : May 05 - 2017

Broader adoption of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) has some system and storage managers really excited. Machine learning algorithms, for example, can be incorporated into the control layer to enable administrators to diagnose the various causes of traffic congestions far more easily. This allows them to predict potentially vulnerable network sectors.

“User requests and data traffic can be channeled to and from alternative storage locations based on network usage patterns,” said Shiladitya Chaterji, an AI analyst at MarketsAndMarkets.

But it goes far beyond being a mere traffic cop. AI and machine learning are influencing data storage in many different ways. Here are some of the top trends and predictions:

1. Lower Costs

With enterprises moving towards cloud storage and fewer dedicated storage arrays, dynamic storage software with integrated deep learning algorithms can help organization to gain more storage capacity, at a 60 percent to 70 percent reduction in cost,” said Chaterji.

2. More Software-Defined Storage

Software-defined storage has been touted as a trend for a couple of years now. AI and machine learning are acting as accelerants. The many potential benefits are helping enterprises overcome their reticence to being told there is yet another new technology to adopt.

“AI and machine learning will bring about faster adoption of software-define storage,” said Kevin Liebl, vice president of marketing at Zadara Storage.

3. More Instrumentation

The early days of computing saw plenty of instrumentation being added to systems. In fact, there are entire conferences and associations devoted to the measurement and instrumentation of computers.

With Windows servers proliferating from the mid-1990s onwards, this side of the business has gradually waned. But that appears to be changing as AI and machine learning open up new horizons. Consequently, Liebl predicts another trend of much greater instrumentation in the years ahead.

4. Automation

The advent of software-defined storage is a key influence in the rise of machine learning and AI in storage environments. Adding a heterogeneous software control layer above the hardware allows the software to monitor far more tasks. This frees up the storage manager for more strategic duties.

“AI can enable automation of storage facilities that adopt an agile and flexible architecture,” said Chaterji. “It can intelligently control access rights, dynamically re-route data center data and automatically regulate data center cooling (thereby reducing energy consumption).”

5. Enhanced Security and Reliability

Security and loss of are major concerns for the modern enterprise. Some storage vendors are beginning to harness AI and machine learning to prevent data loss, increase availability and speed turnaround during downtime via smart data recovery and systematic backup strategies, said Chaterji. He added that this also promises better security.

“AI opens the door to smart security features to detect data/packet loss during transit or within data centers,” said Chaterji.

6. Hybrid Storage Clouds

The argument about public versus private clouds appears to be moot in the face of AI, machine learning and software-defined storage. That's because functional software-defined architectures should be able to transition data seamlessly from one type of cloud to another. At the same time, organizations can manage all their data as one pool, regardless of where it physically resides. As a result, the purists who seek all public or all private clouds are not likely to prevail. It is the hybrid cloud that is most likely to flourish.

“The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning will accelerate the deployment of fluid hybrid cloud solutions as a repository because after data is analyzed and logic maps are developed, they must flow transparently to local analytics engines at the edge in a cycle of continuous improvement,” said Rich Rogers, senior vice president of Internet of Things (IoT) products and technologies, HDS.

7. More Flash

Everyone predicts more flash, so what’s new? AI and machine learning will just add yet more impetus to this almost unstoppable wave that is sweeping across all forms of storage.

“They will drive the use of memory and flash as a medium as the primary storage medium, as you cannot process edge decisions fast enough otherwise,” said Rogers. View More