The Future Is Bright For Data Storage Technology | SSDs and HDDs

Hard Disk
Source: cc-by-3.0, sxc.hu

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? People with a philosophical bent have debated this question and others like it (one hand clapping, anyone?) for ages, so they might as well consider this: does business’s growing need for big data drive data storage capacity, or does increasing data storage capacity drive the need for more data?

We’re not going to try and answer that question here (and the only thing we’ll say about eggs is that they’re nice scrambled on toast), but we are going to look at where the future of data storage is headed and what that means for business data (especially big data).

The future is shiny and bright

It’s been quite a big year for data storage with many exciting developments and announcements. For example, Seagate and TDK announced that they are working on a 20TB hard drive that they’re hoping will be ready for public consumption by 2016. Helium drives are starting to make waves, and there are new technologies that help businesses make the most of the space they have, so that they don’t have to fork out for excessive storage capacity.

Now, as we look to 2014, we’re seeing all sorts of IT experts come up with predictions for what the year will bring and if they’re to be believed, it looks like 2014 will be an even bigger year for data than 2013. Let’s look at three of the most anticipated trends.

1)     The battle between SSDs and HDDs will be even out, and the two technologies will even be used to complement one another.

According to InfoStor’s Paul Ruben, solid state drives (SSDs) will continue to gain market share as prices continue to fall. He says that it’s unlikely that SSDs will become as affordable as HDDs in the next 12 months, but he believes that prices will fall enough to put them within reach of many small businesses (and private individuals) who could previously only dream of their high performance and reliability. More than that, however, Rubens sees business enterprises using SSDs and HDDs together in a way that makes data storage super-efficient. He says that instead of just short stroking several HDDs to get the perfect IOPS (Input/Output Operations per Second), businesses can add an SSD or two into the mix to get even better performance and free up even more space for less expense.

Philip Hunter also believes that SSDs and HDDs will be used in combination to optimise storage capacity, minimise costs, increase performance and improve energy efficiency. This is because businesses and data centres don’t really have much choice but to start getting creative with the way in which they blend data storage systems. Big data has grown (and will continue to grow) so rapidly that existing storage hierarchies have to be optimised because new technologies haven’t yet been developed. The new technologies that are being developed are taking their cue from the well-improvised hybrids and are looking at ways to more smoothly merge SSDs and HDDs to produce even better performance.

2)     Data centres will use increasingly sophisticated systems based on old and new technology.

Rubens is quite excited about helium-filled drives and their potential to, if not revolutionise, at least revamp data centres, thanks to their low energy demands and high storage capacity. They will come in particularly handy for businesses that have or would like to have their own data centres, as opposed to the major centres run by the likes of Google and Amazon. Rubens is careful to add that the technology is still so new that it has yet to prove itself in production environments, but it definitely shows great potential.

According to Hunter, data centres will combine three grades of storage so that they can increase their storage capacity and provide more comprehensive services at more affordable rates. Hunter says that advantages of flash/SSD, HDD and tape-based storage technology can be used to create a perfect (or near perfect) balance of reliability, efficiency, speed, accessibility, security and capacity.

Hunter also talks about the emerging “Software-Defined Data Centre” (SDDC), but that’s a topic for another day.

3)     The cloud will become even more important from a data storage point of view.

There is a proliferation of cloud storage providers, and while they might not all have Amazon’s reputation for reliability and stability, many offer very good services at very affordable rates. The range of services is also increasing and business enterprises are able to enjoy greater scalability, so that they get the kind of data storage and protection that they really need. According to Rubens, not only will more businesses migrate to the cloud, but they will also start using cloud storage for more than backups and archives; they will start storing all of their primary data in the cloud.

Twenty terabyte hard drives notwithstanding, it looks like the data storage industry is in for some exciting times and that can only bode well for businesses with big (and small) data needs, not to mention hoarders who can’t stop collecting TV series, music and movies. 

Jemima Winslow is a part-time freelancer, so she doesn’t have big data that has to be stored, but she does have an addiction to Joss Whedon and cheesy horror movies, and all of that TV time has to go somewhere. That’s why she’s quite interested in what’s on the horizon as far as data storage goes. 

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Asus Transformer Pad Review TF701T Tablet/Laptop Hybrid Device

Asus Transformer Pad
Source: cc-by-2.0, bigstockphoto

In recent years, Asus has taken consistent steps toward making improvements in hardware and performance while reducing the size and weight of its tablet PCs.  The Asus Transformer Pad TF701T is one of the devices that is part of the newest developments in Asus devices.

Overview.

The Asus Transformer Pad TF701T is a tablet PC that runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and easily converts to a laptop thanks to the detachable keyboard dock. The new Transformer Pad is a modern tablet with a generous amount of connection capability. The Transformer Pad offers an SD card slot and USB ports that conveniently connect to the full size keyboard. Plus, there is Bluetooth capability and new high tech upgrades when you look under the hood.

The Asus TF701T is built with durability in mind with a sturdy aluminum chassis that includes a curved ergonomic design that continues around the front of the device.   The IPS display panel is protected by tough Gorilla Glass 2 that can withstand knocks and drops with a wide black bezel that surrounds the sharp display. 

The back of the device is equipped with a plastic strip that houses the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS signals, as well as the 5 megapixel camera.  The plastic strip feature enhances the Wi-Fi reception which was not as robust in previous versions of Asus tablets due to the metal casing.

The Asus Transformer provides a mixed bag of ergonomics with a full size QWERTY keyboard that has responsive keys that are slightly smaller than those on a desktop.  The keys also produce an audible clicking sound for feedback with trackpad as well as left and right mouse buttons that complete the functionality. The touchscreen is equally responsive even when set to default and is sensitive to tapping and swiping gestures.

What are the Specifications?

The Asus Transformer Pad TF701T easily serves as a tablet PC or netbook-style laptop with extra connectivity ports, second battery, improved power, and high resolution screen. The hinge offers strong construction and allows you to hold it as a tablet PC with a wide variety of different viewing angles.  You also have access to a variety of touch functions in addition to the capability to type on the keyboard which offers its own battery that charges the tablet.

Other specifications include:

• Performance: The Transformer TF701T offers speedy performance thanks to the 1.9 GHz Quad-Core Cortex-A15 Central Processing Unit, backed by 2GB of DDR3 Random Access Memory (RAM) and an Nvidia Tegra 4 T40X chipset.  The Transformer also offers decent graphics capability with a 72-core ULP GeForce Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) with generous 32GB hard drive and option to expand to 64GB eMMC.
• Display:  The 2560 x 1600 resolution IPS (In-Plane Switching) 10.1-inch screen provides for an exceptionally high quality display with 299 ppi (pixels per inch) and 16M colors. The ppi is higher than the iPad 4 and iPad Air. The display also scores high when it comes to viewing angles, color reproduction and high contrast minus any dark areas or discoloration you typically see on lower quality screens. It also offers superb backlighting which is easily adjustable and pixels that are RGB-based. There is also a mode for automatic brightness that is equipped with a sensor that adjusts the backlighting according to your surroundings.

The display is also completely customizable when you use the Asus Splendid app that allows you to control color saturation, hues, and color temperature.  The app also provides a way to make the display black and white if you prefer with a setting that makes brighter colors more vivid.

• Port Connectivity: In terms of connectivity, the Asus Transformer TF701Toffers versatility with a full size SD card slot and USB 3.0 port included in the keyboard dock.  The tablet portion offers a micro-HDMI output, microSD card slot, USB 3.0 port, microphone, and 3.5mm audio jack. 
• Speakers:  The speaker placement is on the back of the tablet and audio capability that is average at best with some sound distortion at high volume levels.  The device only features one speaker as opposed to a set of stereo speakers on each side.
• Wireless Connectivity:  The Transformer TF701T is equipped with a dual-band Wi-Fi b/g/n chip on 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 3.0 for connecting additional peripherals such as a mouse and other Bluetooth capable devices.  There is also GPS capability with A-GPS connectivity to help you find your way around.  The TF701T does not offer 3G capability which helps to keep the price point in check. Connectivity lacks Near Field Communication (NFC) capability which isn’t exactly a deal breaker but may be a disappointment to some Asus fans.
• Camera:  The cameras that are included on the Asus Transformer are average with a 1.2MP front facing camera for conducting video chats.  The rear facing camera is 5MP and offers autofocus and face detection, as well as 1080p video recording capability running at 30 frames per second. The rear facing camera also provides Panorama, Night, and HDR modes with a Portrait mode that allows you to play around with facial shapes and features.
• Battery:  The battery life for the Asus Transformer is above average and lasts up to 12 hours with the screen set at medium brightness, the Wi-Fi deactivated, and without the keyboard dock connected.  When the tablet is connected to the keyboard dock, this increases the life up to 17 hours due to the additional 16kWh battery which is housed inside the hinge.  The tablet portion offers a 32Kwh battery which adds to the total percentage of life.  The long battery life is mostly due to the Tegra 4 processor and the IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide) display screen that offers efficient energy consumption.
• Warranty:  The warranty for the Asus Transformer TF701T covers 24 to 36 months depending upon the location of the globe where you purchase the device.  Asus also offers tech support via email or telephone with the option to take your device to the nearest service location listed on the Asus website.  The warranty period is defined on the label sticker on the warranty card which is included with the Transformer Pad at the time of purchase.
• Product Dimensions:  The Asus Transformer TF701T dimensions are 263 x 180.8 x 8.9 mm (W x D x H) with a total weight of 585g.  When the tablet is separated from the dock, the tablet dimensions are 263 x 180.8 x 7mm and a weight of 570g.  The dock weighs in at 1135g with dimensions of 263 x 180.8 x 16.5~18.9mm.

In terms of cost, the Asus Transformer TF701T offers a modest price point which starts at around £429 depending upon where you make your purchase.  This is rather reasonable for the upgraded features and connectivity that is included in the device. A big thank you must go out to the guys at Our IT Dept. in London for leasing me the hardware for this review, saving me the expense!

What Type of Software is Included?

Since the Asus Transformer TF701T runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean (soon to be superseded by version 4.3), this provides access to all of the services and apps that are typically available with an Android tablet, including the Google Play Store and Google Now.  In terms, of modifications, Asus changed the appearance of the notifications and settings menu, in addition to the home screen icons that offer more clarity and are larger in size. 

There is also a mini app launcher located under the Home button which provides quick access to frequently used apps and services.  When you tap on the Home button a circular icon pops up that allows quick access to a web browser and an apps menu containing your favorite apps.

Another change in the interface is an arrow button located in the shortcut bar that allows you to access a utilities menu.  The utilities are used as widget overlays which means you can run multiple utilities at once such as the calculator, dictionary, video player, audio settings, and more.

Asus also installed the Floating Apps which integrates with apps such as the calculator you currently have open. Additionally, the standard apps from Asus and Google are preinstalled and include various Google apps, ASUS Studio, MyLibrary, Office, and ASUS SuperNote Lite. There is also access to Polaris Cloud Storage with 5GB of free storage.

Are There Any Accessories Available?

The Asus Transformer Pad TF701T is compatible with a variety of optional accessories that include the Transformer Pad Transcover which is a protective cover offered in a variety of different colors.  The cover offers a matte texture that provides for a comfortable grip and snug fit for added device protection.  Other accessories include:

• Turn Case:  The Turn Case improves your movie viewing experience with a front cover that helps to maintain seamless touch input and an easy pull up stand for enhanced movie viewing when the device is placed on a table or desk.
• USB Hub and Ethernet Port Combo Unit:  The Combo Unit allows you to increase connectivity for the Transformer Pad with three USB 2.0 ports that accommodate a variety of USB peripherals and a 10/100Mbps Ethernet port for sharing Internet connections.
• Audio Dock:  As we mentioned earlier in this review, the audio quality on the Transformer Pad TF701T leaves a lot to be desired.  If sound quality is important to you, the Audio Dock with Asus SonicMaster provides sound clarity with powerful bass. The Audio Dock is also equipped with an additional card reader and USB port for better sharing capability. The Audio Dock is precision angled and works well for professional presentations or personal entertainment.

What are the Pros and Cons?

The biggest advantage on the Asus Transformer Pad TF701T is the beautiful display screen and excellent processing performance.  However, to help you make an informed decision here are some of the pros and cons related to the TF701T:

Pros

• Solid and durable construction withstands mobility related stress.
• Carefully thought out changes to the interface.
• Detachable keyboard dock provides versatility.
• Additional battery add extra battery life to carry you through your day.
• Useful software included without a lot of bloatware.
• Speedy Tegra 4 processor provides a seamless gaming and multimedia experience.

Cons

• Screen lacks an oleophobic coating on the Gorilla Glass which makes it prone to discoloration and fingerprints.
• No 3G LTE capability.
• Wide bezel on the screen tends to make the device look dated.
• Single speaker located on the back of the device produces inferior sound quality.
• Keyboard dock is optional at an extra cost of approximately £109 list price.

Conclusion

The Asus Transformer Pad TF701T is one of the best tablet PCs that Asus has released on the market due to the high resolution screen, energy efficient Tegra 4 processor, and 2GB of memory. The dock requires a period of adjustment but, the combination of the tablet and dock is competitively priced at just over £500 with a generous 32GB of storage. This is worthy of careful consideration if you are also thinking about the iPad Air with 16GB of storage plus, you have to sacrifice the keyboard dock.

Resources:

Asus Transform pad official page - click here

Claire Jones has an interest in technology, and has worked in the IT services sector for over ten years. Claire likes to write articles relating to the products she works with in her spare time.  

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How Windows 8.1 Update Increases The Visiblity Of Cloud Computing

Windows recently released the latest version of its software in October and it is now available in its finalized form as Windows 8.1. The new operating system has had positive reviews and many people are now running it on their machines. A key feature of the new OS is its heavy integration of the cloud into the system. The popularity of Windows and this new update is likely to put cloud computing even more on the map than it has been in recent years. As an integral part of the new Windows, cloud computing is expected to see a dramatic increase in its visibility as people adopt the new technology though this major update.

Cloud established with Sky Drive

Even previous versions of Windows have already established the cloud as a part of the system with the popular program Sky Drive. This program is a cloud storage service such as Mac’s iCloud or Dropbox. With the new version of Windows, however, Sky Drive is much more integrated into the system and is an important part of the Windows experience. Anytime you save a document using Microsoft Office you will be encouraged to do using your Sky Drive ‘Documents’ folder rather than a folder on your C drive. Using Sky Drive to save important documents will make it quicker and easier to access those files from anywhere at any time. You can use cloud storage as a kind of backup that will be treated like any other folder on your computer. With Sky Drive storage you will never lose your files and other Windows apps automatically save files to the cloud such as photos taken with the camera app to ensure you can always access it later.

Cloud is no longer just an alternative

Now with the updates to Windows 8.1, the cloud is no longer just an alternative option that technology buffs can choose it is becoming streamlined into a major operating system. Sky Drive is now part of the usual quick links on your computer and can even become the default option for saving files. With the cloud playing such an important role in this new system, Windows has even increased the amount of storage available for free on its new devices. Earlier versions of the Surface Pro included 7GB worth of free storage to anyone who bought one to supplement the small amount of built-in storage on the device. It gave users the ability to store larger files that would be impossible without the extra cloud storage. The newest version of the Surface now includes 200GB of free storage along with the purchase of the device. This huge amount of free storage is a sign that cloud computing is becoming a much more integral part of modern computing.

Expect more cloud

Anyone that purchases a new Microsoft device or operating system for their computer will now be using the cloud and familiarizing themselves with the benefits of this new technology. As Windows further embraces the cloud it seems that it will continue to evolve because other companies like Apple and Google are likely to respond with even more cloud integration into their systems as well. People will begin to see cloud storage as an important part of their computing system.

Leo Hart has become a virtualization expert thanks to his years of experience, his current focus is VPS hosting for Custom Cloud. 

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What does 2014 has in store for Android? | More value for money!!!!!

The year 2013 was a gigantic one for tech lovers – especially smart phone enthusiasts. The year was particularly good for Android users as it saw the market boom with cost effective mobile phones, free apps, extraordinary features and more. 2013 saw the big screens and high resolution cameras in Android phones. We also witnessed the first ever 3GB RAM smartphone.

One cannot help but wonder that what 2014 would be like for Android users. A lot is speculated. Throughout 2014 it looks like Android are going to keep tweaking KitKat and making further improvements to keep it ahead of the pack, they already pushed an update to improve the camera on Nexus 5 and the team behind it seem intent on pushing out updates quickly and efficiently.

I have talked to several experts, collected some data, did some research. 2014 is likely to see the following for Android users.

The tech glasses and other “wearable” gadgets

We see it in sci-fi movies and we all want them. Google have shown interest in introducing a wearable what they call “Glass”. Android will expand exponentially if they introduce such gadgets. Apart from smart glasses, smart watches and other tech bracelets are expected in 2014. Can’t wait? Me neither.

Bigger screens and better resolutions

What differentiates a smart phone from a regular phone? Many say it is the touch but according to a survey; it is the bigger screen size that users find most attractive. We might see a 660ppi device. As for the resolutions, things are about to get crazy! It is expected that 2K resolution would be a standard with 500 pixels per inch. With 4GB RAM, it won’t be much of a problem.

The one obvious drawback is the battery timings of course. Smartphone users of all flagships might have to deal with this a little bit. Other than the battery issue, everything looks great!

Fingerprint scanners and other censors

In 2013 we saw iPhone 5S and HTC One introducing finger scanners. It is expected that 2014 will see a lot more of finger scanners and maybe face recognition software in Android devices. Such “tweaks” will definitely add more value for money in Android.

High MP cameras

Smartphones have pretty much taken over the digital cameras. The situation will get worse for camera manufacturers as 2014 will see a marked improvement in cameras. Sensors, focal lengths, advance autofocus, editing, photography modes – everything is expected to take a hike in Android cameras in the year 2014.

64-bit Processor

Apple have already introduced the 64-bit processor with the new iPhone that was released in late 2013. Soon after the release, Samsung made it official that they would be launching 64-bit processor in early 2014. Additionally, it will be norm for the smartphones to have 4GB RAM to go with the 64-bit processing power. This is going to be huge!

More value for money

With new flagships gradually rising and high specs becoming the norm, it would ultimately benefit the users. Due to strict competition smartphone companies, even the giants will offer more value for money than they have been in 2013.

Author Bio: NuurHasan is a software engineer at Gloria9 Technologies. He has a passion for hardware and expertise in software. Contact him at nuur.hasan@gloria9.com, if you are interested in Mobile Applications, Website and Software Development.

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Taking Appointments? How Cloud-Based Appointment Software Can Help YourService Business

Service businesses are in transition. While many still take appointments by phone, those appointments are increasingly being managed using cloud-based software programs. But as the industry gradually shifts toward online appointment scheduling over the next few years, spas, salons, medical offices, cleaning services, and other businesses will feel pressured to make the move, as well.

Whether a business chooses to create its own app or utilize one of the many cloud-based booking apps available, there are multiple benefits to taking scheduling to the cloud. Here are a few to consider.

Access Anywhere

Service businesses using on-site scheduling options usually have the challenge of keeping up with appointments outside of the office. Planning vacations or even taking appointments while on the go can be impossible if the only appointment calendar is at the office. When an appointment calendar is in the cloud, professionals can access it from home or while on the road, using any device that has internet access.

Multiple Appointment-Takers

Thanks to the cloud, businesses are no longer required to chain an employee to the phone with a pen and appointment book. Every team member can log into the site and view or schedule appointments, based on the rights the administrator sets up. This opens up the opportunity for businesses to switch to a cloud-based phone system that rolls calls to various cell phones within the business. It also means if one worker can't accommodate a customer's schedule, that employee can check other team members' schedules and shift the appointment to someone who is available.

Attract New Customers

Some cloud scheduling applications integrate with a business's social media sites and WordPress account to provide online appointment booking for customers. By putting its calendar front and center on its pages, a business can easily entice new customers to give its services a try. But the primary benefit of online appointment booking is that it presents an additional layer of convenience for customers, who can now schedule services by phone or by using the online appointment booker.

Fewer Errors

On-site scheduling systems are prone to errors. When a business has only one point of entry, it's easy for an appointment request to be scribbled down on a piece of paper. It's also easier for double bookings to occur if a worker makes a verbal commitment to a customer without telling the staff who customarily take appointments. By opening up everywhere access, businesses can reduce these risks, creating a more professional appearance.

Integrate Payment

If a business chooses, payment options can be integrated, allowing customers to pay online using a credit card when making the booking. This can be offered as a convenience, for customers who would rather pay in advance, or be required in those situations where payment is needed before an appointment can be booked.

As the cloud continues to become an integral part of business today, the service industry can't afford to ignore its advantages. Through moving outdated appointment-booking processes to the cloud, businesses can remain competitive while also offering convenience to workers.

Kirill Bensonoff

Kirill Bensonoff is a founding partner at ComputerSupport.com, helping small business executives get the most out of their technology investment.

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