Why SSD is better than HDD? SSD in cloud computing

SSD (Solid State Drive) – is the element of cloud computing system architecture, which is not seen by the user, but which has a significant impact not only on the efficient functioning of the system, but also its cost. It is a flash memory based mass storage device.

The main task of the SSD is to maximize the bandwidth, which helps to achieve the top-notch performance expected from cloud computing systems processing huge amount of data.

Compared to standard hard drives, the SSDs have many qualities which benefit both the supplier of the solution as well as its users:

1. They are more reliable – as opposed to the HDDs, which consist of many moving parts mounted on boards, the SSDs feature flash structures resistant to damage and shock (even up to 1500/0.5 ms).

2. They guarantee less ‘lags’ or delays, which means quicker access to the user’s resources in the cloud.

3. SSDs are much faster than hard drives. They can reach up to 100 times the performance of a standard HDD, which means the cloud computer clients can enjoy almost instant access to data.

4. They use up much less energy – even at maximum load, the SSDs consume much less energy than standard hard drives.

5. They are lighter – weighing around 77g, as opposed to the HDDs, which weigh around 725,5g.

6. They are cooler – due to the fact that they consume less energy (about 5% of the energy consumed by mechanical drives), they also produce much less thermal output.

7. The SSDs are quiet – lack of moving parts makes the SSDs almost completely silent.

8. Their use is profitable – even though they are more expensive, in the long term, their operation results in a much lower energy consumption and reduces the risk of failures which may generate additional costs.

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SSD Architecture

The inside of this modern disk consists of three elements:

1. NAND Flash or NOR Flash or basic media for data storage. These memories offer short access time for readout operations, but prior removal of a data set is required for data storage. The time it takes to clear the set is estimated at about 1.5 milliseconds.

2. DRAM – is a local memory buffer for accelerated data storage in Flash drives. Supercapacitor is used to protect and record data on a medium in the event of power failure.

3. Controller – responsible for the overall operation of the system. Manages Flash drives, DRAM and provides the interface for communication with the system. In order to prolong the life expectancy of the SSD, the controller evenly distributes the write operations in such a way as to minimize the amount of storage in the same location.

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SSDs have the potential, which our Client have already come to appreciate.
These new generation solutions give us the opportunity to maximally adjust the cloud computer to the needs of the users. The most important are: economy, efficiency, reliability and constant access.