Simply put, the term "data storage" describes the hardware and methods used to retain large quantities of logical data. This can include any of a number of common methods, and involves both backup and recovery options, as well as instantly retrievable "live" options. To be considered as a viable method of data storage, one must consider each of the important factors that are relevant to the data storage needs of the business or individual involved.

If constant access to the data in question is needed, it must be retrievable very quickly and transferable at a high speed, or the data is considered to be very high in value (or losing it would be very costly), then the optimum method of data storage is on a series of hard disk drives (HDDs) in a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) array. Depending on which of these needs is greatest, a different RAID level will be chosen. RAID0 stripes data across multiple disks, which greatly enhances access and read times, making for fast recovery. RAID1 mirrors the exact same data across two or more disks, satisfying a need for redundancy in a system. RAID5 stripes data across multiple disks, and records additional "parity" information, satisfying a need for fault-tolerance should a drive fail. Most RAID5 arrays will operate at reduced efficiency, but will not lose any data even after total failure of one drive. Other combinations and RAID levels are available, and they best satisfy a need for live data storage allowing for quick retrieval, as an inherently safe method of data storage. On the downside, hard drives represent the most expensive method of data storage, and are not economically feasible for offsite backup to most operations, which means anything that affects the whole site (such as a fire, theft, sabotage, or water damage) is likely to result in data loss.

Where larger quantities of safe data storage are required, there is a balance available between the expensive option of hard drives, and the most time-consuming method of DVD backup and storage. Tape backup drives offer excellent throughput for recording and retrieval, the cartridges are reusable, and are easily removed offsite. Tape cartridges are fairly resistant to damage and far less expensive per gigabyte than hard drives. Tape drives represent the best all-round, most versatile option for every market ranging from any small business with a fairly large data backup requirement, to the most sophisticated enterprise-scale installations.

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