Direct Attached Storage (DAS) has several disadvantages compared to networked storage solutions:
Limited Scalability: DAS is directly connected to a single server or computer, making it difficult to expand storage capacity across multiple systems. Adding more storage requires physical upgrades or additional DAS units, which can be inefficient.
Poor Resource Sharing: Since DAS is dedicated to one device, other systems cannot easily access its storage. This leads to underutilization of storage resources, especially in environments where data needs to be shared among multiple users or servers.
Higher Management Complexity: In environments with multiple DAS units, managing backups, data protection, and storage allocation becomes cumbersome. There’s no centralized management system, increasing operational overhead.
No High Availability: DAS lacks built-in redundancy or failover mechanisms. If the connected server fails, the storage becomes inaccessible, potentially causing downtime.
Inflexibility in Data Mobility: Moving data between DAS systems is challenging, as it often requires manual intervention or data migration tools.
Example: A small business using DAS for its file server may face issues when expanding its operations. If the server’s storage runs out, adding more capacity requires physically installing new drives, whereas a networked storage solution like Tencent Cloud’s CBS (Cloud Block Storage) allows seamless scaling and shared access.
For scenarios requiring scalability and shared access, Tencent Cloud’s CBS or CFS (Cloud File Storage) can provide more flexible and efficient storage solutions.