AI Storage: the big picture

What is AI storage? What are the data storage requirements to run my artificial intelligence program? If you’re starting to ask these questions, we’re here to help.

What is AI storage?

Artificial Intelligence and modern data analytics techniques are fueled by an enormous amount of data. That data is processed in real time at the edge, stored at the core, and brought to the cloud for training. You require a solution that is scalable and that can move data seamlessly from edge to core to cloud.

How does AI data storage work?

To illustrate how storage for machine learning (ML) and AI works, let’s picture a modern smart factory. The factory uses sensors and cameras along its production line to detect damage, inconsistencies, and defects.

AI storage at the edge. The edge is where the sensors collect the data and process it in real-time. This is not where data is stored, but your storage network requires seamless connectivity to the core and cloud.

AI storage at the core. Every moment that each sensor is operating on a production line, it’s collecting data, and data is the new oil – a valuable resource to be safeguarded. So when the edge devices collect and process the data, it is moved into AI storage at the core.

AI storage in the cloud. Streamlined access to data through the cloud enables data engineers and data scientists to experiment freely. At the factory, the data collected on products moving through allows data scientists to build “digital twins.” These digital copies use AI and ML techniques to iterate on design and features, improving future products.

Learn more

At NetApp, we are award-winning AI storage specialists. Learn more about NetApp^® AI solutions, and how they can help you build more, faster.

To dive deeper into NetApp AI solutions for manufacturing, check out these resources.