Access pattern
Distinguish sequential throughput, small-file activity, random access, shared workflows, and metadata demand.
Keep active data within reach.

Storage design begins with the way data is created, shared, accessed, protected, and retained across its working life.
Capacity alone does not define storage. File character, concurrent users, protection targets, network paths, and future growth determine how the system should be structured.
Distinguish sequential throughput, small-file activity, random access, shared workflows, and metadata demand.
Define redundancy, backup, recovery objectives, retention, and off-system copies before choosing capacity.
Plan how performance, capacity, maintenance, and monitoring will evolve as datasets grow.
Bring the current dataset, growth rate, access pattern, and recovery targets together to create a storage plan with a clear path forward.
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