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Object-based storage device
An object-based storage device (OSD) is a device that implements the standard in which data is organized and accessed as objects, where object means an ordered set of bytes (within the OSD) that is associated with a unique identifier. Objects are allocated and placed on the media by the OSD logical unit. With an OSD interface, metadata is associated directly with each data object and can be carried between layers and across storage device files. Records are no longer abstractions, but actual storage objects that are understood, managed, and secured at the device level.

Offline storage
Any storage medium that must be inserted into a storage drive by a person before it can be accessed by the computer system is considered to be a type of offline storage. Also called removable storage.

Online data storage
Also called Internet storage or hosted storage, online data storage is a data storage management solution that enables individuals or organizations to store their data on the Internet using a service provider, rather than storing the data locally on a physical disk, such as a hard drive or tape backup.

Open document management API
Open document management API (ODMA) is an open industry standard that enables desktop applications to interface with a document management system (DMS). ODMA simplifies cross-platform and cross-application file communication by standardizing access to document management through an API. ODMA allows multiple applications to access the same DMS without the need for a hard-coded link between the application and the DMS.

Operational data store
A type of database that serves as an interim area for a data warehouse in order to store time-sensitive operational data that can be accessed quickly and efficiently. In contrast to a data warehouse, which contains large amounts of static data, an operational data store contains small amounts of information that is updated through the course of business transactions. An operational data store will perform numerous quick and simple queries on small amounts of data, such as acquiring an account balance or finding the status of a customer order, whereas a data warehouse will perform complex queries on large amounts of data. An operational data store contains only current operational data while a data warehouse contains both current and historical data.

Overwrite(v.)
To record or copy new data over existing data, as in when a file or directory is updated. Data that is overwritten cannot be retrieved.
(n.) Refers to a file or directory that has been overwritten.

Magnetic drum
A direct-access, or random-access, storage device. A magnetic drum, also referred to as drum, is a metal cylinder coated with magnetic iron-oxide material on which data and programs can be stored. Magnetic drums were once used as a primary storage device but have since been implemented as auxiliary storage devices.

Magneto-optical
Magneto-optical (MO) is a type of data storage technology that combines magnetic disk technologies with optical technologies, such as those used in CD-ROMs. Like magnetic disks, MO disks can be read and written to. And like floppy disks, they are removable. However, their storage capacity can be more than 200 megabytes, much greater than magnetic floppies. In terms of data access speed, Mo disks are faster than floppies but not as fast as hard disk drives.

Mass storage
The various techniques and devices for storing large amounts of data. Modern mass storage devices include all types of disk drives and tape drives. Mass storage is distinct from memory, which refers to temporary storage areas within the computer. Unlike main memory, mass storage devices retain data even when the computer is turned off.

Massive array of idle disks
In storage terminology a massive array of idle disks (MAID) is a technology that uses a large group of hard disk drives (hundreds or even thousands), with only those drives that are needed actively spinning at any given time. MAID is a storage system solution that reduces both wear on the drives and also reduces power consumption. Because only specific disks spin at a given time, what is not in use is literally a massive array of idle disks, which also means the system produces less heat than other large storage systems.

Mean time to repair
In data storage, mean time to repair (MTTR) is the average time before an electronic component can be expected to require repair.

Mean time until data loss
In data storage, mean time until data loss (MTDL) is the average time until a component failure can be expected to cause data loss.

Media
Plural of medium.

Objects on which data can be stored. These include hard disks, floppy disks, CD-ROMs, and tapes.

In computer networks, media refers to the cables linking workstations together. There are many different types of transmission media, the most popular being twisted-pair wire (normal electrical wire), coaxial cable (the type of cable used for cable television), and fiber optic cable (cables made out of glass).

The form and technology used to communicate information. Multimedia presentations, for example, combine sound, pictures, and videos, all of which are different types of media.

Metadata catalog service
Metadata catalog service (MCS) is a mechanism for storing and accessing descriptive metadata and allows users to query for data items based on desired attributes. MCS may be used for storing and accessing metadata about logical files.

Mixed platform environment
A heterogeneous environment that includes multiple platform types.

Mount
In the network file system (NFS), a protocol and set of procedures to specify a remote host and file system or directory to be accessed, and their location in the local directory hierarchy.

ms, MS
When spelled ms, short for millisecond, one thousandth of a second. Access times of mass storage devices are often measured in milliseconds.
When spelled MS, short for Microsoft or mobile subscribers.

Multi-platform
See heterogeneous environment.

Multi-site
Geographically dispersed; having more than one location.