A Shift in Storage Performance Priorities
In today’s data-driven world, latency — the time it takes to get a response — has emerged as the most critical performance factor for applications where speed and efficiency are non-negotiable. In the past, storage performance was primarily measured by metrics like IOPS and throughput. While IOPS and throughput are essential metrics, latency has emerged as the defining factor for performance in applications requiring rapid data access. In the following paragraphs, we’ll break down the details to analyze the importance of storage latency.
Understanding Latency-Sensitive Applications in Modern Storage
First, determine why you should check the latency when diagnosing the storage environment. Latency-sensitive applications are those for which even a slight delay in data retrieval can seriously affect performance and user experience. For instance, applications like OLTP (OnLine Transaction Processing) rely on the fast execution of small, frequent transactions. In these environments, latency can directly impact business outcomes, making it essential to access data instantly. Similarly, VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) solutions and database applications require rapid responses for seamless user experience and efficient data processing.
In addition to OLTP and VDI, real-time analytics and financial trading platforms rely on latency-sensitive systems, where delays can directly affect competitiveness and business outcomes.
Why Latency Matters More than Just Checking IOPS
Minimizing latency allows storage systems to perform operations faster, naturally enhancing IOPS as more tasks are completed in less time. This improvement in latency directly translates into a smoother, more responsive experience for latency-sensitive applications.
Technologies for Latency Reduction
NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express), with its streamlined protocol, minimizes the layers that data must pass through, reducing latency significantly. Likewise, RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access) eliminates the need for traditional data copying and CPU involvement, enabling faster data access across networked storage.
Reduce Latency to Enhance Your IT Environment
As latency-sensitive application demands evolve, so must our approach to performance metrics. While IOPS and throughput remain essential, latency has become a crucial factor that directly affects the usability and efficiency of latency-sensitive applications. Reducing latency can create a transformative impact, alleviating performance bottlenecks and fostering a more agile and responsive IT environment that meets today’s high-speed demands.
