Compression in the storage space is about compressing data to save on space. It is also known as source coding and bit-rate reduction.
In order to save space, the number of bits needed to represent data are encoding reducing their size and therefore saving space.
Some data compression methods include file system compression, storage array compression, NAS compression appliances, backup storage compression and data deduplication.
Click next to read more about lossless and lossy techniques in the compression space.
Lossless data compression is about ensuring that while data is being compressed, nothing gets lost and things can be reversed afterwards if needed. This is done using algorithms that exploit statistical redundancy.
As for lossy data compression this is the contrary of lossless data compression. When data is being compressed in a ‘lossy way’ it is acceptable to lose some information in the process.
As more data sets are created, data compression is set to assume a more important role saving physical and virtual storage space in data centres worldwide.
