Mass storage: A broad review

The application of electromechanical mass storage devices to computers is rapidly increasing in importance. Mass storage units are being assigned key general systems functions and are basic to many developing applications such as time sharing, communication, and on-line processing. In this paper, the characteristics of typically available hardware in the drum, disk-file, and tape-strip categories are discussed. Next, the most important applications of mass storage devices are reviewed. The special considerations in the design of computer systems which use mass storage are outlined. Commonly used and certain important proposed techniques of file organization and processing are then described. The paper concludes with a discussion of the technology used, some aspects of control unit design, and future possibilities in both hardware and software. Major challenges to designers of future hardware are identified as reduction of the cost per bit of removable media, economical devices with storage capacities larger than 10⁹bits, and a solution to the dilemma of increasing access time with increasing storage capacity.