When Speed and Scalability Matter Most
If your business runs on fast databases, virtual machines, or collaborative media projects, storage performance can make or break your operations. Traditional file storage works for many needs, but when speed, scalability, and reliability are critical, block storage is the go-to solution.
In this post, based on insights from Leaseweb Tech Talks with Product Manager Gabriele Zanon, we’ll break down what block storage is, its benefits and challenges, and where it delivers the most value.
What Is Block Storage?
Unlike file storage, where data is kept in folders and subfolders, block storage organizes data into fixed-size blocks. Each block gets a unique identifier, meaning the system can locate and retrieve it instantly, even when dealing with huge volumes of data.
This structure is built for speed and low latency, making it ideal for environments where performance is non-negotiable.
Why Choose Block Storage?
- High performance & low latency: Multiple blocks can be accessed simultaneously, making it perfect for heavy workloads.
- Scalability: Expand storage volumes quickly without slowing down performance.
- Flexibility: Manage access at the server level, add capacity easily, and integrate with other storage types.
- Better VM performance: Virtual machines and operating systems run faster on block storage.
The Challenges to Keep in Mind
Of course, block storage isn’t without trade-offs:
- Cost: Requires more hardware, licenses, and appliances, increasing upfront investment.
- Expertise: Setting it up on-premises demands professional skills and ongoing maintenance.
This is why many companies today opt for cloud-based block storage, balancing high performance with reduced complexity.
Best Use Cases for Block Storage
Block storage shines when:
- Running high-performance databases (e.g., e-commerce sites with thousands of transactions).
- Hosting virtual machines where OS performance matters.
- Supporting media post-production, where multiple users need to edit large video projects simultaneously.
- Powering FinTech and HealthTech applications that rely on real-time data access.
Industries That Benefit Most
- E-commerce → Fast order processing and customer databases.
- Media & Entertainment → Video editing and collaborative projects.
- FinTech & HealthTech → High-speed, secure data access.
- System Integrators → Running customer VMs on reliable, fast storage.
Pro tip: Often, the right setup combines multiple storage types (file + block + object) depending on workloads.
If speed, scalability, and performance are at the heart of your operations, block storage could be the right solution. But it’s not one-size-fits-all, consider your costs, in-house expertise, and whether a cloud block storage service might save you time and complexity.
Want to dive deeper? Listen to the full episode of Leaseweb Tech Talks on Spotify: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/829B34UEaWb
If you missed our last blog on File Storage Explained for SMBs & Startups, make sure to give it a read!