storage layer

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The storage layer refers to the component of a data system responsible for persistently storing and managing data. In modern data architectures, this layer often utilizes distributed file systems or object storage solutions to handle large volumes of data efficiently. Popular options include Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, or Azure Blob Storage. These systems provide durability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness for storing raw data, processed datasets, and analytical results. The storage layer is typically optimized for high throughput and low latency access, supporting various file formats like Parquet, ORC, or Avro, which are designed for efficient querying and processing. In the context of data lakes and lakehouses, the storage layer serves as the foundation upon which other components, such as query engines and metadata management systems, operate to enable data analytics and machine learning workflows.