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Block storage, sometimes referred to as block-level storage, is a technology that is used to store data files on storage area networks (SANs) or cloud-based storage environments. Developers favor block storage for computing situations where they require fast, efficient, and reliable data transportation.

Block storage breaks up data into blocks and then stores those blocks as separate pieces, each with a unique identifier. The SAN places those blocks of data wherever it is most efficient. That means it can store those blocks across different systems and each block can be configured (or partitioned) to work with different operating systems.

Block storage also decouples data from user environments, allowing that data to be spread across multiple environments. This creates multiple paths to the data and allows the user to retrieve it quickly. When a user or application requests data from a block storage system, the underlying storage system reassembles the data blocks and presents the data to the user or application.

Block storage allows for the creation of raw storage volumes, which server-based operating systems can connect to. You can treat those raw volumes as individual hard drives. This lets you use block storage for almost any kind of application, including file storage, database storage, virtual machine file system (VMFS) volumes, and more.

Take, for example, the deployment of virtual machines across an enterprise. With block storage, you can easily create and format a block-based storage volume to store the VMFS. A physical server can then attach to that block, creating multiple virtual machines. What’s more, creating a block-based volume, installing an operating system, and attaching to that volume allows users to share files using that native operating system.