Storage and Workload Decisions

Single Machine Versus Distributed Storage

One machine keeps coordination simple, but its capacity has a limit. Distributed storage spreads data across machines to support larger workloads.

A single server may run out of storage, memory, or throughput. Adding machines can distribute those limits, provided the workload can be split effectively.

The machines do not share a perfect view of events. A slow network or failed node creates coordination problems that were absent from the single-machine design.

That extra capacity brings coordination, network traffic, and partial failures. Start with the workload’s needs rather than assuming more machines are automatically better.