Typical Local or Network storage stores and retrieves data based on its content (not its location.)

When information is stored into a CAS system, the system will record a content address, which is an indentifier based solely on the information itself. A request to retrieve this information from a CAS system must contain the content identifier. Because the identifiers are based on content, any change to a data element will also change its content address.

CAS storage works most efficiently on data that does not change often. It is of particular interest to large organizations that must comply with document-retention laws, such as Sarbanes-Oxley. Another good way to think of CAS is as container-addressed storage.

1. Nexsan Assureon Secure Storage Appliance