How'd You Like to Store 24 Billion MP3s?

IBM is building a new data drive that will allow its buyer to do just that. The client has not been announced, but according to Technology Review (via Popular Science), IBM IBM is constructing a data storage array that will consist of 200,000 individual (interlaced) hard drives. When complete, the array will store 120 petabytes of information. In simple terms, that's 120 million gigabytes. What could someone possibly need that much storage for (other than several million copies of their favorite CD)? “The data storage group at IBM Almaden is developing the record-breaking storage system for an unnamed client that needs a new supercomputer for detailed simulations of real-world phenomena,” Technology Review explains. Simulations of real-world phenomena? Sounds like the basis for an M. Night Shyamalan flick. Jokes aside, Technology Review also quotes project lead Bruce Hillsberg, who is the director of storage research at IBM. "This 120 petabyte system is on the lunatic fringe now, but in a few years it may be that all cloud computing systems are like it," Hillsberg told Technology Review. “Just keeping track of the names, types, and other attributes of the files stored in the system will consume around two petabytes of its capacity.” Ahh, cloud computing. I suppose we would need a hundred petabytes to meet the world's cloud computing needs, wouldn't we? But as file sizes get bigger, you can be sure we'll need more space sooner rather than later. Follow me @LouisBedigian