This IDC Market Perspective provides an analysis of generative AI's (GenAI's) impact on data generation and storage. While GenAI drives new forms of content creation, much of the resulting data is ephemeral, cached, or selectively retained. This document explores how different formats, workflows, and use cases impact storage infrastructure and data life-cycle management. It also highlights the diverging roles of SSDs and HDDs and the growing need for intelligent, flexible infrastructure."As generative AI transforms the way content is created, its impact on global data volumes is not defined by raw output, but by the lifespan, purpose, and reusability of the content itself," says Adam Wright, research manager for IDC's Global DataSphere and Global StorageSphere research. "The shift is not just toward more data but toward different data."
Executive Snapshot
New Market Developments and Dynamics
Introduction
The Role of Content Format and File Size
Enterprise Versus Consumer Contexts
GenAI and the Data Life Cycle: Ephemeral, Cached, and Saved
Net-New Data Versus Replaced Content
Spillover Effects and the Expanding Digital Footprint
GenAI's Impact on Data Retention Policies
HDD Versus SSD: A Case of Horses for Courses
What About Volatile Storage (DRAM)?
The Compression Effect: Could GenAI Reduce Storage Needs?
Future Outlook
Conclusion
Advice for the Technology Supplier
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