Which disadvantage is associated with direct attached storage?

The disadvantage of poor performance when data needs to be shared is rooted in the architecture of direct attached storage (DAS). DAS typically connects directly to a single computer or server, meaning that it is effectively isolated from other systems. This setup makes it challenging to share data across multiple users or systems. When multiple users require access to the same data, each may face challenges, such as slower data retrieval speeds and potential bottlenecks, since the storage unit does not have a built-in mechanism for handling concurrent access efficiently. In contrast, network-attached storage (NAS) or storage area networks (SAN) are designed specifically to enable easier and more efficient data sharing among connected devices.

The nature of direct attached storage inherently limits collaboration and performance when multiple users need simultaneous access to the same datasets, which is often vital in business environments where data collaboration is common. Thus, this makes it less suitable for shared environments compared to other storage solutions that facilitate multi-user access more effectively.