Updated December 13, 2023
Introduction to Cloud Storage
Cloud Storage can be defined as a virtual memory unit that allows users to create, update, delete and perform all manipulative operations on the data with the use of the internet. In this storage method, files and folders can be stored in the internet-based cloud memory offered by the cloud service providers. This enables the users with options to access the data and files from anywhere, from any device, at any given point in time, and also allows to share these data to anyone across the network.
Why we Use Cloud Storage?
- Earlier days, it was a common sight of seeing people carrying flash drives and other storage devices that contain much crucial information related to them. But it was easy losing the drives and losing all the relevant information. The file backup is not easy as a backup also requires another device with the same storage level. Storage capacity will also depend on each device but we were not able to store lots of data. And in order to transfer data from one person to another, we should find a system and it takes a long time to complete the file transfer if the files are big.
- If any bug or virus enters the device, chances of losing the data and files are pretty high. Also if the device stops working all of a sudden, all the hard work will be wasted. Here cloud storage came as a savior with less money and more power. We can access data from anywhere in the world without carrying the storage device physically. Since the files are saved online, any computers can be used to store data. Backups are easily made for the data.
- Data has been increasing a lot nowadays from all places of business and it became necessary to store data in a safe place and without physical hassle. Also when the customer segment grew, their needs changed and they were ready to take risks considering the ease of storage. Risk comes from the safety of the files. Now companies need not worry about the maintenance of the files as it is taken care of by cloud providers. The flexibility offered by cloud storage is appreciable as employees can log in from anywhere and check the information needed for them.
How does Cloud Storage Work?
- Data of the user is stored in servers that are in remote locations. The user is connected to the server where his/her data is stored via the internet. Now the user uploads data into the internet and sends it to the data server connected. This data server sends the same data to different servers stored remotely. This data when needed, users can access through the internet.
- The data is stored in different servers because the server through which the user is connected may not be available at the time of his need. If the server faces a problem due to maintenance, less worried is the user because the data is stored in other servers as well. This storage if in the public cloud, the primary storage will be near the physical location of the user due to its faster availability and lower cost. Public clouds have servers, storage, networking, and data center operations as their services.
- Cloud services are used by paying a certain amount fixed by the service provider based on the storage and usage of the end-user. Users who know their usage can pay the amount prior to the usage and then a monthly rental will be almost free. A service provider can also add the servers on a dynamic basis and here the payment is based on a pay per use basis. Cloud storage can be personal, private, public and hybrid cloud storage.
- The difference between personal and private being personal storage will be mostly owned by a person to store graphics and texts while private will be owned by a company for its data storage. Most of the cloud storage is virtual machines that have servers located elsewhere around the globe. We can upgrade the cloud storage once the storage option changes according to the data to be stored.
Advantages
Below are the advantages mentioned:
- Data is accessible from any parts of the world with the help of the internet as it is stored online in servers.
- Data can be shared easily between persons or devices with cloud storage.
- Communication with the data can be done easily as the sharing is done automatically by providing a link like Google Drive.
- Companies need not worry about the maintenance of the storage devices as it is managed by a service provider. There are, of course, a number of pros and cons of managed storage in particular. Still, for even the largest organizations, it is a more compelling proposition to outsource the heavy lifting of infrastructure maintenance to a third-party vendor.
- Data is protected easily with the cloud rather than with storage devices. As the user need not worry about hiding the device from intruders, data is stored safely.
- Backup can be created easily with cloud storage as the data is stored in many servers and it is available online.
- Money can be saved due to its maintenance, buying physical devices, the space to keep the devices, and supporting staff to do the work needed.
- Once moving all the files to the cloud, the system will have lots of space. In short, the system is free of any large files and can work freely.
- A copy of the data is stored locally near the user’s region and it helps in regulatory compliance of the data.
- When data is stored in physical devices, one should be careful about virus attacks. It relieves the users from such kind of burden.
- Cloud storage does its backup through automation and hence the business is not disturbed in companies.
- Multi-users can access the data and make changes to the same file and hence it saves time in a way.
- Scaling can be done easily in the cloud according to the use of storage space.
Internet usage will be more and the backups will not be easy as it says. Security is a concern particularly when files are stored in the public clouds. Other than these concerns, cloud storage is the blessing of the current generation.
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