Cloud Storage

There is a form of computer storage in which digital data is stored in logical pools, this form of storage is referred to as cloud storage but what do we really mean by this? There are multiple servers in different locations across the world, made available by hosting companies which render what is termed Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) i.e. they make their servers available for use by industries, organizations or for personal usage. These servers are responsible for the storage of digital data of clients across the world and each client can access their digital data remotely from anywhere in the world and at any time as long as they are connected to the internet; they also provide security and data protection to many companies.

A typical cloud storage service is accessed through an API (Application Programming Interface) or through a content Management system.

In this article, we have identified three types of cloud storage service with each one having its own uniqueness and specific application.

TYPES OF CLOUD STORAGE

1. File Storage Service: this type of service is used when applications and servers need to access data through a File system; they are typically in file sharing applications. These services include Amazon elastic file system (EFS) and the Qumulo core.

2. Object Storage Service: a typical object storage service is used to store digital data in units called objects, unlike a file which has a file structure, each object consists of metadata which identifies pieces of data eliminating the need for the file system structure. It finds application in mostly storing media, it is also used in health services, video surveillance e.t.c. Examples of Object storage services are Oracle cloud storage, Microsoft Azure storage, Hitachi data systems, Amazon S3, open stack swift.

3. Block Storage Service: this storage services stores data in blocks of fixed size with each storage volume behaving like a separate hard drive, the individual logical hard drives can then be configured by the storage administrator.

Examples include the Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS), this is used in Enterprise applications for storing databases where low latency is required for each host.

Advantages of Cloud storage.

1. Clients need not worry about the maintenance of the storage services as it is the sole responsibility of the hosting company.
2. The operating cost and space consumption in terms of deploying the storage infrastructure is handled by the hosting company
3. It is an energy saving solution which cuts down 70% of energy consumption.
4. Data is hardly lost as data storage services backup data in different locations in real-time.
5. As long as there is an internet connection, user data is accessible from anywhere in the world, anytime, any day

Disadvantages of Cloud Storage

1. One major concern about cloud storage is the issue of privacy, user data is not controlled solely by the user and should there be a breach in the security system , hackers can gain access to the data.
2. Internet connection is always required to access data.
3. A fixed amount of storage space is reserved freely for users but an increase in the amount of space also means an increase in the cost of accessing data.

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References

1. Wikipedia
2. promax.com
3. amazon.com

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