What is Cloud Storage?
Cloud storage is a service model in which data is transmitted and stored on remote storage systems, where it is maintained, managed, backed up and made available to share among users through a network. Cloud storage provides ease in storing and sharing data over the internet instead of relying on a device’s hard drive.
How Does it Work?
Data can be saved and stored directly to the cloud with instant access from multiple devices. Cloud storage allows you control of your data – from creating, sharing and storing – from the device of your choice.
There are three main cloud storage options, based on different access models: public, private and hybrid.
Public: These storage services provide a storage environment that is most suited for data on a subscription basis. Users generally pay for their cloud data storage on a per-consumption, monthly rate. Options include Microsoft OneDrive, Apple iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
Private: an in-house storage resource deployed as a dedicated environment protected behind a firewall. Private clouds are appropriate for users who need customization and more control over their data or who have stringent data security or regulatory requirements, such as financial or medical institutions. (Data Center)
Hybrid: This cloud storage option is a mix of private cloud storage and third-party public cloud storage services, with a layer of orchestration management to operationally integrate the two platforms. This model is mostly used by large businesses or corporations.
What data can I store?
Electronic documents, spreadsheets, presentations, images, audio files, archive files, videos, and more!
Advantages of Cloud Storage
- Pay as you go. With a cloud storage service, customers only pay for the storage they use. While cloud storage costs are recurring, they are often so low that, even as an ongoing expense, they may still be less than the cost of maintaining an in-house system.
- Global availability. Cloud storage is typically available from any system, anywhere and at any time.
- Ease of use. Cloud storage is easy to access and use.
- Off-site security. By its very nature, public cloud storage offers a way to move copies of data to a remote site for backup and security purposes.
Source: techtarget.com